At a glance, Singapore and Perth (Boorloo) appear to be categorically different cities. The former, the densely populated gateway between the global North and South, and the latter, the most isolated capital city in the world. However, these two coastal (and culturally diverse) cities share more than just the same time zone, and are bound by intersecting histories of British colonisation in the Asia Pacific region. It is this intersection that the Singaporean and Perth (Boorloo) artists of Paper trails between Lion and Swan have explored, specifically through the materialities of paper and textiles. This choice of materials is intentional and symbolic. Paper, as used by the British Empire (and so many empires before them) to invoke deeds, certificates and letters as tools of identity, division, authority and ownership; and textiles, as used for British flags, banners, uniforms and ship sails. Paper Trails between Lion and Swan is an invitation to negotiate new intersections between Perth (Boorloo) and Singapore.

Credits: Deborah Worthy-Collins

Artists: ​​​​Ezzam Rahman, Nhawfal Jumaat, Terry Wee, Tan Yen Peng, Xin Xiao Chang, Yeo Chee Kiong, Kelsey Ashe, Harrison See, Deborah Worthy-Collins, Di Cubitt, Sarah Thorton-Smith, Desmond Mah
Curators: ​​​​​​Harrison See, Desmond Mah, Yeo Chee Kiong