It is often said, with both honesty and a touch of dark humor, that two major events bring families and friends together—weddings and funerals. A compassionate city must honor death and dying with dignity. Yet, conversations about care, grief, and the end of life remain taboo in Singapore.
Both Sides, Now is an initiative that uses artistic expression to normalize discussions about mortality in public spaces. At the heart of the project, a floral arrangement of Asiatic lilies is placed on a round table—both symbolic elements. These lilies, commonly seen in condolence wreaths, represent sympathy and remembrance. The round table, often used in Chinese funerals held in housing estate void decks, reflects a space where loved ones gather to share memories and conversations. As the exhibition progresses, the lilies are left to wither naturally, serving as a poetic reminder of impermanence.
Since 2013, Both Sides, Now has engaged diverse communities in Singapore through a multidisciplinary approach to encourage meaningful discussions on living well and leaving well. Presented by Lien Foundation, Ang Chin Moh Foundation, Drama Box, and ArtsWok Collaborative, with spatial design by Forest & Whale (2017–2019), the project fosters end-of-life awareness and builds supportive communities.
Visitors are invited to participate by creating their own pinwheels while reflecting on thought-provoking questions. Watch the pinwheel spin as you listen to Life m0vements, an aural piece by artist anGie seah, featuring recordings from a resident undergoing cancer treatment. The work captures intimate vignettes and sounds from the resident’s home.
Experience the Installation:
- Make Your Own Pinwheel
- Listen to Life m0vements – An auditory journey by anGie seah (website).
- Watch Short Films – Narratives exploring life, loss, and transition are screened on-site, including:
Project Leads:
- Kok Heng Leun – A leading figure in Singapore’s arts scene, known for his work in theatre, dramaturgy, and education. He has used the arts as a platform for civic discourse and served as a Nominated Member of Parliament (2016–2018) representing the arts sector.
- Ngiam Su-Lin – A creative producer specializing in arts and community development. She has led numerous community theatre projects and festivals, bridging collaboration between public, private, and social sectors through ArtsWok Collaborative, which she co-founded.
- Wendy Chua – A multi-disciplinary designer focused on longevity, co-creation with communities, and curatorial research. Her work has earned accolades such as the Electrolux Design Lab Award, Red Dot Design Award, Japan’s Good Design Award, and the President’s Design Award.
For more information, visit Both Sides, Now.
