‘Shaping Geographies’ was an exhibition reflecting gendered perspectives around spaces. These could be naturally or socially-constructed, and the works were guided by the intersections and complex geometries of people, places and histories. Such questioning encouraged participants to seek access on how these networks could affect and concern one another in diverse ways. 

In this interview, curators Dr. Michelle Antoinette and Dr. Wulan Dirgantor explain the idea of intimate geographies and visible identities in the context of their exhibition. Specific works were highlighted as documentation of what was displayed within Gajah Gallery. This discussion is a reminder that pressures of the world continue to weigh on the backs of researchers and arts practitioners, which explains why reflection upon these narratives, responding and making space for new observations of our external surroundings remain necessary.

Hong Kong’s extradition bill may have been withdrawn but that has not stopped protesters from hosting more peaceful marches and campaigns. These activities speak against human rights issues stemming from violent arrests and the government’s authoritarian way of keeping public order over more than 100 days of the protest movement.

Journalist Kong Lui draws up a month-long reflection on the events led by protesters. In this piece, she brings up avoidant attitudes of the government during the protests, the efficacy of activism in democratic countries and the indisputable need for increased understanding of international politics.

In a nation comparatively more spotless than most – uncluttered pathways and levelled roads to commute daily with ease, Singapore is often seen as the clean and green city in the public eye. But how far does the city’s definition of maintaining an unsullied image extend to? What are the limitations of living here, holding your own dignified sense of self and love within the public spaces when the governing policies deny this dignity, deeming it as tainted instead? What is home when individuals feel entrapped and even oppressed by traditionally held views of the social balance?

Valerie-Ann Tan, who also curated the exhibition Space Oddities as part of A Public Square, questions the viability of the ‘physical’ space and presents a familiar yet alternative reality of our public spaces.