13 Steps
11 Oct 2012 – 1 Jan 2013
Esplanade Concourse
Commemorating Esplanade’s 10th Anniversary, four local artists were shortlisted to participate in 13 Steps, a new visual arts initiative created to encourage community engagement through art. Over 19,400 people voted for their favourite artwork between Jan–Apr 2012, with Chua Boon Kee’s In the Affairs of Cats & Dogs, the Government’s Involved and So Shall We emerging as the overall favourite.
In his piece, Chua playfully recalled a light-hearted anecdote given by the Prime Minister in his 2011 National Day Rally speech who, encouraging Singaporeans to be more proactive, said that ministers should not be doing everything, including culling cats and saving dogs.
Initiating a movement via an installation, which targeted to promote the proactive spirit in the community, Chua worked around the theme of animal welfare to create awareness of pet abandonment and the growing stray population.
Members of the public were able to bring an animal home through a donation. All proceeds went towards Esplanade’s 10th Anniversary activities, which included programmes as well as community engagement activities for the less privileged.
About the Artist
In 1996, Chua Boon Kee committed himself to sculpture making and has been exhibiting his works regularly since 2000. Constantly exploring new themes and artistic realms that are influenced by his culture and traditions, Chua uses various traditional materials such as wood, metal and stone as well as new industrial ones, to bring about unique forms. He formed his own company Jinxuan Sculptors Contractor in 2003, which not only deals with commissioned works by him but also assists with commissioned works by other artists.
Supporter of 13 Steps
