In Islam, the world is a huge book filled with signs and symbols; the contemporary art partice of Selleh Japar aimed to develop a language that investigates such signs and symbols. In order to do this, he begins by questioning the very basis of knowledge. With the same spirit of linguistic investigation, the artists Matthew Ngui studies meaning formation; art becomes a little laboratory where ideas are generated and tested, aided by audience participation. To Chen KeZhan, Chinese ink is an important source of and inspiration to art; yet his own paintings cannot help but manifest the cultural environment and lived experiences that inform and transform his practice, just as his work in Venice responds to the exhibition space and context. Neither would Suzanne Victor forego the opportunity or perhaps responsibility, to interact with the structure and environment of the Venice Biennale, given her artistic sensitivity sharpened by diasporic cultural experience... '

(Abstract from Foreward by Kwok Kian Chow)

'This is the catalogue published in conjunction with Singapore's inaugural participation in the 49th International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale in 2001. Entitled 'Singapore', this exhibition attempted to articulate cultural vibrancy in contemporary Singapore. The works presented here address the processes of meaning formation, communication, generation of knowledge, heritage and post-colonial, gender and diasporic identities linked to the experiences of Singapore. Singapore's contemporary art is presented through a myriad of forms comprising installation, painting and video, addressing issues of identities, examining relationships of self and the physical and social environment, and responding to the urban condition and city-life of the city-state in a global context.

Artist biographies and selected bibliographies are provided. With preface and foreword by Kwok Kian Chow, the Commissioner, and preface by Paivi Tirkkonen De Grandis, the Vice-commissioner.'

(Abstract from Asia Art Archive)

This is the catalogue published in conjunction with Singapore's inaugural participation in the 49th International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale in 2001. Entitled 'Singapore', this exhibition attempted to articulate cultural vibrancy in contemporary Singapore. The works presented here address the processes of meaning formation, communication, generation of knowledge, heritage and post-colonial, gender and diasporic identities linked to the experiences of Singapore. Singapore's contemporary art is presented through a myriad of forms comprising installation, painting and video, addressing issues of identities, examining relationships of self and the physical and social environment, and responding to the urban condition and city-life of the city-state in a global context.

Artist biographies and selected bibliographies are provided. With preface and foreword by Kwok Kian Chow, the Commissioner, and preface by Paivi Tirkkonen De Grandis, the Vice-commissioner.'