National Gallery Singapore has collaborated with internationally renowned artist Rirkrit Tiravanija to display his largest bamboo maze installation.
Named “Untitled 2018 (the infinite dimensions of smallness),” the immersive installation, which stands at a towering four meters high, draws its inspiration from materials, craftwork and architecture from Asia. The maze references traditional hand-built bamboo scaffolding found across Asia, while the Japanese tea house evokes the rich culture of tea with its centuries-old ceremonies. Visitors are invited to navigate through the bamboo maze as they go in search of finding something special such as the wooden teahouse located at its center, and along the way, encounter and interact with each other. This site-specific installation consists of a large-scale bamboo maze with a Japanese tea house at its center. Drawing on regional materials, architecture and traditions, it embraces Tiravanija’s interest in cross-disciplinary and collaborative art practice. Within the space, visitors are invited to encounter each other, and participate in interactive programs including tea ceremonies by local and international tea masters.
This deceivingly simple concept continues Tiravanija’s artistic focus on participatory works that blur the line between art and its audiences, while leveraging his strength and inclination towards the gesture of hospitality. By devising and provoking human encounters in spaces that are embodied in architectural structures like the bamboo maze and teahouse, he encourages visitors to pause, make time and space to experience something new.
For Show Details and Related Events
The installation is on view through October 28, 2018, at National Gallery Singapore, Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Gallery, Singapore.