Most of the time, our financial logics not only influence our (life) decisions, they also, by and large, inform the way we plan our lives. From the broadly structured and costly ones, down to the simple yet overlooked ones, $imple Finance$ arranges the economic symbolism of the everyday. Set up as visual prompters, this mini, self-guided exhibition invites viewers to look at these micro- and macro- economic logics, that over time, create narratives, form consciousness as well as reinforce certain ideals and aspirations.

Laugh once in awhile — that’s free after all.

$imple Finance$ is a series of mini works (literally), located at both the exterior and within the compound of Aliwal Arts Centre.

It happens. Once in a blue moon, we forget to pay the bills on time and get slapped with a late fee for it. According to 2023 data from various banks in Singapore, interest rates between 26-30% are levied from outstanding bills, and that is not including the $100 late-fee-cherry on top. For some, it is a minor mismanagement. For others, it can be habitual. Whatever the case, savvy management of finances is a desirable skill, because tardiness can cost money.

Location: Left stairwell, DASSAD poster display

Singapore spends S$17.98 billion on the city state’s defence in 2023. Not to be understated in any way, the survival of Singapore as a sovereign state depends on its defence capabilities and technology to ward off potential enemies (and bad luck).

For comparison, the projected 2023 expenditures of the Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Education is S$16.88 billion, and S$14.6 billion, respectively. For the Ministry of Sustainability and Environment, a measly S$3.45 billion is expected to be spent.

Location: Window in front of #02-04 DASSAD Studio

Since independence, Singapore has “physically grown” from around 590km2 to 734km2, increasing its land space by 24%. According to the Ministry of National Development, reclaimed land typically cost between $270-$850 per square meter. Land reclamation is an expensive endeavour hobby. And on the sunny island of Singapore, we do plenty of that.

Location: Right wall of #02-04 DASSAD Studio

Singapore has over 850,000 registered motor vehicles in September 2023. It is widely acknowledged that cars are really expensive in Singapore, compared to anywhere else in the world. That is due to the “Certificate of Entitlement”, affectionately known as the COE, that entitles one to own a private vehicle that goes on public roads. Since the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has no perfect solution in curbing vehicular ownership and traffic congestion, why not make a quick buck out of it while you are at it?

Toyota, Mercedes and BMW together, are the top 3 carmakers in Singapore.

Location: Right wall of #02-04 DASSAD Studio

In 2023, the consumer index of hawker food in Singapore increased by 8.3%. Inflation has been a major reason for the hike in food pricing. Our choices for local flavours at the coffeeshops and hawker centres reflect not only the love for food, it is often a conscious act to be frugal or financially prudent.

How much cai fan or nasi padang can you have in a week?

Location: Outside #02-10 Hothouse

Horse racing? Lottery, or perhaps poker? Gambling may be quick way to win, but it is also a quick way to lose your money. In the financial year that ended in March this year, Tote Board reported a staggering S$10.3 billion was spent on betting. This amount obviously does not include festive / unaccounted / illegal gambling.

Life is hard. Sometimes, small wins matter.

Location: Exterior wall, electrical box of Aliwal Arts Centre

As part of the mini-exhibition, Coffee $hop Talk is an artist talk and participatory conversation between the artist, and the host and member of DASSAD Studio on 2 Dec 2023, 3-5pm.

Special thanks to Dave Lim, Woong Soak Teng and Adar Ng for their generous support, space and time. $imple Finance$ runs from 1-31 Dec 2023 and is proudly hosted by DASSAD Studio.