Dear Right Honourable Lord Hastings, 2024
oil and mixed media on xuan paper
(H) 60 x (W) 90 cm
oil and mixed media on xuan paper
(H) 60 x (W) 90 cm
“Dear Right Honourable Lord Hastings” reinterprets George Francis Joseph’s portrait of Stamford Raffles. My version captures a moment of intense rivalry, with Raffles, quill pen in hand, poised to inscribe his disdain onto the skull of William Farquhar. The piece speaks to Raffles’ relentless pursuit to secure his legacy as the sole founder of Singapore, even at the expense of discrediting Farquhar.
The title of the work hints of a complaint letter that Raffles might have penned against Farquhar. The text within the artwork is a speculative narrative, adding intrigue and tension, and further highlighting the contentious relationship between the two men.
By delving into the historical discord between Raffles and Farquhar, the artwork invites viewers to question the established narrative of Singapore’s founding. It underscores the significant yet often overlooked contributions of Farquhar as the Resident of Singapore. In doing so, it challenges the dominant narrative that celebrates Raffles as the singular founder, prompting a re-evaluation of Singapore’s history.
The title of the work hints of a complaint letter that Raffles might have penned against Farquhar. The text within the artwork is a speculative narrative, adding intrigue and tension, and further highlighting the contentious relationship between the two men.
By delving into the historical discord between Raffles and Farquhar, the artwork invites viewers to question the established narrative of Singapore’s founding. It underscores the significant yet often overlooked contributions of Farquhar as the Resident of Singapore. In doing so, it challenges the dominant narrative that celebrates Raffles as the singular founder, prompting a re-evaluation of Singapore’s history.