Precarious Spaces: Visualising Unofficial Sacredness

Abstract

“Official” religious space in Singapore is highly regulated – organisations of recognised religions compete and bid for parcels of land on which they create houses of worship. Against this bureaucratic backdrop are countless other “unofficial” places of worship - operating out of industrial units, social housing and liminal spaces. From vernacular shrines to living rooms, individuals engage in a constant appropriation and re-appropriation of both private and public spaces. Using visual case studies from Chinese religion, particularly spirit medium worship, I will show how individuals navigate a complex relationship with their everyday lives, state regulations and the needs of their Gods.