Artist Talk, The Weight of a Line

Venue: INSTINC Space, 39 Keppel Rd, #03-10 Tanjong Pagar Distripark, Singapore 089065

Opening Reception: 20 August 2025 (Wed.) 5:30PM–8:30PM

Exhibition Duration: 21 to 31 August 2025 (Wed-Fri, 1PM-7PM. Sat - Sun, 1PM-6PM)

Artist Talk: 23 August 2025 (Sat.) 3:00PM-4:00PM at the venue

"The Weight of a Line" delves into the profound physicality and conceptual density behind Kabata's unique artistic process. Using a common ballpoint pen, she meticulously applies thousands of individual strokes that coalesce into shimmering, deep fields of ink resembling cosmic phenomena or topographical maps. The title refers not to a physical heaviness, but to the accumulated weight of time, labor, and focused intention embedded in each piece. The works are a testament to the gravity of a creative act that transforms a simple tool into a conduit for monumental expression. 

This exhibition is a powerful continuation of Kabata's enduring relationship with INSTINC. A two-time participant in the gallery's international residency program, her journey began in 2014 with an exchange that culminated in an exhibition at the Japan Creative Centre, Singapore. 

About Artists

Chihiro Kabata

Chihiro Kabata is a Japanese artist whose drawings and sculptures accumulate delicate ink lines into powerful visions. Chihiro Kabata's medium of choice — ballpoint pen on paper – is deceptively humble, making the final result all the more unanticipated. Her works bring together the visual idioms of old Japan and the metaphysics of contemporary art.

She is a practicing visual artist originally from Tokyo, Japan. She received her MFA from Musashino Art University. Now, Associate Professor, Wako University.

Chihiro Kabata has had numerous solo and group exhibitions internationally. Venues have included the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, The Ueno Royal Museum, Fuchu Art Museum, Echigo-Tsumari Art Field, Institute of Contemporary Arts Singapore ( ICAS ), gallery alpha M ( Musashino Art University ), Zibo museum, Pyeongtack museum, Nam-seoul university gallery, Art Front Gallery at Tokyo, kashya Hildebrand at Switzerland, INSTINC at Singapore, and others. She was noticed in The College Art Association 101ST ANNUAL CONFERENCE NEW YORK( CAA).

About INSTINC Space

Founded in 2004 by artist Yeo Shih Yun, INSTINC is a leading artist-run institution based in Singapore. With a distinguished presence in the arts ecosystem, INSTINC diligently sustains the growth of contemporary art through exhibitions, residency programs and curations. Their esteemed Artist-in-Residence program has cultivated invaluable regional and international networks since 2009. INSTINC is celebrated for producing immersive, large-scale exhibitions that encompass installation, new media, performance, painting and sculpture, showcasing the diverse range of artistic expressions.

Notable collaborations include partnerships with renowned brands such as Volvo and Guinness, further demonstrating INSTINC's commitment to fostering cross-disciplinary exchanges. Moreover, INSTINC takes immense pride in organising the highly anticipated INSTINC D:Art Festival 2022, generously supported by UOB Bank and the NAC start fund.

INSTINC continues to foster creative individuals and collective practitioners by establishing a platform for cross-disciplinary exchanges with their relocation in Tanjong Pagar Distripark. With expertise in exhibition curation, commissioned works and brand alliances, INSTINC endeavours as a vital presence in the cultivation of contemporary art.