12x: The Ballot Holder's Perspective

We've brought to you the artist's perspective and the curator's perspective. Now here's some thoughts from one of our lucky ballot holders, Julian Lim!

"Yesterday, I had the privilege of becoming an art collector.

Yes, me. The one who can’t tell Dali from da Vinci, Monet from Matisse.

Well, I’ve got to start somewhere.

So yesterday, I invested $48 of my hard earned moolah in one of 36 art pieces from young artists in Singapore as part of an “experiment”, which is a bit more exciting (and cheaper) than walking into an art gallery and picking up something off the wall.

For $48, I bought myself a ballot. Ballot #17 to be exact..."

Read the rest of Julian's post HERE!

The Curator's Post-12x Thoughts

Yesterday was The Day for 12x.

Finally, all the artists and ballot holders came together in Evil Empire - which many, including myself, soon found to be tinier and warmer than we had dared venture thinking. But despite some amounts of perspiration and a lot of "Where is so-and-so?", it was an atmosphere of cheerful communal chaos all around. Artists found themselves giving impromptu talks about their works, and ballot holders collectively realised they had some tough decisions on their hands. And that was even before the ballot started.

Sometimes the act of making and buying art can be very lonely. But it was different this time. You could see all the emotions of artists and ballot holders alike play out around you. In fact, you could hear it - when the first, the second, the third artworks were chosen, the rest of the crowd let out very audible "awww-s" as they saw their favourites slip away. Lucky ballot holders looked like they couldn't be happier. One ballot holder even gave another a 'fake' opinion (ahem) just so that she could get her hands on the artwork she wanted. They seemed genuinely excited that they could meet these young artists who would otherwise never have crossed their paths or their minds.

Of course, one always wishes that certain aspects could have been managed better or even done in a completely different way. After all, it was a show of many firsts:

1. The first time many of the artists have been given the opportunity to exhibit their works outside of a school compound.

2. The first time said artists have found a home (other than their own) for their works.

3. The first time these group art buyers have found themselves making snap decisions in a complex web of interdependent choices.

So, as the first time I have officially curated a show, I'm glad that everything sort of fell into place in the end. I'm glad that the artists are thanking me for the opportunity. I'm glad that the walls of the gallery are now bare. I'm glad that people said to me, "I didn't know art students were so talented".

And I'm glad that the artists, the ballot holders, Alan, our Evil Empire supporters, and all those random passersby who wandered into our gallery, came together to make 12x so special.

SEE MORE PHOTOS ON FACEBOOK

12x: The Artist's Perspective

Here's some thoughts by Lum En-Ci, whose work after-images was featured in the 12x exhibition and ballot!

An artist comes away from a melee like 12x, where the audience’s preferences are clearly expressed in the sighs of disappointment or the silence that follows when a work has been chosen by the current balloter, feeling a little like a gladiator thrown to the lions.

Most artists were suitably pokerfaced during the balloting. Artists hate being judged. It was hard for me not to loose control and begin blabbering to Sarah (Sarah Choo, NYJC AEP senior whose work “Gestalt in the City” was extremely popular at 12x) in a nervous titter like I had lost all my brains.

What was interesting to observe were the preferences of the balloters. Balloters go for an arresting visual, something that would give them enjoyment in contemplating and see hanging in their home.

Admittedly, artists create works with certain meanings that aren’t the most suitable in the home (Such as the “penis and vagina piece”). But then again, it’s all terribly subjective. I’m very sure there were very creative, discerning, open and informed individuals at the balloting, yet I can’t help but feel that there’s a disjunct between an artist’s opinion of what is a worthwhile work and that of the balloters.

Here I am tempted to wax lyrical about how people often choose a work mainly for aesthetic value–but I shan’t. I think preference is a very personal thing, and that was part of the main point of 12x. And I suppose all of us artists should realize that–that creating a popular work doesn’t necessarily make one acclaimed, nor does it mean you’re playing to the gallery.

Leaving oneself open to public opinion is always nerve-wrecking, but through it you learn. You regret certain choices when you see how those choices (such as deciding not to frame a work -kicks self- ) play out, and you may disagree vehemently with some opinions of others, but it’s all okay, really. It’s an experience, particularly for us young ‘uns, to the test the waters. Wait till we face the real art critics and collectors.

Congrats and thanks once again to Berny Tan, Alan Oei and Evil Empire for making 12x possible and a success!

How to love your art

Art works need to be loved and feel loved. For the lucky 12x ballot holders who are first time art collectors, Evil Empire presents three tips on how to love your art.

1. Your art work likes to be seen.
Hang it at eye level.

2. Your art work hates moisture and light.
Don't hang it in a place with high humidity and direct light.

3. Your art work can't clean itself.
Avoid letting dirt and dust accumulate on the work.