The Artist
Ho Tzu Nyen
Moving image artist, film and performance maker, curator
“I work across moving-image technologies—video, animation, real-time algorithmic systems and artificial intelligence. My practice is grounded in researching historical, political and philosophical questions, particularly within Southeast and East Asian contexts. I’m known for works exploring the histories and mythologies of the tiger, The Critical Dictionary of Southeast Asia, and a recent trilogy examining 20th-century Japanese philosophy and its ties to imperialism.”
The Work in Motion
“I’m currently leading ‘P for Power’, a project that reexamines what we mean by ‘power’. I also serve as artistic director of the 16th Gwangju Biennale in South Korea, one of Asia’s most prominent exhibitions. Together with a curatorial team of three, we’re working with around 50 artists on a show centred on the theme of ‘change’—a timely focus amid overlapping crises, from climate breakdown and democratic erosion to conflict, displacement and food insecurity.”
The Uniform
“This black jacket is by Issey Miyake and one of the most important pieces in my wardrobe. Its kimono-inspired silhouette can read as formalwear, yet it feels almost like a cardigan. The pleated black pants, also by Issey Miyake, share this versatility. The necklace—also a pants chain—is from Singaporean jeweller Shing, a close friend. Its weight, spikes and subtle sound ground me. I wear the rest of my jewellery daily with the same devotion. My white-gold bracelet is from Fred, paired with an identical one worn by my wife, Stephanie, serving as our wedding bands.”
“The gold ring I wear is the only object left by my late maternal grandmother. I also wear a tiger’s eye ring, with a matching one for my wife. The tiger has been central to my work—sometimes as a personal totem, other times as a figure I channel, allowing an animal hunted to extinction under British colonial rule in Singapore to return.
Finally, the jacket with colourful prints is actually a pair of pyjamas from a Japanese brand, gifted by my wife for my birthday. It’s a special edition designed by Yamantaka Eye of the experimental noise rock band Boredoms. Once reluctant to wear pyjamas to bed, I now wear this obsessively as a casual jacket. Its energy amuses friends and colleagues, and makes me feel safe and protected.”
The Ritual
“I rely on repetition in my daily rituals and clothing plays a key role in that structure. My wardrobe functions almost like a uniform, which is why I often have multiple versions or slight variations of the same item. This repetition calms me, putting me in the right mindset to be open and receptive to difference.”
Photography Kim Jae-Ha
Styling Nicholas See
Hair and make-up Sarah Tan
Photographer’s assistants Zilhanz and Syed Abdullah
Hair and make-up assistant Janine Toh
Vogue Singapore’s January/February ‘Art’ issue will be out on newsstands from January 14 and is available to preorder online.
