2024
Solo Project
Project Commission for Singapore Design Week, Repair+, curated by Hans Tan
Solo Project
Project Commission for Singapore Design Week, Repair+, curated by Hans Tan
About the Exhibition
HEAL explores the concept of healing and mending emotional memories through the design, restoration, and transformation of broken objects.
What does “retail therapy” do for us? And yet, why do we keep some things even after they have lost their form and function?
As throwaway culture, mental health and wellbeing have been drawing increasing attention, HEAL: Repair+ delves into narratives surrounding brokenness and broken items and how the act of repair can provide an alternative path to healing.
An open call was made via social media and community partner outreach to submit broken, spoilt, and faulty objects that were meaningful or precious. Eight objects were chosen and paired with eight designers who were invited to restore the submitted objects. Through discussion and collaboration between the owners and designers, they explored the memories associated with their objects and pushed the boundaries of creative restoration to create new objects and new memories.
Tarnished but not broken.
The object in question is a traditional clothing iron which works with red-hot charcoal.
The iron, while not broken but tarnished, carries a rich history and intricate details. Manufactured by Kim Hiap Liong and Co, a company established on 25 October 1974 and dissolved on 16 July 2020, this iron now resides in a discreet corner on a cabinet shelf. For Izz, the owner, it evokes bittersweet memories of his late mother*, from whom he inherited it. He believes his curiosity about the iron led to him being entrusted with it, a trait that has now been passed down to his inquisitive four-year-old daughter.
*Izz's mother struggled with addiction and family violence - the iron was used previously as an abuse implement.
An iron reimagined as a kit for easy future repair and making new memories.
The restoration process involved replacing the rusted components with hand-lathed brass parts, honoring the iron’s construction heritage. The tarnished brass was intentionally left untouched, preserving its natural patina that marks the passage of time and contrasts beautifully with the newly minted pieces. Inspired by Izz's desire to share the iron's history with his children, particularly his daughter, the iron was deconstructed and presented as a kit. This allows each component to be fully appreciated and assembled without the need for tools, simplifying future repairs as individual parts can be replaced.
This interactive presentation format encourages Izz and his children to engage in a family activity by piecing the components together. This assembly process empowers them to leave their mark on this historical heirloom and symbolizes a new chapter for the family. The iron components are meticulously arranged in a custom-made ash wood box, chosen for its moisture resistance and ease of maintenance. This thoughtful design ensures that the iron, now an heirloom, is proudly displayed when fully assembled.
Empathy over sympathy.
The repair began not with idea generation but a conversation. A conversation to know more about the iron's history and how Izz felt towards it. He came across as a sentimental individual during our first meeting, expressing his feelings openly and directly. This helped me to better understand his circumstances, his deep love for his mother, and his aspirations for the future, which ultimately laid the foundation for the iron’s repair.
When I met Izz again during the transformation reveal, it felt like reuniting with an old friend, as he appeared more relaxed. Seeing his pleasant surprise at the outcome provided me with a great sense of relief and satisfaction.
Special Thanks
Hans Tan
Jonathan Levi, Chronicler Photography
Repair+ team (Hans Tan Studio & Yishun Health System)
Jonathan Levi, Chronicler Photography
Repair+ team (Hans Tan Studio & Yishun Health System)