MASSOT, Gilles
Visual Arts,
Accession Number 003494
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 14
Total Reels
- Sian Eira Jay (Dr)
Interviewer
- 13:32:27
Total Running Time
- English
Language
Copyright Notice
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Reel/Disc 1 of 14
Metadata
- 31 Mar 2010
Recording Date
- 00:57:27
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Born in 1955 in Aix au Provence, France. Grew up in Gardin. Talks about connection between Gardin and Cazanne and connection with aluminium processing. Father worked in aluminium industry. Love of dance as child. Formal dance classes put him off dancing and he stopped aged about 5 years. Explains why. Aged 9/10 started art classes at local cultural centre.
Digresses to explain his illness in his 20s and how finding dance again cured him. Returns narrative to art centre and teachers: Madame Tourbillion de Moncroc and later Jean Paul Angenard who had studied in Paris with existentialists. Was joined at classes by friend Jean Jacques Martin and they created character of Ma de Marma. Talks about events he shared with Martin. Martin went on to become sculptor. Explains how the collaboration Ma de Marma emerged out of their art practice through collaborative drawing based on Surreal idea.
In 1973 went to Marseilles to study architecture, studied architecture for two years. Stopped when it became too business oriented. Met Xavier Gaermynck who was studying photography. Massot went to study architecture. Talks about how Ma de Marma continued during this period as others joined in. Massot and Martin were given work to create a children’s library space.
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Reel/Disc 2 of 14
Metadata
- 31 Mar 2010
Recording Date
- 00:58:40
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Describes art work they did for children’s library. Talks about how other students became involved in Ma de Marma. Explains how Gaermynck left photo school to travel in Thailand in 1977 and then went to Singapore. Massot failed exam because he focused on single project but told he could resubmit project in future and graduate.
Had been communicating with Gaermynck in Singapore who suggested he join him. He had started advertising company called Mouette and was servicing French clients in Singapore. Massot came to Singapore in 1981 and worked with agency. Was small with Malay art director named Kahil Ahas and one graphic artist.
His impressions of Singapore and how he knew nothing of the place before coming out. Lived on Pasir Panjang Hill. Describes the journey to work in Shenton Way next to International Plaza. His interest in the architecture and the early high rise buildings in Singapore.
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Reel/Disc 3 of 14
Metadata
- 27 Apr 2010
Recording Date
- 00:58:05
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Started dance lessons with Sylvia McCully in Singapore on Upper Thompson Road and explains why he chose her. Explains about being only foreigner in class and about the size and style of teaching. Most people did ballet for enjoyment. Talks about Sylvia McCully. Had dance partner, Mr. Chong. Mentions another dance school run by Tony Lacer from Philippines on Killiney Road. He trained several people who went to dance with the Singapore Dance Theatre. Also mentioned Lim Fei Shen who ran a dance company throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Heard about Angela Leong later. Reached a plateau in dance and rarely dances.
1985 employment pass not renewed and went travelling. Later in 1994 Fei Shen introduced him to Tai Chi and he has done that ever since.
When left Moette and pass ran out had to decide what to do. Put together portfolio of his work and went around with it and got work with MPH Female and later did work for Life. Mentioned Jane Perkins as editor of Life and entertainment.
Heard about Inlingua who were recruiting part time French teachers. Based in Cuppage Plaza. English most important language but taught other European and Asian languages. Was sharing house in Sembawang with woman called Severine who taught at Alliance Francais. Developed own network at Inlingua and moved to Gilstead Road. Was given one week training before teaching. Began to see local people in different light. People learning French for enjoyment and social reasons.
In 1981 had met Francois Verlet and Maralyn Salun. Friend Jean Jacques from France and his wife Lydia came over just after he left Mouette. Francois and wife opened up new doors.
Francois Verlet had studied audio visual, but worked in Total Oil Company. Had vision of using sound, music and light to change people’s perception of the world. Would do it through themes parties like those of the 1930s. By 1980s in Singapore anything unusual had been stopped. Were few clubs, recalls Chinoiserie in Hyatt, Studio M, Xanadu in Shangri-la, Offshore Club, Tropicana. Were few places people could go to enjoy themselves and many parties held in homes.
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Reel/Disc 4 of 14
Metadata
- 27 Apr 2010
Recording Date
- 00:58:40
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Francois Verlet developed themed parties. First was Black and White in 1982. For woman who had fashion house in Lucky Plaza (forgot her name). Had vacated flat on Bras Basah about to be demolished and they held the party there. Gilles made mural for wall using newspapers, used ultra violet lights for psychedelic effect. Francois Verlet was DJ.
Francois started companies Art for Parties and Talking Eyes. Entertainment and audio visual productions. He went part time with oil company and people asked them to do parties for them. 1983 Magic Night at house of Ronnie Pinsler a Singaporean of Rumanian descent. Talks about coverage in Tatler, Female, Cheire. Dick Lee was there, Ong Keng Sen (still law student at NUS). Their perceptions of what was possible was changed.
Also did Jungle Night in Sembawang and Children’s Night. Ernesto Badmar, the famous Argentinian architect was visiting Singapore and went to Scorpio Party. He gained positive view of Singapore and says he moved here from Hong Kong because of the party. Talks in detail about some of the parties.
In 1983/4 held new year eve party themed Fire and Ice at British Country Club – last party in Hotel (in Pasir Ris) where club was. John Henson guitarist from UK played and choreography by Barry Chia later called Barry Cha Cha. Barry Cha Cha had finished at NUS where he had started modern dance group. He was doing groundbreaking dance.
Talking Eyes was more commercial. Did audio visual for opening of MRT. Gilles drew first MRT map later adapted by graphic designer. Had to present MRT to population. When company began getting more commercial things began to change. 1984 did a Christmas audio show at Centrepoint, and same year company moved to office in Clemenceau Avenue.
Met Jessica Leo a Malaysian chemist with MA from New Zealand. She worked with Ministry of Community Development in 1983 for Arts Festival. Gilles met her at party given by Justin Hill (architect and co founder of Theatreworks). He talks about Jessica’s contribution to art festival. Festival was biannual at that stage. In 1984 she gave Talking Eyes a small budget to put p small performances at Toh Payoh, Ang Moh Kio and Queenstown. This was first street festival (apart from traditional theatre). Talks about the theme for the fringe festival and hiring local people who were keen to perform.
Talks about Jessica’s attempts in 1983 to get something going with Marilyn Wood. Former dancer/choreographer with Merce Cunningham and John Cage. Now choreographed city based shows. Didn’t get anything going till several years later.
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Reel/Disc 5 of 14
Metadata
- 7 May 2010
Recording Date
- 00:58:39
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*1984 Talks about his audio visual involvement with Experimental Theatre Club on production of Life and Times of Mr. X. Main director was Chandran, also mentions Suresh. Was early use of audio visual in Singapore. Same year did stage design for Hayana Vadana and Orchids in the Moonlight. Sasitharan one of actors in Hayana Vadana. This led to working with newly formed Lyric Opera on Die Fledermaus.
1984 worked on Sacred Marriage, produced by (forgot name) and was first performance at Fort Canning. Talks about the production and how that led to Fort Canning becoming frequent site for performances.
By end of 1984 tension in Talking Eyes led to Gilles leaving. Employment pass with Inlingua not renewed-financial crisis led to students dropping off. Teamed up with British Kevin O’Sullivan from Inlingua to sell stories to magazines. Gilles used savings to go on 6 month trip in region to collect images and stories. Travelled to Bangkok, Tokyo and Hong Kong. Talks about the travel and work writing and photographing and selling stories.
1985 did first solo in Singapore called from BW to C. Photography staged in old factory in Mountbatten Road owned by Luciana Talib a Corsican woman who ran an antique business. Talks about her business. Sold photographs at show. Magazines interested. Began selling work to numerous magazines.
For next ten years he lived as free spirit coming and going to Singapore and Europe and to region. Based himself in Singapore. Talks about these travels. Only in 1995 did he finally settle in Singapore and register his company Asimages.
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Reel/Disc 6 of 14
Metadata
- 7 May 2010
Recording Date
- 00:58:04
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*1984 was first Fringe Festival. In 1986 it grew and he danced with the Manchester Arts and Technology Workshop for Fringe. Performed on Padang. Dance choreographed by Maxine Thomas. Talks about performance.
1987 set up ying yang festival. Explains significance of event and why he chose name. Wanted to bring people from different creative fields together; became group project. Had met painter Simon Wong on MRT project and he stayed in background advising. Talks about Simon Wong’s working methodology. Suresh (from Experimental Theatre Club) was now manager of Hyatt and was alumni NUS and on board of Guildhouse. He sold idea to Guildhouse who allowed the project to use premises for four day festival. Talks in detail about the festival and what took place. Participants included Robert Liew, Flame of Forest (dance group), Roger Jenkins, Chris Ho, Heritage (band), Siva Choy and Vernon Cornelius (band from 1960s). Talks about how people helped and contributed. Vincent Leow was involved in organisation.
Took structure and team into Frenge Festival of 1988 when Gilles became technical Director for the Fringe. Also Neo Kim Seng as coordinator. Talks about the different events they organised for Fringe on theme of Art Commando. Used Saint Joseph’s Institute that had just been vacated. Believes it gave the idea to make building into art space – later Singapore Art Museum.
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Reel/Disc 7 of 14
Metadata
- 7 May 2010
Recording Date
- 00:58:09
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Talks about Della Butcher. 1982/83 Met her at theme party and later at lunch of journalist Cynthia Wee. Della had played part of Gypsy fortune teller on Magic Night theme party. Later did story about her with Kevin O’Sullivan. Was about galleries in Singapore. Mentioned Marjorie Chu and a gallery on Bukit Timah.
Did show called Fragmented Whole with Della Butcher in 1988. Was based on travels to Kathmandu. Talks about influences that went into the show. Jimmy Quek was one of her artists. Talks more about Della Butcher.
1988 Fringe Festival led to Night Safari being created. Theme was Fragile Forest and was held in zoo. Jessica Leo had seen show in Kew Gardens in London and brought group to Singapore. Bernard Harrison.
Opening Festival was on Marina Bay where Esplanade now stands. Marilyn Wood choreographed the celebrations. Describes them in detail. Says it created a new perception of the city.
Wanted to focus on own work as artist and photographer. In 1993 and 1994 was involved with French Festival.
1993 did New Journey to the West taking Chandra Sekaran, Han Sai Por, Vincent Leow and Koh Ng Hau in a Renault all over France. Talks about the journey in detail, places visited and artists’ reaction to what they encountered. Held show at raffles City on return and later at Substation.
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Reel/Disc 8 of 14
Metadata
- 7 May 2010
Recording Date
- 00:55:36
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Talks more about Journey to west.
1995 talks about a different energy emerging for the French Festival, more commercial, Gilles was technical Director for show at Science Centre.
Talks about Vincent Leow and his role in the art world. Explains why he became Permanent Resident in 2000 but not citizen. Talks about some of his exhibitions in brief.
1980s he was in Parangtritis in Indonesia and he made drawings of an Indonesian lady in kebaya. 1985 she re-emerged as a character called Ibu Rambut Gila, a transvestite role. She became a character at parties and once he entertained platoon party sitting on colonel’s lap singing Jangan Tipu Saya. Was beginning to push ideas.
1996 Arts festival Lim Fei Shen did My Body My Choice. Talks about Fei Shen. Was transforming body for beauty. Jeffrey Tan was one of dancers/performers. He did piece using 18th century costume he had used at American ball, performing as Lafayette. Talks about that. Talks about differences in Sylvia McCully’s style of dance and that of Lim Fei Shen.
1997 performed at Substation in 3 Deadly Sins as Mother Earth.
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Reel/Disc 9 of 14
Metadata
- 27 Jul 2010
Recording Date
- 00:57:42
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Jumps back to 1990 and talks about his exhibition based on travels to India and his approach to photography as seen through Asian Eyes Chronicle. 1992 talks about Coffee Shop show in Chinese coffee shop at Newton Circus. Saw it as microcosm of Singapore and put up show of photos, paintings and scroll paintings. His approach to installation and working with the spirit of the place. Compares his approach to installation and performance with that of Singaporean artists. Talks about design aspect of his work. Would like to have done more stage design. T-shirt designs with his company Asimages as consultant. 2000 Milenko Pravaki at Lasalle asked him to come and teach photography workshop for students. Met Marc Thalmann a Swiss working in oil who had land in Bintan and set up small resort. Wanted someone to make postcards.
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Reel/Disc 10 of 14
Metadata
- 27 Jul 2010
Recording Date
- 00:58:11
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Started photographing tourist images and scenes of Bintan which sold well as they were the only ones on market. Bintan developing as resort destination. Went well till 9/11, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Bali Bomb and tourism dropped. People also sent fewer postcards as used SMS and internet. Thalmann suggested Gilles do souvenir book. Was meant to be picture book but had to do research and it became the first substantial book on Bintan. Talks about the historical importance of Bintan in relation to Singapore and his research in relation to the region. Book published 2003. Well received by academics. Then wanted to pursue interest in Bintan further and study cemetery at Bukit Batu in heart of island. Talks about the relationship between the creation of the book and world events. Went to cemetery and made contact with Pak Itan the village leader. Cemetery connected with Sejarah Melayu and Parameswara and origins of Malay identity.
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