Delving into the deep, Imaginarium: Over the Ocean, Under the Sea – the sixth edition of SAM’s children-focused annual exhibition – invites adventurers of all ages into the watery realms of our Earth as seen through the eyes of contemporary artists.
A whimsical introduction to the many stories and ideas that surround seascapes, Imaginarium: Over the Ocean, Under the Sea presents tactile and interactive works that encourage discovery through exploration and play. At SAM at 8Q, young people are invited to comb the shores and navigate the deep where they make the acquaintance of mysterious denizens and underwater wonders. We hope that, as protectors of the future, our young visitors will also think about the impact we have on the natural world, and of how, through inventive and wise ideas, we can save our earth and its awe-inspiring oceans.
installation with pvc balloons, helium, charcoal, foil, tape
ADA is an interactive art-making machine, although she does not operate in the way we would normally imagine. A post-industrial “creature” that glows with the bioluminescence of denizens of the deep, ADA floats freely and is the sole light source in her confined space. While ADA requires animation from visitors, it quickly becomes clear that we hold little sway over her. A giant sphere with charcoal studs affixed to her surface, she moves through the room, making indelible marks along the walls, ceiling and floor of the gallery. These marks are only apparent when ADA moves near them, shedding light on and highlighting the consequences of visitor interaction and similarly, our relationship with the sea.
mulyanadimana mogus? (where is mogus?)
2016
mixed media installation with yarn, cotton, felt, synthetic fur, vulcanised copper wire and dacron filling
The Mogus, an imaginary octopus monster, is artist Mulyana’s alter ego. Laboriously crocheted from yarn, Dimana Mogus? invites the young and young-at-heart to frolic amidst whimsical sea monsters set in a colourful dream seascape. Through this installation, Mulyana hopes to create an environment in which visitors can interact with Mogus and his underwater friends; his soft, tactile sculptures encourage play, imagination and exploration.
tan zi xiplastic ocean
2016
installation with plastic, nylon string, wooden pedestals
Garbage… garbage galore! What happens when we heedlessly throw away that much garbage? 269,000 tons of plastic debris floats on the surface of our world’s oceans, creating hazardous living environments for marine life. In Plastic Ocean, artist Tan Zi Xi tackles the issue of pollution head-on with her recreation of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Comprising approximately 26,000 pieces of non-biodegradables, her installation invites viewers to experience the sensation of floating in a sea of trash. At the same time, the artwork embodies the wonders of recycling and repurposing, and the transformative power of art.
