At least 1 brinjal allegedly stolen from National Gallery S'pore exhibit by visitors

About 200 eggplants were pinned to two walls as part of a National Gallery Singapore (NGS) installation with phallic themes — the brainchild of Singaporean artist Suzann Victor.

However, the eggplants have been going missing after the 'Still Life' exhibit opened on Jul. 18, said National Gallery Singapore as reported by The Straits Times.

Gallery staff regularly inspect the work to maintain its integrity, NGS said.

The gallery did not specify how many of the brinjals have been allegedly stolen, or why.

Signage erected to warn against touching

The brinjals in the exhibit are intended to be regularly replaced as they decompose during the exhibition period.

This process is meant to convey the concept of "authoritarian masculinity breaking down in plain sight", according to the transcript for the exhibit.

In light of the alleged thefts, NGS said in a statement published by ST that clear signage has been erected to warn visitors against touching the installation.

The gallery noted that the wall-mounted work has aroused curiosity and enthusiasm since its inception, with many taking photos and experiencing it up close.

"We kindly seek the public's cooperation in preserving the artwork so that everyone can enjoy it in its intended form," the gallery said.

"We hope this interest continues in a respectful way."

Background

Still Life is a commissioned work that is part of NGS' revamped Singapore art history exhibition, Singapore Stories: Pathways And Detours In Art.

Still Life was originally conceptualised in 1992 as part of a live performance event at Parkway Parade.

The exhibit has been a talking point since it was launched in July, with online discussions raising the issue of potential food wastage, ST reported.

NGS has since said that the aubergines are replaced monthly, with the old aubergines donated to nonprofit organisation Ground-Up Initiative (GUI) for composting.

Did you steal an eggplant? If you did, you can contact Mothership to explain why.

Top image from gajahgallery/Instagram