3. BRAVE ART
The diversity of the collection at the gallery stands out because it spans not just years or techniques, but also movements. From factual documentations such as Nguyen Van Nhan’s “Grande tenue de la Cour d’Annam” (Official Dress of the Court of Annam) of 1902 to the politicized art of Singapore’s pioneer artists such as Chua Mia Tee (“National Language Class”, 1959) and through to contemporary emotive pieces such as “Exotic 101” (1997) by Thai-American Michael Shaowanasai, which consists of a metal pole, a circular platform and a performance video. It can be found in the Re:Defining Art portion of the UOB Southeast Asia Gallery.
Shaowanasai’s work is captivating. It is so funny and so sad at the same time. It is essentially a tutorial on being exotic; on getting that bum wiggle and gyration just right. Because an Asian person who doesn’t have a Caucasian parent and who, therefore, might not be “good looking” enough to make it as a model or TV star, can always turn to pole dancing. Skimpily clad dancers are why so many flock to the “exotic East”, is it not?
“The stainless steel pole can make you instantly exotic,” proclaims the video’s narrator.
This tutorial comprises five movements, the most moving being “Begging“, which is putting one‘s hand out to ask for money.
Visitors are welcome to jump onto the platform and whirl around the pole.
I didn’t.