"Opera in Motion: A Dynamic Tribute to Chinese Opera" celebrates the heritage of Chinese opera at the National Design Centre, formerly home to The Chinese Opera Institute. This interactive installation features a tricycle adorned with tarpaulin-covered boxes, inviting visitors to engage with zoetropes that depicts the movements of opera performers. Pedaling the tricycle activates a light projection, illuminating an illustrated Chinese opera scene on the centre's walls. Ambient melodies and festive lighting enhance the immersive experience.
Drawing inspiration from the lively Chinese Street Operas ("wayangs") that have thrived since 1842, this work also nods to their historical presence, evidenced by a noise complaint by Bugis Street and Victoria Street residents in the 1890s. Blending tradition with modern innovation, Opera in Motion offers a captivating journey through the world of Chinese opera.
Register for the Artist Talk on 24 Aug, 8pm, at the National Library here to engage with the artists as they share the creative process behind their work.
This artwork is co-presented by the National Library Board and the National Heritage Board. NLB hopes to inspire the discovery of hidden stories and facets of Singapore's past from the collections of the National Library and the National Archives of Singapore.
About Ezekiel Wong, Hoo Jian Li, Lim Jia Ren, and Ron Tu
Artists Ezekiel Wong, Hoo Jian Li, Lim Jia Ren, and Ron Tu blend art, lighting, interactive technologies, and motion to craft an installation honouring the rich heritage of Chinese opera. Their work pushes the boundaries of artistic expression, offering visitors an immersive and unforgettable experience.
Ezekiel Wong Kel Win holds a Master’s Degree in Art Education from Nanyang Technological University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts (Honours) from Lasalle College of the Arts, Singapore Goldsmiths, University of London. Known for his sardonic wit and humour, Wong’s artworks use satire to highlight societal conflicts, geopolitical issues, and personal confrontations. His exhibitions span both local and international venues, including the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, The Institute of Contemporary Arts Singapore, and the AWAGAMI International Miniature Print Exhibition in Japan.
Hoo Jian Li is an Interaction Designer specializing in user interfaces, electronics design, and digital art. He has created night installations for the Singapore Night Festival (2016-2019) and the Light To Night Festival (2022). His digital artwork, "Beauty of Imperfection," was featured at GIFFEST 2023, celebrating the animated GIF as a communication tool and entertainment.
Lim Jia Ren is an artist specializing in storytelling through Mechanical and Motion art. He has created night installations for Symbiote (Singapore Night Festival 2019) and FLIGHT (Light To Night Festival 2022). As a Creative Technologist, he has provided mechatronic solutions for the art, event production, and visual merchandising industries, collaborating with brands like SecretLab, Uniqlo, and HERMES, and artists such as Olivia Lee, Hung Wai, and Donna Ong.
Ron Tu is an experienced project leader and Light Planner, known for his work on the lighting design and implementation of the newly revamped Peranakan Museum and lighting interventions for Light to Night 2023. He believes in architecting experiences based on empathy and aims to bridge light curation with art and technology.
Find them on their:
Instagrams - Ezekiel Wong, Hoo Jian Li, and Lim Jia Ren
Linkedin - Ron Tu