May 2014


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One of the striking things about some of our neighbouring islands is how creatively they use small spaces. Tiny outdoor areas are fashioned into purposeful bowers: plants and cozy seating, tucked away invitingly in little more than what we would call a 4x4 space. Every nook and cranny is made to carry its weight. It comes from knowing how finite space is and how vital it is to make the most of it.

So when I first heard of the Museum Room located at the Office of Institutional Advancement and Internationalization (OIAI), I could only imagine that they had managed to find some creative ways to use what was a relatively small space.

The project, a collaboration between OIAI Director Sharan Singh and the National Museum, is meant to bring art into everyday spaces, and is a marvelous concept for broadening appreciation and making artwork more widely accessible.

In this pilot project, launched on April 23, the works of six artists have been mounted strategically through the OIAI offices – Joseph Cromwell Assee, Peter Minshall, Carlisle Chang, Jackie Hinkson and a sculpted piece each from Wendy Nanan and Luise Kimme.

Curator and artist, Steve Ouditt, explained that this pilot project is part of a grand scheme to transform spaces—no matter how incongruous they may seem. A corridor, an alcove, even the conference room, such as at the OIAI, can become a museum; once the imagination transforms it.

Singh says they hope to rotate the works on display, which are on loan from the National Museum, every six months.

(Vaneisa Baksh)