Artist Michael Lee on fiction, travel and how mind maps help him

SINGAPORE — Set within the wonderfully put together exhibition, Geo|Graphic: Celebrating Maps And Their Stories, now on at the National Library, is an arresting showcase called Mind The Gap, in which three contemporary artists — Michael Lee, Jeremy Sharma and Sherman Ong — reinterpret their idea of mapping and data collection. Lee created Bibliotopia, a work inspired by mind maps based on the secret worlds of the works of Singaporean authors Catherine Lim, Russell Lee and Adrian Tan.

“I’m rather forgetful myself (so) making lists and mind mapping are helpful tools,” he explained, adding that when it comes to travelling, he makes it a point to plan things beforehand to prevent any major incidents. “Because I know I’m forgetful, I’m extra aware of what I need to remember during trips!”

Q: How did you decide on the work for Mind The Gap?

A: I look at what the curator is asking for and the space (available). My overall practice is related to urban memories and fiction. And I felt Singaporean fiction in this case is appropriate since it’s connected to the library.

Q: Bibliotopia is based on Singaporean fiction. What are some of your preferred reading materials when you travel?

A: It’s usually non-fiction or theory books that need my undivided attention, like Urban Memory edited by Mark Crinson. Also, online journals like the e-flux journal, are pre-downloaded to be read on a train or a flight. I’m not naturally attuned to fiction, so I like it that my proposal for the maps exhibition at National Library requires and allows me to fill gaps in my reading list.

Q: Has your forgetfulness affected any of your trips?

A: I did leave a bunch of receipts in my hostel in Taipei once. For an independent artist, receipts are our income. Thankfully my friend (living in Taipei) was able to retrieve them for me.

Q: How do you think travelling inspires your work?

A: I reflect upon my travels in my art works and writing. I don’t take too many photos when I travel as I find documenting while travelling distracts me. You forget to enjoy what’s there, in the moment. Travelling also allows me to see things which I’ve only read about in books, like the works of Picasso in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. And there are things that only make sense when you see them in person. I remember viewing (works by) Jackson Pollock and Monet side by side at the Tate Modern gallery in London. I was struck by the way it was curated because you usually don’t think of these two artists being together. Travelling opens all sorts of possibilities. Serene Lim

Mind The Gap is at level 7, 8 and 9 of the National Library.