Artists unite for CHAIRITY!
PUBLISHED May 26th, 2012 12:06 pm | UPDATED May 18th, 2020 04:58 pm
No that’s not a typo – you did read that right…in the title that does indeed say CHAIRITY, not CHARITY. Because CHAIRITY, Arts & Design Against Cancer is in fact the name of a project organized by local furniture design outfit BACK REST, which has seen 35 Louis Armchairs transformed into works of art by local artists, designers, art educators and media personalities.
Based on the theme of Empathy, Sacrifice, Love & Support and Dedication, each designer has used a chair to tell their own cancer story by expressing their interpretation of cancer using the Louis Armchair as a canvas. The result is not only a collection of incredibly unique works of art, but also a unique  and personal message or experience which is told through each chair.
The roll call of  participting artists is as long as your arm (or perhaps longer!) totaling at 30 in all, so hope you’re sitting comfortably (excuse the pun!) while you read this. Ok here goes: Justin Lee C K, Ye Ruoshi,  Kamal Dollah, Kiat Sing, Yeo Wee Hwee,  Linda Black, Tan Haur, EeShaun,  Sarkasi Said, Alvin Tan, Oscar Ng, Yeo Chee Kiong, Tan Yen Peng, Monica Winnubst, Hedwige Jacobs,  Didier Ng, Rosihan Dahim, Shih Yun, Vincent Leow,  Luis Lee, Wong Renzhi, Hoo Xin Jie, Lini Chew, Radhika Iyer,  Angel Teo,  Foon Foono, Kenn, Imis Iskandar and Suriani Kassim.
Imis Iskandar, who is both part of the above collective and also co-founder of BACK REST’s story speaks volumes – his father is currently battling with the last stage of lung cancer and through his chair he highlights his fighting spirit which has been a great inspiration to everyone around him.
So why the chair? What is clever about the use of the chair as the blank canvas is what it symbolizes. Obvious to say but of course a chair is probably the most essential piece of furniture used by everyone, regardless of origin and status. It is used by everyone, almost everywhere and for a whole number of situations. Yet like most things in our daily life, we take them for granted, much like cancer until someone close to us becomes a victim of it as those creatives participating in this initiative know well enough.
Looking at the chairs, while visually beautiful, I couldn’t help feel my stomach lurch at the emotion behind the art. Chairs by the name of Hope by Alvin Mark Tan, I Miss Grandma by Didier Ng, If Only You Knew What I Was Feeling Right Now by Eeshuan, Lumpy Affair by Tan Yen Peng and Love Chair by Yeo Chee Kiong  struck a chord with me for all very different reasons. But I’m not going to share the visuals with you here – you have to go see the exhibition and feel the connection with the different chairs for yourselves – for that  is in part the beauty of this project.
While obviously we are a big fan of all things art over at City Nomads, there is one thing that is even better, and that’s art for a cause. We say a big hats of to this collaborative unit of artists and designers who are harnessing their creative skills for the good of society by raising awareness and funds for the Singapore Cancer Society through this initiative.
The chairs will be brought together for a public exhibition for one day on Friday 1st June at favourite forthcoming market – MAAD (The Market of Artists and Designers) so that’s yet another reason to head down and support this thriving hub of all things creative and cool. Go down and admire them, and if you’re feeling flush the chairs will also be available for sale at a minimum pledge of $3,500.
MAAD (The Market of Artists and Designers) happens on Friday 1st June, 5pm – Midnight at red dot museum, 28 Maxwell Road, 069120. For more information on MAAD see here. To support the cause
Written by Ms Demeanour
