Marking Matters?
2023-2024
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Marking Matters? is a socially-engaged project first commissioned during Singapore Art Week 2023. It is a bold attempt by OH! in collaboration with Mit Jai Inn, a leading figure of Thai contemporary art to initiate social change through art.
A suite of 32 papier-mâché sculptures mirroring the forms of objects such as home ornaments, stools, and lamps have been finished in Mit Jai Inn’s iconic colourways. The assortment of sculptures make reference to bai sema: boundary stones used to demarcate the ordination halls of Thai Buddhist temples. In a similar vein, the placing of Mit’s “markers” are also a signifier of the artist’s presence, operating on a principle not dissimilar to the planting of a flag (or capturing of an enemy’s) to lay claim to spaces.
With a strong desire to have audiences think more deeply about the value and function of art within our cultural landscape, the artist has proposed a unique mechanism for the dissemination of these works: rather than outright purchases, individuals would have to volunteer their time to a charity or non-profit of their choice in exchange for the opportunity to collect one of them.
Marking Matters? was originally commissioned as part of For/Against the House: The Museum is Dead, curated by John Tung; it was premiered on the same occasion at Tanglin Shopping Centre during Singapore Art Week 2023.
A suite of 32 papier-mâché sculptures mirroring the forms of objects such as home ornaments, stools, and lamps have been finished in Mit Jai Inn’s iconic colourways. The assortment of sculptures make reference to bai sema: boundary stones used to demarcate the ordination halls of Thai Buddhist temples. In a similar vein, the placing of Mit’s “markers” are also a signifier of the artist’s presence, operating on a principle not dissimilar to the planting of a flag (or capturing of an enemy’s) to lay claim to spaces.
With a strong desire to have audiences think more deeply about the value and function of art within our cultural landscape, the artist has proposed a unique mechanism for the dissemination of these works: rather than outright purchases, individuals would have to volunteer their time to a charity or non-profit of their choice in exchange for the opportunity to collect one of them.
Marking Matters? was originally commissioned as part of For/Against the House: The Museum is Dead, curated by John Tung; it was premiered on the same occasion at Tanglin Shopping Centre during Singapore Art Week 2023.
Mit Jai Inn (b.1960, Chiangmai, Thailand) is a leading figure of contemporary art in Thailand. He is known for his colourful artworks that merge painting and sculpture.
IMPACT
His collaboration with us sparked over 10,000 community hours, with participants volunteering for a diverse range of meaningful causes from soap recyling to caring for community cats. The project not only inspired individuals to give back to the community in greater capacity, but also encouraged many to take their first steps in volunteering.
“I was drawn to Marking Matters? because it’s finally valuing something other than money. Things like your time or your service to the community are more intangible but still valuable.“
Khai, participant, 276 hours
Cause: volunteer firefighting
Khai, participant, 276 hours
Cause: volunteer firefighting
“I find the driving principle really meaningful. It’s simple, but radical. It makes art accessible to all, and the effort you put in creates ripple effects across the communities.“
Shindee, participant, 197 hours
Cause: Arts & culture, befriending
Shindee, participant, 197 hours
Cause: Arts & culture, befriending
“We’ve always wanted to volunteer but never got around to it. So this project is a good motivator to spur us to start.”
Daphne, participant, 197 hours
Cause: Environment/nature
Daphne, participant, 197 hours
Cause: Environment/nature
THE JOURNEY
The project began in November 2023, as participants pledged their chosen artworks and the causes they wanted to support. The number of hours tied to each work ranged from 197 to 276, and they had 10 months to achieve their goals. This marked the start of a commitment made by the 24 individuals:
Angelo Roxas
Daphne Ng
Fernando Valte
Geraldine Chang Siok Eng
Joanne Ngeow
Katrina Heng
Daphne Ng
Fernando Valte
Geraldine Chang Siok Eng
Joanne Ngeow
Katrina Heng
Kirti Upadhyaya
Low Koon Yen
LC Gouw
Lin Zheng Yan
Looi Khai Chern
Lu Yin
Low Koon Yen
LC Gouw
Lin Zheng Yan
Looi Khai Chern
Lu Yin
Mahalakshmi Kannappan
Drishti K
Meena Mylvaganam
Michelle Tiongson-Valte
Nicholas Song
Nurliana Abdullah
Drishti K
Meena Mylvaganam
Michelle Tiongson-Valte
Nicholas Song
Nurliana Abdullah
Samantha Lai
Samantha Tio
Seah Yu Fen, Samantha
Shindee Liew
Vincent Leow
Yap Hao Yang
Samantha Tio
Seah Yu Fen, Samantha
Shindee Liew
Vincent Leow
Yap Hao Yang
Throught the duration of the project, participants also engaged gatherings, leading up to the final presentation.
November 2023: Mit-the-Artist
To kickstart the project, participants had the opportunity to meet Mit Jai Inn and shared the causes they planned to contribute to.
June 2024: Volunteer Get-together
Participants came together to get to know one another, enagaged in activities, and exchanged updates on their progress, offering encouragement and support as fellow volunteers.
November 2023 - September 2024
Participants dedicated their time and effort to causes that deeply mattered to them.
September 2024:
Final Presentation
To conclude the project, Mit flew in from Thailand to present the works to the participants. Participants also shared their volunteering experiences and reflected on the impact of their contributions.
Together, they proved that art can inspire care and positive change within our community.
You can learn more about the participants’ individual volunteering stories here.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Venue Partner:
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Supported by: Shi’ai Liang
Special thanks to:
John Tung
Valerie Nikolay
Pacific Eagle Real Estate
Projector X Team
All participants, friends & families
Special thanks to:
John Tung
Valerie Nikolay
Pacific Eagle Real Estate
Projector X Team
All participants, friends & families