Exactly Foundation – Raising Sam by Tan Wei Keong
$70.00
Raising Sam is a text-based project that responds to the repeal of Section 377A in 2022. The repeal prompts us to consider the societal impact of removing a string of text from the Singapore Penal Code, including how we understand family in contemporary society.
This project explores the premise of raising an AI child with the same intention, intimacy, and trial-and-error approach commonly associated with parenting. Raising Sam is the result of a year-long collaboration between artist Tan Wei Keong and IT specialist Ryan Tan. Together, they digitally created nearly six virtual years of Sam’s toddler life, an act of “raising” Sam – a bot-child capable of reacting and conversing.
The project suggests the need to unlearn and relearn as we navigate the changes to text and vocabulary – the words we use, what they mean, and how they affect those around us.
Availability: 3 in stock
| BY | Tan Wei Keong |
| YEAR | 2026 |
| DETAILS | Paperback 21cm x 29.7cm |
| LANGUAGE | English |
About Tan Wei Keong
Born in Singapore, Tan Wei Keong studied animation at the island city-state’s Nanyang Technological University. In his films he animates fantasy worlds in which he explores his gay identity through personal storytelling. His highly acclaimed films have been selected at Berlinale Shorts, Toronto International Film Festival and Annecy International Animation Film Festival. He is also an alumnus of the Berlinale Talents and SFFILM FilmHouse Residency. His films have achieved recognition on numerous occasions at the Singapore International Film Festival, including the Best Singapore Short Film Award, Special Mention and Special Achievement Award. His interest in new media led to exhibition pieces including Muybridge’s Birds (2021), a video collaboration with Jim Campbell projected from the top of the Salesforce Tower in San Francisco; and Notes of the Lighthouse Keepers (2016), which was shown at Headlands Center for the Arts in California. He was awarded the Young Artist Award by the National Arts Council of Singapore in 2019.
About Exactly Foundation
Exactly Foundation is a not-for-profit, trademarked registered label established by Li Li Chung to commission photographers to create works that stimulate discussion of social concerns in Singapore. Its goal is to produce new knowledge by having viewers engage with the photographs and share them with friends and family over a 2-3 month period.
