The Gathering: 千岁宫 is a new site-specific art commission that continues Wong Lip Chin’s ongoing interest in developing multi-modal art experiences in relation to the intricacies of Chinese culture and history. Inspired by the winding stream party experience (流觞曲水: Liúshāng qū shuǐ), where Chinese literati (scholar-officials) would seat themselves along the banks of a coursing stream and compose poems as cups of rice wine float down to reach them more than 1600 years ago, Lip Chin has recreated a gathering place within a Chinese garden for contemporary audiences of all faiths and cultures. It exists as the manifestation of the ideorealm (意境: Yìjìng) – the soul of the Chinese aesthetic experience, ever-present but nigh-untranslatable. Emerging as an oasis of greenery within the iconic heritage site of Chinatown, the work extends beyond visuality to serve as a platform for experiences including tea-and-incense pairing sessions hosted by the artist. Partnering with local artisans, performers and heritage businesses, the site will also be further activated by a host of public programmes throughout March.

The Gathering: 千岁宫 is produced and curated by Singaporean curator John Z.W. Tung.