Beneath the surface of our oceans, a quiet, extraordinary world thrives — a world teeming with life and vibrant energy. Inspired by the rich, intricate ecosystems of the underwater world – coral reefs, this interdisciplinary art installation Beneath Tide, Running Water invites you to dive deeper, to experience the symbiosis of nature.

Imagine this: within the depths of the coral reef, a remarkable partnership unfolds. Tiny, single-celled algae, like invisible artisans, harness the power of the sun, transforming light into nourishment for the corals. In return, the corals offer shelter, a home for the algae to grow and thrive. Together, they create the reef’s magnificent structure — a living, breathing work of art.

This symbiotic relationship underpins the conceptualisation of Beneath Tide, Running Water. It is conceived as a living, evolving creation of its own. From the distance, you will see the remnants of human impact — marine debris woven into the installation, assembled to emulate the movement of waves. These elements create an urgent call to action for environmental awareness. At the same time, the artwork is a “reef” offering a vibrant, oxygenated space where artistic expression flourishes – dance, music and performance move through the currents, initiating new forms of collaboration and discovery.

Beneath Tide, Running Water has a form, yet is formless. It is fluid, ever-changing, shaped by the interactions between artists, performers and the audience. Each moment is a new interpretation of the deep, symbiotic relationship we share with the natural world. The installation is not just something you look at— it is interactive, living expression of the interconnectedness of all life, urging us to reimagine our relationship with the natural world.

The Sea and the Neighbourhood features music composition by Philip Tan, dance choreography by Christina Chan with Singapore Ballet and video, spatial design and costume styling by Brian Gothong Tan, and installation by Wang Ruobing

Image courtesy of SIFA