history in the pocket

terry wee

2025 FEB 06 - FEB 16 | Wednesday - Friday ,1PM - 7PM. Saturday - Sunday, 1PM - 6PM.

39 Keppel Rd, #03-10 Tanjong Pagar Distripark, Singapore 089065

brief

HISTORY IN THE POCKET is the theme of Terry Wee's residency at INSTINC Space, where visitors can re-examine Singapore's earliest banknotes, specifically the "Orchid & Bird Series". Through a series of paintings, fibre-based artworks, fabric dyes, and origamis, Terry explores the nation's journey towards independence and administrative expansion. The exhibition showcases the banknote as a tool of administration, propaganda, and history, celebrating Singapore's resilience and determination.

The Orchid & Bird series reflects Singapore's naturalist approach, claiming its own discovery through hybridization of orchids, and reconstructing its rightful claims to nature. This exhibition is part of Terry's ongoing administrative design project, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage in the face of digitization and cashlessness. By uncovering the complex layers of meaning in these banknotes, HISTORY IN THE POCKET provides a nuanced understanding of Singapore's history, culture, and national identity, and the significant role everyday objects like banknotes play in shaping our understanding of the past.

BIO of Artist

Terry Wee

Terry Wee is a visual artist who graduated from both Lasalle College of the Arts & Nanyang Academy of fine arts in (Diploma & Degree in fine arts) in 2009 & 2015.

Terry has a deep interest in abstraction & administrative work as a form of design. He sees the relationship between these two as a love/hate relationship that co-exist within the same space where order & chaos meets. His interdisciplinary practice in painting/printmaking/digital drawings and paper sculptures allows him to explore various forms of abstraction on different platforms. He is currently working and is based in Singapore.

Website: www.weeterry.com | Instagram: @terryweewee