An artist with legal training recognized the strange beauty present during court proceedings and used his time during a residency with Singapore’s Community Justice Centre to create a highly unique body of work inspired by it.
Jack Tan, who is usually based in London, was the artist in residence for the Community Justice Centre for two months. During that period of time, he witnessed several different court cases play out. While transcripts recorded during such proceedings might preserve the facts that took place in the courtroom that day, Tan noticed that other things — such as attitudes, sights, sounds, auditory cadences, and much more — were left out because there was no way to illustrate them. So while a person who didn’t witness the case in court might be able to pick up a copy of the transcripts and learned what transpired, they can never truly understand what happened without being there to witness the emotions that were on display that day.
Tan has found a way to channel that unique energy into his art. He took inspiration from one case in particular, where an interpreter was attempting to translate a mentally ill defendant’s words for the court, and was being interrupted by both the judge and the angry defendant. The struggles to be heard and understood took flight for Tan, and he realized that this kind of magical interplay could be represented both visually and musically. He created graphic scores to go along with the court cases he witnessed, replacing ordinary notes and sheet music with bright colors and different shapes to represent the different people speaking.
These artworks will be on display before being submitted for the Singapore Biennale, but what’s even more special is that the scores Tan composed will also be performed by a choir. His art will span several different understandings — from the inner workings of the courtroom, to the development of an artist’s masterpiece, to the performance of something people can witness and listen to. While some people might think going to court all day and watching the proceedings might be boring, Tan saw art and music in the justice system, interpreting them and recording them so that more people might be inspired to see the beauty around them.
There is no better way to explore the world around you and pick out the beautiful things in the ordinary than by taking an art class. Go to SGArtClass.com today to see all the different art classes you can take. From oil painting to chalk pastel drawing, you are sure to find the art class suited to your personal interests. Expert teachers experienced in teaching students new skills and techniques and organizing and leading projects will be on hand to help you discover a brand new passion for art that you might not have otherwise ever realized you had.
To learn more about the project birthed during the artist’s residency at the justice center, go to http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/legal-voices-sounds-translated-art.