Little Thoughts Group present 'Imprints: Designing from Memories'
through January 1 '11
National Museum of Singapore
Little Thoughts Group is a collective of 20 industrial designers based in Singapore who come together, outside of their day to day industry roles, to create new design work that is based upon embracing "the beauty of an idea; small sparks that have the potential to ignite into something bigger."
'Designing from Memories' is a collaboration with the National Heritage Board, and aims to look back at Singapore's cultural past to create innovative modern-day treasures. Simultaneously invoking and rejecting nostalgia, the designs in this exhibition attempt to define and challenge the notion of 'Singapore Design'.
Song Kee Hong, Managing director of Design Exchange says:
"For a developed nation, we’re a nation with a surprising lack of identity and self esteem when it comes to aesthetics and art; from decision makers down to the masses, and I hope this exhibition together with a host of others in the Design Festival will spell the start of an awareness of good quality local design and celebrate a new chapter of confidence in the industry."
Notable pieces include:
'Glowbelly Steamboat' by Tan Lun Cheak; a pyro-ceramic table lamp that can be used to cook food, inspired by the designer's memories of family bonding over a good meal.
'Kandil' by Lee Leong Chye; a modern take on the traditional kerosene lamp.
'Bird Tea House' by Ng Pei Kang; a response to the declining pet bird industry and theconsquent decline of crafts skills that go toward the making of birdcages. This project re-presents the idea of the bird cage, keeping the craft alive but viewing birds as visitors rather than pets.
'Ants Can't Swim Condiment Holder' by Lee Yun Qin; castle and moat style ceramics with a nice story from the designer:
"In my memories, my grandparents often had simple yet ingenious ways of dealing with life’s little problems. While they may not be the most elegant of solutions, they were clever in their little ways. My grandmother would place a jar of condensed milk in the middle of a saucer of water. When I questioned why she did it, she would reply, ‘Ants can’t swim’."
For more information visit
'Glowbelly Steamboat' by Tan Lun Cheak
'Kandil' by Lee Leong Chye
'Ants Can't Swim Condiment Holder' by Lee Yun Qin
'Bird Tea House' by Ng Pei Kang
