Paranoia, 2013

Site specific, ready-made installation with raffia string

300 x 600 x 150

Collection of the Artist

Singapore Biennale 2013 Commission

"Paranoia" is a large-scale public installation that utilizes ordinary materials in creating a sensory experience that invites the public to be involved in. The raffia string, inter-weaved into empty pockets on the fence, creates the first visual barrier to the environment. The barrier; senseless and void of it's previous utilitarian function of protecting one's property, symbolizes the thought of separation between man. 'Property' is an important functioning engine within a capitalist economy. However one of the possible by-products of an over-emphasis would be a growing sense of 'Paranoia' between individuals.

The importance in breaking the barrier has been a constant struggle for any society that seeks to uplift and strengthen it's culture and ultimately create a more well-balanced society that is focused on happiness. The artist therefore chose to elevate the importance of 'ordinariness' in this work, in it's use of materials, to create a tactile connection to it's audience. The surprise, color and humor that the 'ordinariness' brings in this work, is meant to dilute the importance of 'property' with humility, and create the urgent connection between the common man, towards the common man.