Anekanta
2024
Crocheted cotton thread dyed with batik (wax resist) method 144cmW x 63cmH

Ekanta
2024
Archival art print on cotton rag paper
144cmW x 63cmH

Presented at ARTSG 2025 with Art Outreach Singapore, with support from The Institutum

Text by: Tan Siuli

Anekanta (‘not one’ or ‘many sided’) and Ekanta (‘one’) were created after a residency at Lohjinawi in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, an initiative by curator Alia Swastika to connect artists with the local community and artisans. During her time there, Jin Mei had the opportunity to study traditional crafts such as wayang kulit (shadow puppetry) and batik (textile created with a wax-resist technique), in addition to deepening her understanding of Indonesian history and culture— in particular the rhythms of agrarian life that inform various myths and collective beliefs, which in turn were harnessed for political agendas.

Created with the European filet crochet technique, the work is first realised as a pure white tapestry, referencing the white lace adopted by Dutch colonisers in their dress as a marker of their status and affluence. The tapestry then undergoes a dyeing process, staining it with a deep blue hue that brings to mind the precious indigo batiks that were at one time reserved for royalty, while its floral patterns make reference to the buketan (bouquet) motif popularised by Indo-European ladies – a result of the cross-pollination of cultures and aesthetics between Indonesia and the Netherlands.

Jin Mei has chosen to present the tapestry in a manner akin to a wayang performance, or shadow play, where a piece of fabric acts as a scrim on which to project and enact narratives and illusions. When illuminated, a new image hidden within the tapestry is revealed: the figure of Dewi Sri, the Goddess of rice and fertility, flanked by a pair of nagas. Presiding over the field, Dewi Sri is worshipped by a row of farmers, some with fists raised, and others bowed in supplication with scythes in hand: symbols of revolution, resolve, and independence. This tableau recalls former President Suharto’s Green Revolution, which aimed to achieve self-sufficiency for newly-independent Indonesia, although this socially and ecologically aggressive agricultural policy was not without its costs.

Textiles serve as tactile archives of exchange and influence, their materials and motifs enfolding multi-layered histories of trade, conquest, desire, and self-determination. Anekanta and Ekanta weave together Indonesia’s rich traditions, its colonial past and cultural exchanges, as well as its more recent nationalist ideologies. At a time when notions of ‘nation’ and ‘identity’ are becoming increasingly circumscribed, Anekanta and its companion piece Ekanta are reminders of the multiplicity of perspectives that individuals and communities negotiate – the ‘many’ embedded in the ‘one’, and the fragments held in the whole.

Installation photography credit: Art Outreach Singapore
Images 10 - 12: Ekanta (Photos shot before dyeing lace)

Qiān Jīn (千金), 2024
Crocheted and melted nylon
Dimensions vary

This artwork was created in the theme of ‘Monochrome’ for the #4 Objet Textile Biennale hosted in La Manufacture Museum, Roubaix (France) in 2024.

Diary
2023
Crocheted nylon yarn, fabric scraps, plastic tubing, Bloomberg memorabilia

In collaboration with the Bloomberg Singapore Office

Curated by: Adele Tan, National Gallery Singapore

Participating crocheters:
Andrew Kirkrose Devadason
Ang Wai Teng
Christal Tang
Ethanne Mae Dino
Fiona Tan
Jessie Hoong
Pamela Tan SC
Seetha
Tan Ming Shiuan
Tang Li Cheng
Tilly Murphy
Timothy Tan
Zhang Xiaohan

Yarn sponsor: Shaw Contract
Video credit: Bloomberg Singapore

GUCCI
2021

Crocheted nylon yarn and fabric remnants from Gucci, crocheted lamé lace curtain, glass tiles, wood paneling, found wooden window frame, LED lightbox, hand-carved curtain rod

Fabricator: The Made Agency
Assisted by: Hillaria Juliana-Yeo, Tang Li Cheng, Jasmine Wai
Yarn sponsor: Shaw Contract
Video & video stills credit: VeryCrafty Films

This art installation was created for the reopening of the GUCCI Flagship store at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands Singapore, and is also the first in-store Artwall display in South Asia Pacific.

Radiolarian
2019

Crocheted nylon yarn, plastic mesh, polyester stuffing
7m x 3.5m

Location: Facebook APAC HQ (Singapore)
Yarn Sponsor: Shaw Contract

Created during Facebook AIR Programme

Vessels
2021

Crocheted nylon yarn, wire mesh, crocheted repurposed plastic bags

Yarn Sponsor: Shaw Contract

This artwork was commissioned by Art Outreach Singapore for Art Encounters May 2021 at Millenia Walk Singapore

Location I/Cs
Amick Mikcote, Andita Tan, Christie Foo, Cindy Zhuang, Ervinna Neo (Rainbowlab.co), Hillaria Juliana, Janet Boo, Jasmine Angela Lau, Jeannie Foo, Jingjing, Kristine Chua, Mengu Kulahci, Shirley Seah, SP Tan, Tilly Murphy, Yvonne Lieow

Crocheters
Alexandria Neoh, Angela Chung, Angie Ng, Angie’s Imaginarium, Audrey Yuen-Gan, Bernadette Low, Caroline Mok, Chang Cheng Mun, Charmaine Eng, Chika, Christal Tang, Craftycrafter, Crare, Crochet_Connectz, Dawn Clare Ng, Dawn Gager, Deepa Teeju, Denise Eng, Evelyn Toh, Fei B. Lim, Geena Tan, Giat Hun, Grace Kusnadi, Hazlin Rosli, Ivana Pang, Jade Kok, Jamie Yeap, Jasmine Yin Lan, Jennylaigp, Joanna Ng, Karen Chan, Karen Young, Kelly Kuan, keyinmine, Koh Hong Ling, Krystal Tan, Lee Bingqian, Lim Lu Ee, Liqi, Liza Hafalla, Lorraine Bellard, Mabel Chong, Mindy Low, MYdream.crochet, Noor Hasdian, Pamela Tan, Peggy Ng, PL Teh, Ruth Tan, Sarah Wong, Seema, Seetha, Ser Lin, Serena Sia, Sheridan Mew, Shirley Lim, Shona Tan, Shyda Aliya, Siew Chin Neo, Stephanie Wong, Tang Li Cheng, Teresa Chua, Thecrochetriot, Vanessa Loretta, Victoria Or, Vivien Boey, Wong Pei Ling, Yap Siew Eng, Yi Xin, Yinling, Yong Xin Ee, Yoyo (Yeo Lay Choon)