Vertical Submarine is an artist collective consisting of three members, Fiona Koh, Joshua Yang and Justin Loke. The collective’s artworks are often societal commentaries, presented in a playful and interactive manner, whereby the viewer is invited to explore and uncover hidden meanings. The collective has won three awards since its formation in 2003, including the inaugural President’s Young Talents 2009 Credit Suisse Artist Residency Award. It has participated in local projects and exhibitions, including the Singapore Art Show 2007 and the annual Zouk event, Zoukout 2008 and 2009. ‘Fool’s Gold’ is an outdoor installation commissioned by Zouk, a Singapore-based dance club, for the Zoukout 2008 beach party. It alludes to the Chinese idiom about a fool hiding his gold, yet making its location known to all by erecting a sign at the burial location disclaiming its existence. This wry commentary on the culture of the youth behaving foolishly at events such as a beach party, was installed at the beach party. Incorporating elements of nightlife culture, a huge neon sign in the shape of an arrow was installed on a beach in Sentosa, with the words, ‘No Gold Buried Here’, and its Chinese equivalent. Golden digging apparatus are placed below the sign, inviting the viewers to interact with the installation, with a little silliness.
