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Reclaiming a sense of place : memory in contemporary Singapore cultural texts
Author
Neo, Mindy Marie Mae Li
Supervisor
Poon, Angelia
Abstract
Since Independence in 1965, the landscape in Singapore has been changing rapidly due to the state's urban development and redevelopment plans that involve the demolition of old buildings, land reclamation, public works and constant renovations. With homes being exchanged like commodities, buildings being torn down and historical icons constantly bulldozed, there is a growing tension between the material aspirations of the younger generation of Singaporeans, and the desire to hold on to the past and memories, as embodied by old buildings. Moreover, projected higher population density in the coming years means that the state would need to acquire more land to meet the demands of a growing population and more familiar places would potentially have to be demolished or redeveloped. Thus, the question is, how do we hang on to our sense of heritage when buildings, which are repositories of our collective and individual memories fall victim to the wrecking ball, one after the other?
By analysing the works of four contemporary Singapore artists, this dissertation explores how these works play the role of lieux de mémoire to fill in the literal and figurative void that is attributed to aggressive urban development. Through their work, these artists do not seek to recreate places that have been erased or commercialized by the state. Instead, they interrogate the loss of a sense of history among Singaporeans and use their works to fill in the gaps in Singapore's historical narrative. Thus their works become crucial sites of memory at a time when the quest for global modernity has sought to erase the past from the city.
By analysing the works of four contemporary Singapore artists, this dissertation explores how these works play the role of lieux de mémoire to fill in the literal and figurative void that is attributed to aggressive urban development. Through their work, these artists do not seek to recreate places that have been erased or commercialized by the state. Instead, they interrogate the loss of a sense of history among Singaporeans and use their works to fill in the gaps in Singapore's historical narrative. Thus their works become crucial sites of memory at a time when the quest for global modernity has sought to erase the past from the city.
Date Issued
2014
Call Number
PN56.S65 Neo
Date Submitted
2014