Singapore Biennale 2008: Address (Project: Another Country)

Artwork:
Address (Project: Another Country)

Type:
Installation

Description:
Domestic objects cast on balikbayan (homecoming) box

Artists:
Alfredo Juan Aquilizan
Maria Isabel Gaudinez-Aquilizan



Inspired by their own relocation from Phillipines to Australia, the husband and wife team, Alfredo & Maria Aquilizan created this "room" by using tons of personal objects that have been collected from all over for more than 10 years. They then "cubed" the personal belongings, in a very artistic manner, by using the Balikbayan boxes. Balikbayan boxes are used a lot by Filipino migrants to store and relocate their belongings from one place to another. And yes, you can read more about the "Balikbayan boxes" from wikipedia.

Now, if this art project was simply collecting personal items, arranging them in a certain way so that they'll hold up in the Balikbayan boxes, and that make sure when the box is removed they are able to be stacked with the rest of the other items, then you are wrong.

As I walked and paid more attention to the details, each items were carefully placed. Not only the structure aspects were very well taken care of, but also the fun aspects of it. Yes, this "space" actually interacts with the viewer and sometimes you'll find some "spooky" items and sometimes you'll find that the artists were simply want to joke around with you. Like the following items I managed to find here.




First of all, I have to applaud the patience that the artists have in putting all the things together in a "chaotic" and yet organized manner. But what I adore the most from these piece of art is the fun and nostalgic feeling the viewers get while going through items over items. Well, the feeling of nostalgic may be really to the "older" people like me :p what I am trying to say is that everyone will find at least one item speaks to him/her in a special way. What's the item for me? Ah well, may be the duckie (or is it a chickie?) who loves her cocktail below is my personal favourite. Don't ask me why! :-)