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LUMEN | WALKING WITH LA SALLE
At the amphitheatre , viewers are required to slow down and contemplate the flickering forms of Rekindling that curve and sweep from floor to wall . Much like La Salle ’ s moments of respite and reflection at Parmenie that allowed him to rediscover his passion , we too are invited to enter into an oasis of calm .
Installation of Rekindling in September over a period of four days .
Slowing down and reconnecting
A Walk in the Light of La Salle has also been a process of slowing down and reconnecting with people I grew up with such as my fellow schoolmate Jon Max Goh , as well as our teachers Mrs Vivian Tan and Mrs Pennie Ong . Just over a year before the start of this project in 2020 , I was looking to find a new school to develop myself professionally and had interviewed at another institution . It was only when I met Mrs Vivian Tan for a meal that the idea of returning to SJI to teach became a possibility . Our art family , though small within the context of the wider SJI community , has grown over the years in strength and recognition both within and outside the school . Being asked to use our gifts to help inspire newer generations of Josephian students , teachers and parents has been a blessing and an honour .
Jon aptly shares that “ When looking at La Salle ’ s life story , we know that he was passionate about both the students and the teachers . I wanted this work to be meaningful to not just students but also to teachers and staff who are a big part of making SJI what it is .” This project has surely been a true reflection of this as it was Mrs Tan and Mrs Ong who connected all the alumni together so that we could bring La Salle ’ s story to life .
In addition , having the opportunity to learn about how to teach , not just in the
classroom , but to grow students and school culture from Mrs Tan and Mrs Ong has truly made an impact on how effective I can be as an educator for others .
It is also in slowing down and building connections with old and new people that I have found a deeper and stronger flame that exists . Like the blue flames that burn brightly at Into the Fire , I have come to realise that walking with La Salle is an experience that takes time , will test one ’ s patience , and will allow one to emerge more resilient and adaptable .
Rekindling is a contemplative , abstract piece that catches the light and casts shadows which change throughout the day .
The art alumni taught by Mrs Pennie Ong and Mrs Vivian Tan first collaborated to put together an art exhibition themed Creation in 2013