Inspired by science fiction, popular culture and icons, I have created a series of twelve heads displayed in an almost reverential, ancestral worship manner. They are familiar, yet discomforting, grotesque yet quirky, humane, yet animalistic, humane yet savage. They are who they are, their immortal heads resting on a hierarchy of plinths awaiting the human gaze, worship, honour, respect, consumption.

The philosopher Theodor Adorno spoke of art as a medium that can reflect society, be it good or bad. What do these chimerical heads communicate to you? Do they convey uncertainty? Ethnic and race divisions? Cloning experiments gone wrong? I simply do not know, because there are no Gods, only lies. Some people want to be like Gods, some Gods want to be like people. Think about the classical Greek Gods that embody impossible human attributes, the Gods that take on animal forms, the lies that humans tell, the stories that we read in the papers. They are all lies, because they give no hope. I am not a philosopher, because it was Adorno who philosophized about art giving hope.

A hope for what? For truth? Maybe not, because there are no truths in art, not even in philosophy. Analytical and Continental philosophers are constantly at odds with each other, artworks rise in value, but the artist eventually dies. Do the great artists of our living memory believe in Gods? I think they much prefer lies, because lies are much more interesting. Lies eventually become myth, and myth eventually becomes truth.

Joel Yuen’s Solo Exhibition – Deadlocked
33B Mosque Street (Level 3), Singapore 059511
Vera: (65)6225 7686, (65)8138 0277 or Keng Hock: (65)9487 2006
Thursday, 1 Sept, 2011, 7 pm
Exhibition runs to 25 Sept, 2011

Operating Hours:
Mon – Fri: 12 pm – 7.30 pm
Sat, Sun: 2 pm – 5 pm

To view the works, please visit:
www.soganart.com or www.utterlyart.com.sg

About the Exhibition:
Yuen’s conceptually narrative works prompt viewers to examine basic yet important issues that involve the human conditions, the role of religion as well as national and personal identity. As a young artist working in fast paced Singapore, he is conscious of his Asian roots while being constantly exposed to Western ideology. In portraying the search of his true identity, Yuen uses various organic materials to create semi figurative sculptures. Together, they symbolize the wealth of his Singaporean heritage and provide a glimpse to the artist’s philosophical beliefs and inner conflicts. From previously working with staged objects in controlled settings, Yuen ventured out into the unrestrained environment of Fort Canning Park. Expressing himself spontaneously, the artist chose to fully submit to his surrounding space and worked intimately with his chosen media – woody trunk from the Tembusu tree. Honest and complex, DEADLOCKED invite viewers to uncover the layers that make up the artist’s tension, repose, suffering and consolation.