top of page
There in the middleness
1/24
2024
Being and Nothingness - A Discourse on Identity
NYD
Stainless steel pipes and sheets. This material, emblematic of sleek efficiency, encapsulates the city-state's paradoxical nature: a place renowned for its cleanliness and progress, yet sometimes perceived as lacking warmth. Like polished steel mirroring its environment, the art reflects a society where efficiency is paramount, but individual identity can risk being overshadowed.
Singapore's meticulously planned urban landscape is mirrored in the precision of the stainless steel, its smooth surfaces echoing the orderliness that defines the cityscape. Yet, the material's coldness hints at the potential cost of such efficiency: a loss of personal distinctiveness in the pursuit of conformity.
The exhibition's title, "Being and Nothingness," underscores this tension. The reflective surfaces of Nathan's sculptures become metaphors for self-examination. Viewers are confronted with their own image, prompting them to question their place within this societal structure. The juxtaposition of the material's reflective beauty and its inherent lack of warmth challenges us to find equilibrium between efficiency and human connection, between order and the vibrant expression of individuality.
1/8
2024
Fence Bench
NYD
In the bustling landscape of public spaces, where the dichotomy between utility and aesthetics often prevails, the emergence of the Fence Bench breathes new life into the concept of placemaking.
Its design, steeped in the vernacular of the fence, invites individuals to transcend their personal boundaries, inviting dialogue, and nurturing a sense of community.
The design pays homage to Singapore’s multicultural ethos. Just as the
city-state is a tapestry of cultures, the Fence Bench embodies versatility, accommodating various forms of interaction. Whether one seeks a quiet moment or a lively exchange of ideas, the sofa adapts, mirroring the adaptive nature of its society.
1/6
2023
Boxing Letters
KSY
They truly were the windows to our world at the time. Long before emails and the internet, those letterboxes were how people received information from the 'outside' world - good news, official news, bad news, junk. On a deeper level, they were a conduit through which control was exerted through the flow of information.
And one day, Nathan just stepped out of the box. Growing up, he had a very liberal childhood in the sense that his mother encouraged him to roam and explore the neighborhood. And in life, she instilled in him the belief that he should be who he wanted to be. And so, it seemed only natural that when he found himself confined, he rebelled.
It's important to stress though that Boxing Letters is not a judgment. It's an artistic expression of how art can express and manifest itself by emerging from the mundane strictures of everyday life. With this piece of work, Nathan wants to examine the transformative power of government policies and how they tilt the delicate balance between individuality and conformity, so that as an individual, you have two stark choices - thrive or wither.
1/5
2023
The Estate
Macallan
The Estate is a sculptural translation of the coexistence of nature and technology.
Nature and technology are two distinct but interconnected concepts. Nature, in this context, refers to the serene landscape, natural hill formations and the crisp atmosphere along the River Spey. Technology, on the other hand, refers to the distillery: its tools, techniques and processes used to create every Macallan single malt whisky.
1/6
2023
Cord
NYD
A groundbreaking bench design that seamlessly blends innovation with artistry, drawing inspiration from the intricate texture of weaving. This visionary bench is a product of cutting-edge 3D concrete printing technology, pushing the boundaries of design and construction.
The 3D concrete printing technique allows for the precise realization of these intricate details, resulting in a stunning visual and tactile experience.
The materiality of the design makes
this placemaker durable and versatile. When placed indoor, the bench becomes a statement piece, encouraging users to touch and sit on it. In the outdoors, it encourages plants and other vegetation to grow onto/within it; becoming one with nature.
Each Cord is 1.5 meters long. It can be placed side by side to create the desired length. In a larger setting, multiple Cords can be arranged to creatively designate certain areas.
1/19
2023
Lifecycle
NYD
It prompts you to redefine your assumption. every piece bears a distinct narrative, inviting you to relearn reflect and participate.
1/6
2023
Farewell to reason 2
KSY
A tribute to Brutalism, these architectural pieces are a nod to Modernism, fusing human savoir-faire, the natural beauty of onyx and state-of-the-art technology.
“It is almost a personal battle to be fought, torn between my desire to intervene and what I would call some “respectful restraint”! It also safeguards me, as there is always some inner voice telling me to re-evaluate the achieved body of work, ensuring some evolution from one creation to the next, driven by the urge to distil a purer form, to extract the most essential qualities…”
1/9
2021
Farewell to Reason
KSY
A tribute to Brutalism, these architectural pieces are a nod to Modernism, fusing human savoir-faire, the natural beauty of onyx and state-of-the-art technology.
“It is almost a personal battle to be fought, torn between my desire to intervene and what I would call some “respectful restraint”! It also safeguards me, as there is always some inner voice telling me to re-evaluate the achieved body of work, ensuring some evolution from one creation to the next, driven by the urge to distil a purer form, to extract the most essential qualities…”
1/7
2021
There in the middleness
National Gallery Singapore
Set monolithically within the vast greenery of The Padang, and distanced peripherally by the city's modern skyline, the installation draws the viewer to its peaceful inner sanctum. It aims to lift the spirits of the viewer to then collectively as a society reimagine new possibilities for the future.
nathan_isot_pht_25jpg
nathan_isot_pht_33jpg
nathan_isot_pht_17jpg
nathan_isot_pht_25jpg
1/7
2019
In the Scheme of Things
DesignSingapore
These new works provides a taster of Yong's ongoing collaboration with manufacturers to create thought-provoking design through engagement with innovative materials and production methods
1/5
2017
Star Wars Sculpture
Disney
For this exclusive collaboration with Disney, four marble pieces has been released, each modelled after iconic characters Sandcrawler, Millennium Falcon, TIE-Fighter and AT-AT. The Millennium Falcon and TIE-Fighter represents the duality of Light and Dark, while the AT-AT and Sandcrawler have strong visual and architectural elements. Only three pieces were produced per design and each sculpture is numbered and signed.
1/2
2014
Flash
iLight Marina Bay, Singapore
Flash is a giant red ring that is illuminated inside. Visitors are invited to interact with the sculpture and to make up their own interpretation of the installation.
bottom of page