The work is ambiguous and thought-provoking in form, enfolding commentaries on the constructed or artificial nature of landscapes and other ‘green spaces’ in Singapore’s dense urban environment, as well as a sense of such natural idylls belonging to a distant past, only to be encountered as a form of nostalgic pleasure in the unfolding of a scroll that mimics a historical artefact. To take in the expanse of the landscape in its entirety, one must painstakingly unroll the scroll to reveal the image. Taking the form of a traditional Chinese handscroll, the work composites photographic images of Singapore’s natural reserves, and presents them as misty landscapes in the tradition of shan shui painting. An early work, Singapore Landscape Painting (2012) illustrates the beginnings of Teh’s approach. ‘Land and water’ aptly encapsulates the main trajectories of Teh’s practice and research interests over the course of her artistic career. These two features are crucial components of this art form, which expresses humanity’s relationship with the world at large, as well as philosophical concepts. Shan shui is also the name of a genre of traditional Chinese painting, depicting vistas of mountains and rivers. The exhibition takes its title from a Chinese term for landscape, ie, “ shan shui” – literally ‘mountain’ (symbolizing land) and ‘water’. Land & Water at Warin Lab Contemporary is a two-part presentation of Zen Teh’s practice. Often working alongside researchers from adjacent fields such as geology, urban studies and environmental science, Teh’s artworks reflect a multiplicity of perspectives whilst retaining a poetics of form. Her art practice is shaped by her proficiency in photography and painting, alongside her continual interdisciplinary investigation into urbanization, and the impact of human interaction with the natural landscape. 1988, Singapore) is an artist and educator interested in man’s relationship with the natural world. Often, working with other collaborators plays an important role in expanding my understanding and drawing out the larger implications of these issues beyond what we may see on the surface, or what I can perceive as an individual.” ~ Zen Teh They highlight certain aspects of the environment and society, and how it informs and affects daily life. “My practice is centered around looking at our relationship with nature, and often these scenarios are quite complex.
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