STPI exhibition review 2020

Turning the Axis of the World. Profound no? From the title alone, an astronomical theme can be deduced. The exhibition introduces the concept of axis mundi, plainly put, defines the point which connects earth with the spiritual realm. The exhibition progresses in a spiral manner which suggests to the viewer a sense of rotational movement, placing much emphasis around Earth’s axis. In recent years, climate change due to human negligence has affected Earth’s axial motion, disrupting the cosmic balance. This exhibition, a fabricated version of the transcendental realm invites us to see the ugliness of reality through an outside spectacle, how much we have destroyed our world.

One work stood out most to me. Second chapter: be sure to pack the toothbrush, eat Curry noodles through the Wormhole by Rirkrit Tiravanija. It is part of an installation series of corresponding textured metal foil sculptures, with reference to time and space travel. The work may have to do with reminiscing, time travelling through memories.

What I like most is that it triggers feelings of the sublime, because of the size before me. The point of intersection had me in a hypnotic trance. I felt inferior to and was almost engulfed by the wormhole. Where would I end up? Will I survive? Fear of the unknown strikes within but worry not, a curry bowl under my nose. The bowl evokes a sense of familiarity and belonging. Comfort beckons me further into the hole. I already have my toothbrush packed. Shall we?