Subash Thebe Limbu, Ladhamba Tayem; Future Continuous(2023). Still image.

Dates: 21 January – 4 February 2024
Location: Lower Gallery, Objectifs – Centre for Photography
and Film, 155 Middle Road Singapore 188977
Ticketing Info: Free admission

by Hyundai Motor Group and A Joint Initiative with the National Arts Council

Ladhamba Tayem; Future Continuous derives its name from the verbal inflection that specifies the time of action or state, where “tayem” signifies the future and “ladhamba” signifies continuity in our indigenous Yakthung (Limbu) language. In accordance with my current approach, referred to as Adivasi Futurism, it envisions futures in which the actions and existence of Indigenous peoples will persist within the space-time continuum.

This piece envisions a dialogue between two indigenous individuals from vastly different timelines. One is a historical figure – an 18th-century Yakthung warrior named Kangsore, engaged in combat against the colonial army, while the other is an indigenous astronaut or time traveler from a distant future. They engage in a discussion about time and space from their respective timelines, prompting viewers – the people existing between their timelines – to contemplate their own role or potential contribution to the space-time continuum. The time traveler offers insights into what the future may hold for us or the potentials we should strive for, while the warrior serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against colonialism and the hardships we must overcome.

In the future, the Indigenous nationalities will have developed a technique known as “thakthakma” – which literally translates to ‘weave handloom’, a term inspired by our ancestors’ weaving practices – a method for accessing different timelines or, in other words, weaving time. Therefore, I consider my works as weaving stories that are intricately intertwined rather than linear. Along the same line of thought, this piece explores the concept of time as not rigid but malleable or weavable, opening pathways for contemplation on how we might shape the future.

The VH AWARD stands as a distinguished accolade in Asia for emerging new media artists to present their artistic innovations and exhibit their works on a global scale. Established in 2016, the VH AWARD is organized by the Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) and overseen by the Hyundai Motor Company. The award seeks to identify and nurture talented media artists who are involved with the context and future of Asia, as part of the Group’s dedication to supporting cross-cultural innovation and advancement through art and technology.

The finalists for the 5th VH AWARD include Subash Thebe Limbu (b. 1981, Dhara), Zike He (b. 1990, Guiyang), Riar Rizaldi (b. 1990, Bandung), Su Hui-Yu (b. 1976, Taipei), and zzyw (founded in 2017, based in New York). These five selected artists have each been awarded a grant of $25,000 USD to create a new screen-based, audio-visual work. Additionally, they had the opportunity to participate in an online residency program hosted by Eyebeam, a distinguished art and technology center based in New York City. Throughout the program, the artists engaged in professional development sessions and regular mentorship meetings with globally renowned art experts, including Barbara London, Magdalena Magiera, Jon Ippolito, Clarinda Mac Low, Kamau Amu Patton, Taeyoon Choi, and Marton Robinson.

zzyw: Other Spring (2023)

Zike He : Random Access (2023)

The virtual ceremony for the 5th VH AWARD took place on May 3rd, 2023, at 10:00 am KST, where the works of the finalists were showcased and the recipient of the grand prix was announced. This year, the Grand Prix was awarded to Subash Thebe Limbu, who received an additional $25,000 USD. The artworks of the five finalists are currently on display at the Elektra Virtual Museum in Montreal and can also be viewed on the ceremony platform (https://5th-vhaward.common.garden/). These artworks have been exhibited at HMG Vision Hall in Yongin and Ars Electronica in Linz. Moreover, they are scheduled to be showcased at various art institutes and platforms globally, including Museum MACAN in Jakarta and Objectifs in Singapore. This global exhibition program reflects the Group’s commitment to providing all recipients with opportunities to present their works at renowned art institutes and events and in sharing the diversity and creativity of Asian new media artists with a global audience.

The selection of the 5th VH AWARD finalists was conducted by a distinguished panel of curators and directors, including Sook Kyung Lee (Director, The Whitworth, University of Manchester), Yukiko Shikata (Curator and Critic based in Tokyo), Aaron Seeto (Director, Museum MACAN), Martin Honzik (Chief Curatorial Officer, Ars Electronica Linz), and Roderick Schrock (Curator, Executive Director of Eyebeam). Notably, the previous recipient of the 4th VH AWARD grand prix was Lawrence Lek.

For further details regarding the VH AWARD, kindly visit the official website: www.vhaward.com

Hyundai Motor’s Art Projects
For more than ten years, Hyundai Motor has strengthened its collaborations with esteemed global museums and cultural institutions, including the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA), Tate, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), and the Korean Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. Hyundai Motor’s own artistic endeavors encompass inclusive programs such as the VH AWARD, the Hyundai Blue Prize, and Artlab Editorial, a digital platform dedicated to art discourse by diverse transnational voices. Our continuing partnerships engage with the intricacies of the cultural environment, delving into fresh concepts and perspectives within and beyond the realm of art. To discover more about these initiatives, please visit https://artlab.hyundai.com/ or follow @hyundai.artlab #HyundaiArtlab.

Images provided by Hyundai Motor Group VH AWARD