The Quarterly - Singapore Art Museum

Recent Acquisitions
Expense of Spirit in a Waste of Shame
by Suzann Victor
The Western Light No. 1
by Natee Utarit
The Western Light No. 1 recalls the famous bronze
equestrian statue of King Rama V, which is situated
at Bangkok city’s Royal Plaza. Rama V, Thailand’s
revered king, and the country’s most successful
reformer, is known as the first Thai monarch to
travel to the West, who subsequently implemented
reforms in education and religious freedom. During
his reign, Thailand maintained her independence
from European colonial rule. By choosing to portray
a statue of Rama V, an object of reverence rather
than the image of the king himself, Natee reveals
the influence and magnetism of symbols of
Natee Utarit, The Western Light No. 1, 2006, oil on canvas, 200 x 180 cm,
Singapore Art Museum collection
veneration. This painting, which shows the king
looking in a westward direction, alludes to the disjuncture between a Western-style modernism
that surfaces Thai society and the reality of Thailand beneath this veneer. Learn more about
Natee’s practice at the Natee Utarit: After Painting exhibition (page 08).
A compelling ‘performative’ installation, Expense of Spirit in a Waste of Shame enthralls the viewer
with its mesmerising sounds and moving elements. The installation consists of 4 to 6 long sets of
light bulbs; each set has 12 lights paired with 12 elliptical mirrors. Controlled by baby rocker
motors, the bulbs descend towards the mirrors, producing a chorus of rhythmic, ‘clanging’
sounds every time the bulbs hit the mirrors. Like doomed lovers, the bulbs and mirrors appear
locked in a never-ending cycle of arrival and departure, and each narcissistic light dives to catch
its reflection, only to separate after a fleeting moment’s contact.
Suzann Victor, Expense of Spirit in a Waste of Shame, 1994, installation, light bulbs, cables, control unit, broken glass,
motors, aluminium rods, mirrors, dimensions variable (5 sets), Singapore Art Museum collection
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