Shirin Neshat: Games of Desire

©Shirin Neshat. Courtesy Galerie Jérôme de Noirmont, Paris.

“Poetically speaking, I thought it could be beautiful to connect the plight of the women with the plight of the country. They are looking for the same thing: democracy, change, freedom. So it is an allegorical story.”

- Shirin Neshat

“Shirin Neshat’s works convey a strong message in a poetic way. We are pleased to show Games of Desire and to share her eloquence in expression with Singapore.”

-Frédéric de Senarclens, Director of Art Plural Gallery

Art Plural Gallery is pleased to announce the inaugural solo exhibition of New York-based artist of Iranian descent, Shirin Neshat in Southeast Asia. The exhibition titled Shirin Neshat: Games of Desire runs from 26th October to 15th December, 2012 and photography and video works from her Games of Desire series.

Shirin Neshat is known for her transcultural works that give voice to women all around the world. Her feminine subjects are independent, strong and opinionated. With her Games of Desire series, Neshat sheds light on the life of elderly Laotian women, living under a mitigation of tradition in a globalised world.

Featuring screen projections of an interaction between elderly Laotian women and men: the women on one side of the wall; the men on the opposite wall, the group is portrayed to be reciting songs of courtship and gesticulating through animated upper-body movements, taking turns to enthral the opposite sex. These songs were sung traditionally during weddings or other celebratory occasions in the manner of playful verbal sparring between women and men. The lyrics involve notions of the simple life, injected with unexpected sexual undertones that at times, even border on risqué. There, both women and men are free to engage in singsong banters beyond strict predefined gender roles and social expectations.

The irony is that the elderly women and men who have been portrayed are brimmed with vitality and passion, defying the stereotypical norm and belief that these characteristics are intrinsic only to the young. Neshat’s works indicate an apparent social transformation in Laos, wherein a commonplace from the elderlies’ youth is becoming less of a routine for young Laotians today. These days, the lively ritual still exists, but only as staged performance. The artist’s expression and her use of space puts the audience right in the heart of the couple’s interaction, compelling one to examine his own perceptions of Love, Sexuality and Age.

Exhibition Details:

Shirin Neshat: Games of Desire
26th October to 15th December, 2012

Art Plural Gallery
38 Armenian Street, Singapore 179942
Monday – Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm

About Art Plural Gallery
Art Plural Gallery is a unique space dedicated to Modern, Contemporary Art and Design in the heart of Singapore’s cultural district. This innovative platform nestled in a four-storey Art Deco heritage building presents solo and group exhibitions, installations, public art projects, conferences, and art publications.