Charles Lim Yi Yong: Staggered Observations of A Coast (Art & Photography)

Since 2005, Charles Lim Yi Yong’s ongoing project SEA STATE examines the biophysical, political and psychic contours of Singapore through the visible and invisible lenses of the sea. Staggered Observations of a Coast extends on this vigorous enquiry.

This catalogue contains an essay by Dr. Elizabeth Wijaya, Assistant Professor of East Asian Cinema in the Department of Visual Studies and Cinema Studies Institute and Director of the Centre for Southeast Asian Studies at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto.

For half a year, Lim sailed all along the east coast anchorage of Singapore, taking note of the wave patterns and clouds. As the passage of time occurred, Lim observed the same points, noted the changes, and allowed his instinctual and tactile senses to take hold; opening himself to feel and “taste” the air to gauge the humidity. By scrutinising the information from multiple entry points, the artist begins to “see” the invisible space, a construction of “nothingness” within an endless project for renewal.

Alex Lam