1 — Fongyee Ng
Spooky music and some time in Japan
Objectively is about people and the objects that hold meaning for them. Leading with curiosity, the project is interested in objects as extension and embodiment of selves. We want to give space for people to reconsider their relationships with things, maybe acquiring new understandings of themselves in the process.
Kicking off our first feature is Fongyee Ng.
Fongyee Ng is a multidisciplinary artist mainly working with technology and kids, and sometimes both at the same time. She believes in learning through play and experiments with various mediums in her work to activate dialogue between people, objects, and spaces.
If you could be any object, what would you want to be?
A theremin. It is such a piece of marvel. An electronic musical instrument that is played without touching! I love how subversive it is and the eerie sounds it makes. Because of the nature of the instrument, the performer gestures in such mesmerising ways. I am also terribly unmusical and I think basically I want to be intriguing, subversive, and capable of making spooky, ethereal music.
What object would personify you?
I found this picturebook shortly after moving to Japan, and have never felt more embodied in one. The colours and illustration style were very on brand, and the use of beginner Japanese was also reflective of my grasp of the language. The title of the book is “Taro and His Blue Bucket”.
What is one object that holds significant memories for you?
An ICOCA (IC Operating Card) from JR West Japan, initially used in Kansai region but can now be used countrywide. I got this from someone I love before I moved to Tokyo. This thoughtful gesture was extra special also because it is not a card commonly found in Tokyo (PASMO and SUICA are the region's cards), and it became a conversation starter whenever I whipped it out.
Now that I am back in Singapore, it is the single most representative object of my three years there. It was not said explicitly, but I think this card is a permanent loan, and I might have to return it if the gifter goes to Japan, but I hope I get to hold on to it forever.
Illustrations by Fongyee Ng.
Find out more about Fongyee at her website and Instagram.
If you enjoyed this, subscribe to receive next week’s feature in your inbox: