Exhibiting in Singapore Art Book Fair (SGABF)

There are a few key thoughts I have about participating in SGABF:

One: I was not a good design student, nor have I achieved anything in the industry, so it feels like an immense privilege to be a part of something as notable as SGABF.

Two: Borrowed power. I don't know if this is a common term, but I use it to describe when ordinary people use Big Names to assign value to themselves. Examples are name dropping, being part of an elite school, or exhibiting at SGABF. You gain recognition just by being associated with Big Names, but it actually does nothing to increase your inherent worth. In fact, nothing can increase or decrease your inherent worth because we are all fearfully and wonderfully made by God. Perhaps you gain a higher social standing from the borrowed power of Big Names but the only person who holds all Power and Glory is God. 

Three: The art scene is really niche. My father described my poly course as 冷门 when I expressed interest in it at 16 years of age. I don't think I ever understood it properly until recently. The agencies and industry players that we idolize is only known to this minority group called the designers. Even if I truly 'made it' in the design industry, I will probably be respected by very few who understands it. In light of all these, it feels silly that I thought myself as above others just because I think I have better taste. So what? No one actually cares. Also, who do I want to show off to? School mates that I don't even keep in contact with? My actual friends don't really care, they are just happy to hang out even if I am kinda lame. 

I am not sure where I am getting at with this. These are just some disjointed thoughts which I have not properly formed a conclusion with. But I know that I am extremely thankful to be a part of SGABF this year. Hopefully we can go back next year under Through the Roof because it was the closest thing to feeling a camp high as a full grown adult.