Jack Tan: How To Do Things With Rules
PUBLISHED August 18th, 2015 08:48 am | UPDATED May 9th, 2018 03:13 am
For his first major solo exhibition, London-based artist Jack Tan (b. 1971, Singapore) repurposes ICA’s gallery into a platform for social, legal and artistic activity. Building on Tan’s ongoing research into rules, these activities aim to test and reveal how aesthetics and social contexts influence the interpretation and operation of customs, rituals and learned behaviours. As the projects evolve so will the gallery, the latter becoming a repository for expressions, documents and products associated with each project. At times throughout the exhibition Tan will be present in the gallery, on-hand to guide visitors through his projects’ various processes. Exhibition highlights include:
[Karaoke Court](https://www.citynomads.com/events/art/5926/karaoke-court-how-to-do-things-with-rules)
Karaoke Court is an arbitration process and live performance where participants select, prepare and perform songs as a way of resolving their disputes with each other. The performance is overseen by a real-life arbitration judge, who invites the audience as ‘jury’ to decide who should win each case. Exhibition visitors can view resources designed and produced for the court, and submit their own disputes to the court clerk.
If you have a dispute that you would like to bring to Karaoke Court contact the Clerk of Karaoke Court at [email protected] or +65 94736638. You can also submit your disputes in the exhibition from Tuesday to Sunday, 12–7 pm.
Conference
Conference is an installation and bookable meeting table that explores objects and practices associated with executive decision-making. The table presents ceramic sculptures that can be used by visitors, such as a ballot box and tools for a decision game based on beer pong. The table accommodates up to 14 people, and can be booked by LASALLE staff, students and members of the public for meetings, seminars, discussions and quiet work.
If you would like to book Conference for a meeting, discussion, or as a work space, contact Melanie Pocock, Assistant Curator at [email protected] or +65 6496 5075. You can also make a booking in the exhibition from Tuesday to Sunday, 12–7 pm.
Art School Surgery
Art School Surgery is a life-coaching service that reflects on the value of an art school approach to life and work. The confidential sessions—conducted by Jack Tan—will take place in a dedicated seating area.
To book a session, contact Jack Tan at [email protected]. You can also book a session in the exhibition from Tuesday to Sunday, 12–7 pm.
Visitor Service Officer
Visitor Service Officer is a performance by ICA Singapore gallery staff that investigates the effects of surveillance on visitors. Gallery visitors will be subject to actions and tasks assigned by Jack Tan and performed by ICA Singapore staff.
ABOUT JACK TAN
Jack Tan (b. 1971) makes work that explores connections between the social, the legal and art. Using social networks and cultural norms as material, he creates performances, performatives, sculpture, video and participatory projects that highlight and modify rules—customs, rituals, habits and theories which guide human behaviour.
Prior to becoming an artist, Tan worked in civil litigation and non-governmental organisations undertaking human rights case and policy work. He then studied ceramics, obtaining a BA from the University of Westminster and an MA from the Royal College of Art. He is currently pursuing a PhD in the Department for Drama, Theatre and Performance at the University of Roehampton, London, where he is researching the performativity of civil rights and resistance.
This exhibition runs at LASALLE’s Institute of Contemporary Arts from 15 Aug till 29 Sept 2015, 12pm to 7pm. The exhibition is closed on Mondays and Public Holidays. Admission is free. For more information, visit the LASALLE page [here](http://www.lasalle.edu.sg/institute-of-contemporary-arts-sg/whats-on/?events/jack-tan-how-to-do-things-with-rules).
