Dimensions

Dimensions                                                                                                                                                                                                            2023                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Jendela | Visual Arts Space                                                                                                                                                                          Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, Singapore                                                                                                                                                        Curated by Lu Xiaohui 

Dimensions draws inspiration from the study of the existence and characteristics of naturally occurring particles like atoms, photons and electrons in the field of quantum physics. Tan engages with various materials to investigate notions of symmetry and geometry found in nature. The works surface the inherent qualities of these materials, allowing their natural forms and inclinations to emerge. 

Tan investigates how a four-dimensional object could be deconstructed and constructed in a three-dimensional world by referencing a tesseract’s properties in a body of works. Constructing a Tesseract in Three Dimensions: 16 Vertices and 32 Edges is a suspended structure comprising 16 neodymium magnet vertices and 32 steel rod edges. United by magnetic forces, the arrangement coheres into a single entity. Based on the tesseract configuration, Deconstructing a Tesseract in Three Dimensions: 8 Cubes endeavours to extract the eight overlapping cubes within the suspended structure. This body of works investigates the recalibration and tensions that arise when translating from one realm of existence to another. 

Displayed on a structure of tiered pedestals are works created out of plastic tag pins or cable ties, informed by the study and making of specimens. A break in the symmetry of each work results in a change in its pattern and form. Studies in Symmetry and Deletions endeavour to investigate and experiment with forms using a standardised material and systems of symmetry and geometry. Studies in Knotted Structures is created by linking cable tie loops using methods inspired by knotting and chainmail techniques. They explore the impact of incremental change on foundational building units and the corresponding effect on structural forms.  

Tan draws upon ideas of dimensionality in material science and quantum physics for Pink Lattice Structure: 10 x 10 x 35, Blue Mesh Structure: 15 x 1 x 208 and Purple Tubular Structure: [25 x 9] x 13. The artist uses a single-looped plastic cable tie as a base structure. This cable tie loop is then repeatedly linked to create various compositional configurations and patterns.

Central to this exhibition are the artist’s experimentations with forms and systems of construction and explorations of different realms of knowledge and understanding. Dimensions surfaces and explores the tensions between the natural and the engineered, order and deviation, and transitions between the micro and macro.

For more information, visit esplanade.com/offstage/arts

Source: Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay                                                                                                                                     

Photography by KHOOGJ