Moving House.

This week, we talk to Tang Ling Nah, artist and part-time lecturer at LASALLE College of the Arts. The School itself is moving to its brand new location at 1 McNally Street, boasting a bold new look, a fresh attitude, and an electricity of creative energy. What is it like for a school and its inhabitants to move to a new building, after years in its old campus, almost over two decades later since its founding in 1984 by the late Brother Joseph McNally. FFW’s Adib J talks to Ling Nah to found out what she thinks about the move, and her random ruminations on the city.

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FFW: How long have you been at the old La Salle?

TLN: Almost 10 years. I was a foundation student at LASALLE (then known as LASALLE-SIA College of the Arts) in 1997.

FFW: Describe the old La Salle in 3 words.

TLN: Simple. Homely. Less polluted.

FFW: Describe the new La Salle in 3 words.

TLN: Modern. Iconic. Black.

FFW: What is your fondest memory of the old La Salle?

TLN: My fondest memory was working with fellow classmates till late at night in the Fine Art Studios. I was always amused by my classmates’ methods of de-stressing amidst preparing for assessment. They played music, danced, went ghost searching, played chess, ping pong, and all sorts of other games, plucked mangoes from the trees just outside the Fine Art Block, etc.

FFW: What do you think will be the best thing about the new La-Salle?

TLN: I think the best thing is her prime location. It is near many other art institutions such as the Singapore Art Museum, National Museum, the National Library and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. Besides, the new campus is also close to Bras Basah where one could shop for art materials, and Sim Lim Square where one could check out computer stuff. This makes it so convenient to get materials compared to the old LASALLE campus. It is even close to places of worship for the major religions! Students and teachers could therefore seek spiritual solace without having to go too far. And of course, there are many great eating places and entertainment facilities near the new campus.

FFW: How has studying/teaching in a city campus affected you?

TLN: I think being in a city campus allow me to see more things (happening in the city). Perhaps, it also helps me save travelling time and money for being closer to art museums, art material shops and shopping and entertainment areas.

FFW: What is the most appealing thing about having a campus in the city?

TLN: The most appealing thing is its close proximity to so many facilities and services.

FFW: What is the most undesirable thing about having a campus in the city?

TLN: It could be more expensive being in the city, especially if one drives. For me, this is not a problem as I take the public transport. Perhaps, the most undesirable thing for me is its many distractions! There are too many entertainment facilities such as cinemas and shopping malls around that seduce me to spend. 8-p

FFW: What do you think is your contribution to the city center by your presence in the area?

TLN: My presence would add another beat into her pumping heart. People’s presence keeps the city’s life going.

FFW: I love the city because…

TLN: of the many buildings of different characteristics, and the interesting spaces they produce. For instance, the in-between spaces between buildings, the public areas where people rest. I like the underpasses that link buildings to buildings. I love the city because it is a reflection of the progress of a country. Regardless of whether it is good or bad, I think the city is an indication of a country’s vision (or no vision) which gives the country her character.

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Tang Ling Nah is concerned with the Singapore urban environment, particularly its dominating architecture, and its effects of melancholy and violation of the figure. Through her charcoal drawings of darkened local architectural spaces, she seeks to question the over-orderliness of the modern city and the dearth of intimate interpersonal relationships in it. -from táng líng nàh…tàn suô

Also visit the new Lasalle College of the Arts online

Adib is the co-founder of 5ft Creatives and he loves to walk on the FIVEFOOTWAY.