Commuting II offers a poignant reflection on motorcycles as both a practical mode of transport between Singapore and Malaysia and a powerful symbol of identity, belonging, and transnational experience. Born in Malaysia and raised in Singapore since the age of five, the piece captures the emotional weight of waiting for formal recognition as a citizen and the complex feelings of in-betweenness that shape one's sense of home.
The motorcycles depicted are not just vehicles, they embody the daily rhythms of cross-border life. They represent freedom of movement, cultural resilience and the quiet strength of those who navigate physical and emotional borders. This work is a narrative of contemporary lived experience in this region that speaks directly to broader conversations about mobility, identity and a deep sense of belonging between her birthland and home.
Commuting II
Year of execution: 2024
Year of acquisition: 2025
Medium: Chinese ink on paper
Dimension: 120 x 100 cm
Artist(s)
Stephy Chien
