Looking at Each Other presents a bird’s-eye view of two rows of motorcycles, lined up face-to-face, momentarily paused, yet full of movement. Commonly seen at the Singapore–Malaysia border, these vehicles function not only as modes of transport but as witnesses to daily life, forming points of connection between people, cultures, and routines.
In this work, motorcycles become more than machines, acting as extensions of their riders, they carry stories, memories, and shared habits across national lines. The stillness captured in this scene is not a void, but a space filled with anticipation, interaction, and humanity. Chien’s sensitive engagement with themes of mobility, identity and transnational life adds dimension to contemporary lived experiences in Southeast Asia. In using traditional Chinese ink techniques to depict everyday subjects, the work demonstrates a thoughtful and relevant approach to contemporary artmaking that resonates with current social dynamics while honoring artistic heritage.
