story Pham Le Vi, Contributing Reporter
photos Serena Quay, Photographer
A new campus is an empty canvas for us to paint our stories and traditions, likes and dislikes. Our walls have yet to be redefined with paintings; our courtyards remain unechoed with music; and our alcoves itch to be filled with sculptures. Let The Octant bring you on a journey through the nooks and crannies of performance and art-friendly spaces on campus.
The Pathway
Just imagine little garden gnomes peeping out from the shrubs to welcome you back home. Or perhaps a white rabbit in a waistcoat and a pocket-watch running down that little path on the right to… Wait, where does that lead to?
The Wall
Oh, the emergency exit of the library. But now, where is that quirky landing on the staircase supposed to lead to? Can we paint a brick wall for our very own platform nine and three-quarters? Or a wardrobe door to Narnia? Does someone happen to have a spare door lying around? Hint: the Ikea ‘As Is’ section sells a few.
The Skylights
Look how prettily the light falls here. This place is perfect for a suspended piece of art. A crystal chandelier to catch the light? Some kinetic rain of our own (see Changi Airport Terminal 1)? Or something you’d see at the Esplanade foyer? Let there be light!
The Amphitheatre
The three-phase power supply system here is enough to power an outdoor festival. Also, there are power plugs all along the wall of the East Core. So fret not; think outside of the black box and bring the arts to the courtyard. It’s a great place for poetry slams and symposiums — both in the modern and Ancient Greek sense.
Courtyard Outside Tan Chin Tuan Lecture Theatre
A sound installation here to draw visitors entering from the Oculus. The sound of the winds and birds chirping can highlight the ecological features of our campus.
Cendana Courtyard
The green lawn looks a little lonely. Maybe a steel sculpture could accompany it. Many colleges have statues or sculptures to adorn their courtyards. For instance, Yale University has a Lipstick Ascending on Caterpillar Tracks sculpture in its Morse courtyard. Though perhaps, we should go for something more accessible?
Cendana Awkward Corner
There was supposed to be a tree here but the place turned out to be too dark, leaving the corner empty and perfect for a light installation. Fairy lights or fluorescent lights hanging draping down artistically? Visual Arts Society—this space is calling for you.
Conservation Tree
A tire swing would sit nicely under that tree. Enough said.
HAVE MY BABIES