The In-Between Food Court (2011), Night Festival 2011, The Substation, Singapore SG

The original concept for this project was to recreate the metaphysical space of the food court, in memory of the now-defunct Victoria Food Court. However, the ambitious idea was later refined to align more closely with 2011’s Night Festival theme: migration and displacement. The convivial setting of the ubiquitous food court thus became both a subject for exploring this theme and a medium through which it unfolded.

Historically, Caucasians came to Singapore as privileged individuals wielding great power. Here, I invert the situation: I serve tables and entertain customers at an impromptu food court I established in The Substation Alley. The leaflet I prepared reads: “Migration, dislocation, integration are big words. Food is an easier language to speak. Experience food. Experience people.”

I sat with willing customers and engaged them in conversations about their lives. Before they leave, I asked permission to take their photograph, and later I displayed the Polaroids on my dress.

Photo Ella Love