and this is what i was told, and this is what i heard, 2024-2025
Rahman’s work is a performance-installation based on oral history.
In this version of Singapore’s founding, Raffles approached the Temenggong, or minister, to buy some land to build a trading port. He asked for as much land as a cowhide could cover. This offer was accepted, but during the night, Raffles had the cowhide unwoven into an infinitely long strand and thus deceived the unwitting Temenggong.
There is little historical basis to this tale, but it has taken root emotionally, which is why its retelling has persisted from one generation to another — that the Singapore Malays were cheated of their lands and birthright, giving away a rich land to the colonial Empire. Rahman’s unravelling reflects the drawing of new colonial boundaries outwards; at the same time, it is also heartbreaking inwards.
***
Ezzam Rahman (b. 1981, Singapore) is a multidisciplinary artist known for using unconventional materials like found objects and corporeal detritus to explore impermanence and the human condition. Formally trained as a sculptor, his work investigates themes of ephemerality and existence.
Ezzam holds a Master’s in Fine Arts from Goldsmiths, University of London (2017).
Ezzam’s works have been showcased internationally and locally, including at Singapore Art Museum and Vargas Museum (Philippines). He won the Grand Prize at President's Young Talents 2015, the People’s Choice Award (SAM), and the Young Artist Award in 2016.
In this version of Singapore’s founding, Raffles approached the Temenggong, or minister, to buy some land to build a trading port. He asked for as much land as a cowhide could cover. This offer was accepted, but during the night, Raffles had the cowhide unwoven into an infinitely long strand and thus deceived the unwitting Temenggong.
There is little historical basis to this tale, but it has taken root emotionally, which is why its retelling has persisted from one generation to another — that the Singapore Malays were cheated of their lands and birthright, giving away a rich land to the colonial Empire. Rahman’s unravelling reflects the drawing of new colonial boundaries outwards; at the same time, it is also heartbreaking inwards.
***
Ezzam Rahman (b. 1981, Singapore) is a multidisciplinary artist known for using unconventional materials like found objects and corporeal detritus to explore impermanence and the human condition. Formally trained as a sculptor, his work investigates themes of ephemerality and existence.
Ezzam holds a Master’s in Fine Arts from Goldsmiths, University of London (2017).
Ezzam’s works have been showcased internationally and locally, including at Singapore Art Museum and Vargas Museum (Philippines). He won the Grand Prize at President's Young Talents 2015, the People’s Choice Award (SAM), and the Young Artist Award in 2016.
Artist:
Ezzam Rahman
Site Specific Installation with Live Performance Activation
(Scrapped Genuine Leather)
Dimensions variable
Ezzam Rahman
Site Specific Installation with Live Performance Activation
(Scrapped Genuine Leather)
Dimensions variable