Soldier Of Fortune
Soldier of Fortune impose upon us the concept of patriotism and national identity, brining back the idea of personal distinctiveness. These toy soldiers are atomised in 18 karat gold to symbolise the sacrifice every individual makes to the society and to emphasise the meaning of golden soldiers.
This work deals with the experience of the artist during his 2 years mandatory conscript in National Service in Singapore. Through the experience of being posted to a less physical unit right after his Basic Military Training, the artist wishes to portray an alternative aspect of National Service, which speaks to either those who can relate to it or to those who have never experienced it.
When juxtaposing the toy soldiers with items associated with 'fun' and 'play', viewers are forced to examine these soldiers are jesting instead of being trained to defend our country.
This work deals with the experience of the artist during his 2 years mandatory conscript in National Service in Singapore. Through the experience of being posted to a less physical unit right after his Basic Military Training, the artist wishes to portray an alternative aspect of National Service, which speaks to either those who can relate to it or to those who have never experienced it.
When juxtaposing the toy soldiers with items associated with 'fun' and 'play', viewers are forced to examine these soldiers are jesting instead of being trained to defend our country.
