Shayne Phua

Against a backdrop of a HDB (Housing Development Board) estate, a pair of Godzillas battle two King Kongs. HDB BTO (built to order) apartments have become a hot commodity among young Singaporeans, as home prices shoot ever upward in the land-scarce city – a fact that Phua pokes fun at with her paired-off monsters, as these coveted pieces of real estate are, according to official policy, only available to married couples and families. The artist notes that the already high cost of living – including housing – is being affected by the arrival of wealthy foreigners drawn to Singapore’s comparatively relaxed tax laws. The scene on the panel is accompanied by the disclaimer, “Made in tai kun occupied Singapore.” It was inspired by a similar text, “Made in occupied Japan”, on a vintage jewellery box owned by the artist (which suggests that the object had been manufactured in Japan for the export market between 1945 and 1952, when the country was controlled by American forces). In referencing the historical title for the Japanese shogun, “Taikun”, Phua is excavating the etymological roots of the English cognate, “tycoon”, and alluding to present economic realities. She has also included bottom-dwelling, often disregarded creatures such as mudskippers and snails in the panel, and, overlooking all, a tempest of storm clouds and lightning bolts, the latter perhaps familiar as a symbol to Singaporeans.