Rattan Eco Sprawl: Manifesting the Forest by Zen Teh

Singapore Art Museum (SAM) presents Rattan Eco Sprawl: Manifesting the Forest, a newly commissioned artwork by Singaporean artist Zen Teh. This installation is part of Port/raits of Tanjong Pagar, a public art trail by The Everyday Museum that brings artistic perspectives into everyday spaces in the Tanjong Pagar neighbourhood. It joins other works on the trail by five other artists Aki Hassan, Divaagar, Space Objekt, Grace Tan and Isabella Teng.

Nestled in a tranquil, lush corner of Spottiswoode Park, Rattan Eco Sprawl is crafted primarily from rattan, with forms inspired by natural elements such as mountains and mounds where insects dwell — the same formations that have also influenced sacred structures like Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. Live plants encroach on the structure’s exterior, while the interior of the work, with its lowered ceilings and narrowed passageways resembles a space where the natural world can be contemplated and nurtured. 

Set against the backdrop of Singapore’s rapidly changing urban landscape, Rattan Eco Sprawl reflects on the entanglement of nature and urban development. Through collaborating with rattan and wood artisans, an ecologist, and study of the local environments, Rattan Eco Sprawl highlights our fragile, intertwined relationship with nature.

In conjunction with the launch of the work on 6 October 2024, a special artist talk will take place on the same day at SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark. The programme features a short film screening on the making of the work and a talk by artist Zen Teh who will discuss her interdisciplinary approach. Also present are the key collaborators of the work — the rattan artisans from Cambodia. Participants will have a chance to learn from the artisans, weaving techniques used to create the installation. Registration is free. 

Rattan Eco Sprawl: Manifesting the Forest is commissioned by The Everyday Museum, a public art initiative by Singapore Art Museum.