Hierarchy / Non-Hierarchy
2024

The 2-part installation was exhibited at I_S_L_A_N_D_S, Singapore, from 16 March—12 May 2024.

A side-by-side comparison of Hierarchy and Non-Hierarchy

Hierarchy (Part I of II)
2024

Hierarchy is a consolidation of individual assemblages by Genevieve Leong across multiple bodies of work, all of which deploy the method of stacking as the main gesture within the arrangement. The artist has given ‘hierarchy’ her own definition: “A stack of objects, or things, or humans, one on top of the other – does not actually exist”. The stack is not something that gives primacy to the topmost object, but is actually a structure that allows objects to be seen equally and in collaboration. Packed linearly together without overlaps such that each assemblage is in clear and distinct view with equal opportunity to be seen, the assemblages in their various forms are ‘put on a pedestal’, with a playful take on I_S_L_A_N_D_S as a window display.

Non-Hierarchy (Part II of II)
2024

While Hierarchy was focused on the stack and how its structure allows objects to be seen equally and in collaboration, Non-Hierarchy dismantles the stacked assemblages into their individual components – objects are displayed singularly as they are. Modifying and exhibiting the text edits of the initial definition of ‘hierarchy’ into “Non-Hierarchy: A plethora of objects, or things, or humans, one larger or smaller, or firmer or softer, or lighter or heavier than the other”, this iteration celebrates a deconstructed, messy, and exploded rendition of an object gathering.

hierarchy: excerpts & extrapolations [research]
2020
A virtual residency by n ear

hierarchy: excerpts & extrapolations is a series of 12 Instagram posts developed over the course of a month-long residency at n ear. Defined by the artist as “A stack of objects, or things, or humans, one on top of the other – does not actually exist”, the work attempts to dismantle hierarchy in objects, words, medium, and time. It considers object as gap, as sketch, as painting, as assemblage, as poem, as photograph, as letter, as space. The result of the residency is an array of starting points, an overspill of excerpts that try to fit themselves in frame, ever ready to be further, and once again, extrapolated.

View the residency here.