The boat, created by the artist specifically for the museum, was presented during the Singapore Art Week, which is taking place in the city for the eighth time. Cao Fei explains that Singapore is her second home: “I am originally from southern China, but my husband (artist Lim Tsai Chuen.) Is from here, and the roof of the National Gallery is one of my favorite places in the city.” But, obviously, not the only thing: the design of the art object seems to be borrowed from the attractions of the local Universal Studios amusement park, and the boat itself resembles the sampans of local fishermen in shape and decor.
According to Cao Fei, the installation symbolizes the process of migration that gave birth to this country: immigrants from China (and not only) went to Singapore in search of a better life both 200 years ago and now. The city itself is defiantly directed towards the future; The neon Almost Arriving sign suggests that the process is endless. “As in any rapidly developing and multicultural country, sooner or later the question arises here: who are we?” Explains the artist.