Nature Walk: The River’s Source with Robert Zhao Renhui

Nature Walk: The River’s Source pays particular attention to an ancient river running through the secondary forests of Gillman Barracks that drains into Berlayer Creek. Though concretised by the British during the colonial days of Singapore, nature has gradually reclaimed stretches of this tributary, reverting it to a seemingly “natural” state. On this trek led by The Forest Institute’s co-initiator Robert Zhao, gain deeper insight into how this river inspired the project’s development while hearing from the artist first-hand on the central role this waterway plays in supporting its surrounding ecosystem and its extensive history.

Meeting point: Entrance of The Forest Institute

Conducted in English

Note: Please come in comfortable clothes, walking shoes and with insect repellent. Children below the age of 12 should always be accommodated by parents or guardians. DECK and The Forest Institute shall not be responsible or liable in any way for any loss, injury, mishap (including personal injury) of any participant involved in the programme.

About Robert Zhao Renhui

Robert Zhao Renhui is a multi-disciplinary artist and the founder of the Institute of Critical Zoologists. His artistic practice addresses humanity’s relationship with nature, and is characterised by a longstanding interest in investigating sites defined by the conflation of wilderness and urbanisation.

www.instagram.com/robert_zhao/

https://www.criticalzoologists.org/

Nature Walks

Nature Walks continues the tradition of guided treks into the secondary forest surrounding the Gillman Barracks first introduced as a key component of Queens Own Hill and its Environs (2019). View More

Touching on wide ranging topics such as history, botany, zoology, and ecology, these knowledge-packed journeys are certain to satisfy art and nature lovers alike.

About:

The Forest Institute is a large-scale architectural art installation housing a research installation, and comprising the Forest Observation Room and the River Boardwalk, devoted to research on the forest surrounding the Gillman Barracks precinct. Conceptualised by Robert Zhao & Randy Chan, and curated by John Tung, the Institute—that intervenes into existing pedestrian infrastructure—is accompanied by several large-scale prints of fauna installed in its vicinity, exposing visitors to the different realities of the area.

The project draws inspiration from, and pays close attention to an ancient tributary of Berlayer Creek, that courses through the forested areas of the barracks within an earshot distance from the institute. Prompting an acute awareness of the interconnectedness and interdependence of the perceived ‘ecological pockets’ that we encounter within our built environments, The Forest Institute offers a glimpse at the beauty and peculiarities that nature has to offer, while pre-empting us on what we stand to lose.

http://www.theforestinstitute.sg/