40 x 30 cm/16 x 12 inches, ink and acrylic on paper
for sale
“Te Aro”
“Cortado”
40 x 30 cm/16 x 12 inches, ink and acrylic on paper (2019)
for sale
“Suspended Animation” Series
AFFORDABLE ART FAIR SINGAPORE – 18 to 20 November 2022
This small collection of paintings was created over the last couple of years and speaks to my intent to chronicle what has felt like a period of suspended animation. Deeply personal, the work behind this series was an exercise on hope and agency when life seemed to have been put in a prolonged holding pattern.
“Fragments”
12 x 12 inches/30 x 30 cm, mixed media on cradled canvas board (2022)
for sale
“Pods”
12 x 12 inches/30 x 30 cm, mixed media on cradled canvas board (2022)
for sale
“Spectators”
12 x 12 inches/30 x 30 cm, mixed media on cradled canvas board (2021)
SOLD
“Confines”
12 x 12 inches/30 x 30 cm, mixed media on cradled canvas board (2021)
for sale
“Sixteen”
24 x 24 inches / 61 x 61 cm x 2 (diptych), mixed media on canvas (2022)
COMMISSIONED ART
To be in this headspace and lived experience
Is to be okay with life being in constant flux
Forming, deconstructing and improvising
Marked by experiences both random and consequential.
In a world that throws you
a curious confetti of highs and heartbreaks
and all the amorphous events in between,
You write your own coming-of-age story
buoyed by the promise of so many possibilities.
“Missing Sun”
46 x 61 cm/18 x 24 in, mixed media on canvas (2018)
for sale
I remember summers of seemingly endless days of sun,
its rising and setting dictating hours of play.
Before wifi and untethered to devices,
Hands were free to create and
games were made from paper, strings, and cans.
“Private Lives”
61 x 61 cm/24 x 24 in, mixed media on canvas (2018)
for sale
I fear we have forgotten
to keep more to ourselves.
Chronicling life post by post
And confusing minutiae for milestones,
We have shared so much and none at all.
“Unplugged”
61 x 76 cm/24 x 30 in, mixed media on canvas (2018)
for sale
I dream about walking through a zen garden
as I take hold of the time on my hands.
Away from the multiple feeds coming at me
Heightened, overwhelming,
all at the same time.
Without mindless clicking to fill the void
between more purposeful ends.
“Handwritten”
76 x 61 cm/30 x 24 in, mixed media on canvas (2018)
SOLD
Handwritten, personal, posted
Taking time as they travel
from sender to recipient.
Letters feel more genuine and welcome
When instant messaging and emojis
have traded effort for convenience.
“Connections” – triptych
90 x 30 cm/36 x 12 in, mixed media on board (2018)
SOLD
I dream of a virtual string that connects people
to those whom they hold dear.
A blessing bridging long stretches of time and distance,
to keep our bonds deep and real.
“Wanderlust”
46 x 46 cm/18 x 18 in, mixed media on canvas (2018)
SOLD
Drawn by accounts from friends and modern sherpas,
Our world contracts and expands at the same time
As we feed the wanderlust of our restless hearts.
“Perfectly Imperfect”
41 x 61 mixed media on canvas (2018)
SOLD
I imagine a safe space where we celebrate our perfectly imperfect selves,
away from compulsive curation.
As much as we take inspiration from what we see online,
I hope the goal is not the perfection promoted
But to live lives considered, not contrived.
“Coolonials”
This mini-series illustrates the cool blend of distinctive colonial influence embodied by black and white houses and the idyllic beauty of local flora. Originally conceived as tropical versions of English garden homes, these heritage bungalows were designed for comfort, encouraging breeze to flow through the home, which make the sprawling gardens an integral part of the overall design.
In keeping with my alternative take on cityscapes, this series of 4 paintings represents my notion of botanicals – sparing, minimalist use of color combined with selective emphasis on architectural elements to evoke a sketch-like and organic feel. Amidst a host of impressive things manufactured and unconventional in Singapore, “Coolonials” celebrates what is beautiful about things natural and traditional.
Coolonials: “Heliconia”
30 x 30 cm, acrylic on canvas (2015)
not for sale
Coolonials: “Vanda Miss Joaquim”
30 x 30 cm, acrylic on canvas (2015)
for sale
Coolonials: “Ginger Lily”
30 x 30 cm, acrylic on canvas (2015)
for sale
“Oracion”
76 x 61 cm (2014), acrylic on canvas
artist’s personal collection
Once again tempting the unknown, this is about letting go and simply allowing the forms unfold as I go back to the theme of cities and crosses; this time beginning with a prayer.
“Oracion” is both a metaphor for and a reflection on discernment and how faith gets us through ambiguity and challenges. This was an exercise on patience for me and working with just feelings and intuition instead of a preconceived approach – believing that what is true, authentic and meant to be will come through.
“Cinta (Baba)”
61 x 61 cm (2014), acrylic on canvas with collage elements, framed
for sale
With the ritual-laden Peranakan wedding as the central theme, Cinta Baba and Cinta Nyonya were conceptualized as a complementary pair. They maintain their unique individuality while sharing a common grounding.
“Ties That Bind” Series
I see weddings and first month birthdays as auspicious beginnings of lifelong bonds rooted in love, wonderfully set against ties to age-old traditions.
This three-part series is my fanciful take on the interesting iconography associated with these family milestones. In contemporary times, we often struggle to define what is faithful to our heritage along with the natural inclination to express our individuality. With interpretations evolving, I have taken liberties at bringing the many Peranakan elements together. Drawing parallels with my own culture, I feel that somehow, in our crazy, topsy-turvy family gatherings and as colorful and intricate as the personalities that make our own families, we manage to make these celebrations our own.
“Cinta (Nyonya)”
61 x 61 cm (2014), acrylic on canvas with collage elements, framed
With the ritual-laden Peranakan wedding as the central theme, Cinta (Baba) and Cinta (Nyonya) were conceptualized as a complementary pair: they maintain their unique individuality while sharing a common grounding.
“Ties That Bind” Series
I see weddings and first month birthdays as auspicious beginnings of lifelong bonds rooted in love, wonderfully set against ties to age-old traditions.
This three-part series is my fanciful take on the interesting iconography associated with these family milestones. In contemporary times, we often struggle to define what is faithful to our heritage along with the natural inclination to express our individuality. With interpretations evolving, I have taken liberties at bringing the many Peranakan elements together. Drawing parallels with my own culture, I feel that somehow, in our crazy, topsy-turvy family gatherings and as colorful and intricate as the personalities that make our own families, we manage to make these celebrations our own.
“Mindscapes: Kyoto”
40 x 30 cm (2014), acrylic on canvas paper with collage elements
for sale
“Mindscapes: Singapore”
40 x 51 cm (2013), acrylic on canvas with collage elements
SOLD
“Mindscapes: Barcelona”
51 x 40 cm (2013), acrylic on canvas with collage elements
artist’s personal collection
“Mindscapes: Rome”
61 x 61 cm (2013), acrylic on canvas with collage elements
artist’s personal collection
“Mindscapes: Paris”
61 x 61 cm (2013), acrylic on canvas with collage elements
SOLD
“Mindscapes: Paris” shows glimpses of sights seen during leisurely walks and train rides – La Madeleine (underrated but turned out to be one of my favorite discoveries), countless charming cafes, fall greenery from the Jardin des Tuileries, elegant shops painted blue (inspired by striking cobalt blue doors I saw around St. Honore), the iconic Mansard roof on buildings, elegant hotels, and ubiquitous street lamps and delicate ironwork.
“Gaudi” (Barcelona)
76 x 76 cm, acrylic on canvas (2012)
for sale
It is virtually impossible to remember Barcelona without thinking of Gaudi. While working on my impression of the marina, I kept conjuring images of things I have seen. Barcelona is bold, vibrant, unique, and unapologetic – as is Gaudi. There is so much to take in that they are all intermingled in memory.
In this curious mix of forms and colors, I drew inspiration from a man who left such an indelible influence on this city: a singular spirit who lived an inspired life blessed by his passion and faith.
“Paris: A Still Life”
30 x 30 cm (2014), acrylic on Fredrix canvas paper
for sale
Remembering my first lingering cup of coffee while enjoying a mellow Parisian morning. I imagined having shared seats with countless poets, writers, artists – known and unknown – seeking inspiration for written words and creative pursuits. I was content to simply observe time and people pass by and enjoy the pleasures of an unhurried life.
“St. Lazare”
26 x 23 cm (2013), acrylic on Fredrix canvas paper, framed
SOLD
All around Paris, I noticed and fell in love with elegant dark green columns that carried posters for movies, concerts and theatre shows which I came to know as “Morris columns”. The first of these advertising columns were built in the middle of the 19th century to keep up with the demand for public ad space for performing arts at the time. I find the idea that one should come up with an equally creative medium to promote the arts so inspired.
This particular one near the St. Lazare train station is special because it served as the starting point for many wonderful discoveries exploring this romantic city.
“Windows”
30 x 30 cm (2013), acrylic on Fredrix canvas paper
COMMISIONED ART
The word window comes from an Old English word which literally means “eye-door”. Our memories are much like windows through which we view our patchwork of experiences: framing our view of the world, of lives lived and of thresholds crossed.
Working on this painting, my thoughts hovered around the idea of windows and transitions. There is something about moving on that puts us in a retrospective mode. Life is full of comings and goings, punctuating periods of just being. We take them as part of a natural order of things – each time with the hope we have somehow emerged better, blessed to have taken with us what truly matters.
Lifeline: “Stillness”
Van Gogh’s internal monologue was a great irony – proof of his madness as much as a mark of his genius and prescience. Between bouts with madness, I believe he was seized by moments of ultimate clarity. Underpinning his evocative visual language are his letters to his brother Theo and artist friends that revealed so much of his spirituality and positive introspections.
My personal connection with van Gogh has always been with his words and palette. While contemplating his words and his art as his lifeline, I explored and interpreted these themes:
- the eternal sunshine behind his introspection,
- the remarkable tracks he left on his intense journey,
- the solace and stillness he found before his life’s end,
- and his profound connection with his faith.
24 x 24 inches, mixed media on canvas (2013)
SOLD
“But there is no sadness in this death, this one takes place in broad daylight with a sun flooding everything with light of pure gold.”
– Vincent van Gogh
Lifeline: “Eternal Sunshine”
18 x 18 inches, mixed media on canvas (2013)
SOLD
“It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done.” – Vincent van Gogh
Lifeline: “Solace”
24 x 24 inches, mixed media on canvas (2013)
for sale
“… That is my ambition, based less on resentment than on love in spite of everything, based more on a feeling of serenity than on passion. Though I am often in the depths of misery, there is still calmness, pure harmony and music inside me. I see paintings or drawings in the poorest cottages, in the dirtiest corners. And my mind is driven towards these things with an irresistible momentum.” – Vincent van Gogh
Lifeline: “Tracks”
30 x 24 inches, mixed media on canvas (2013)
SOLD
“I feel that I’m always a traveler, going somewhere to a destination.” – Vincent van Gogh
Lifeline: “Poetry”
12 x 16 inches, mixed media on canvas (2013)
SOLD
“Poetry surrounds us everywhere, but putting it on paper is, alas, not so easy as looking at it.”
– Vincent van Gogh
Lifeline: “Faith”
12 x 16 inches, mixed media on canvas (2013)
for sale
“It always strikes me, and it is very peculiar, that, whenever we see the image of indescribable and unutterable desolation—of loneliness, poverty, and misery, the end and extreme of things—the thought of God comes into one’s mind.” – Vincent van Gogh
“OldSchool”
12 x 12 in (2012), mixed media on Fredrix canvas
SOLD
At first sight, OldSchool at Mt. Sophia struck me with its countless lines that I could not help but reflect on the idea of lines.
Lines take us from point a to point b; they represent paths planned and taken. From mindless doodles and blithe sketches, we move on to lines that represent concrete ideas, calculations, and abstractions. We then progress to invisible lines that connect us to our past, present and future: lines that we drew, blurred, erased and redone to mark convictions, recantations and lessons learned.
Working on this after having come back from visiting my own school took me back to the time when my lines were mostly carefree and just about exploring their potential. By infusing whimsy into the lines I make now, I happily transport myself back to my school days.
“Tap: NYC”
30 x 40 cm (2012), acrylic on Fredrix canvas paper
for sale
Working once again in diffusion mode between themed paintings, this piece is the result of stream of consciousness improvisations. Marrying art with psychology, I did a spontaneous tap of my impressions of one of my favorite cities.
“Paper Boats”
30 x 20 inches, mixed media on canvas (2011)
SOLD
Weaving your way through the heart of Manila, you invariably come across shanties that line creeks and the multitude of children traipsing by. Blessed with the gift of a carefree youth, they are able to look past the squalor and murky waters to see the reflection of “greener pastures” in this place they call home.
Provenance: Manila (“Banderitas”)
24 x 24 inches, mixed media on canvas (2011)
SOLD
This is my valentine to Manila: a collage of mental pictures and random memories from childhood summers spent playing outside. From “saranggolas” (kites) to “banderitas” (buntings) to “sampayan” (clotheslines) that kept our eyes trained on skies and the tangle of houses and cables – there is poetry and inspiration from the city’s gritty surroundings. This patchwork of oddities is a tapestry woven by eternal optimists and dreamers.
Provenance is actually a “(mini-)series within a series” called Mindscapes.
Provenance: Manila (“Sampayan”)
24 x 24 inches, mixed media on canvas (2011)
SOLD
This is my valentine to Manila: a collage of mental pictures and random memories from childhood summers spent playing outside. From “saranggolas” (kites) to “banderitas” (buntings) to “sampayan” (clotheslines) that kept our eyes trained on skies and the tangle of houses and cables – there is poetry and inspiration from the city’s gritty surroundings. This patchwork of oddities is a tapestry woven by eternal optimists and dreamers.
Provenance is actually a “(mini-)series within a series” called Mindscapes.
Provenance: Manila (“Saranggola”)
24 x 24 inches, mixed media on canvas (2011)
SOLD
This is my valentine to Manila: a collage of mental pictures and random memories from childhood summers spent playing outside. From “saranggolas” (kites) to “banderitas” (buntings) to “sampayan” (clotheslines) that kept our eyes trained on skies and the tangle of houses and cables – there is poetry and inspiration from the city’s gritty surroundings. This patchwork of oddities is a tapestry woven by eternal optimists and dreamers.
Provenance is actually a “(mini-)series within a series” called Mindscapes.
“Shophouse 2”
30 x 30 cm (2012), acrylic on Fredrix canvas paper (framed)
not for sale
An overflow of inspiration from a previous shophouse piece created this alternative take on the subject. Sometimes, all it takes is a little nudge to try something different.
“Bendicion”
48 x 48 inches, oil on canvas (2010)
COMMISSIONED ART
“Blessing”: a continuation of my contemplation on crosses. At times, what we see initially see as a cross to bear turns out to be a blessing. Often, it is the process of overcoming difficulties that gives us the priceless gifts of wisdom, fortitude and true happiness.
“CAN”
30 x 40 inches, mixed media on canvas (2010)
artwork featured in the Singapore Art Gallery Guide (May 2010)
SOLD
In a place where manicured flora and massive infrastructure seem to sprout overnight, impossibility is a concept too foreign. “CAN” is more than just an oft-said expression here in Singapore: it is an affirmation of this city’s youthful, earnest spirit to bring vision to fruition.
“Heartland”
76 x 76 cm, mixed media on canvas (2009)
SOLD
I see Singapore starting to shed a bit of its “squareness” as a society while retaining some of its quirkiness. Distortion and deconstruction have been used to paint the ubiquitous HDBs, block numbers, and MRT lines. HDBs remain to be quintessentially part of what is means to live, breathe Singapore.
“Compulsion”
61 x 76 cm, mixed media on canvas (2009)
SOLD
A light-hearted depiction of a seriously popular pastime: shopping. From the charming and original shophouses, neighborhood stores found in HDB estates, to malls large and small – even a church “converted” for commerce, shops come in all shapes and sizes to satisfy a seemingly insatiable compulsion.
“Flags”
61 x 76 cm., mixed media on canvas (2009)
SOLD
I see Singapore starting to shed a bit of its “squareness” as a society while retaining some of its quirkiness. Distortion and deconstruction have been used to paint the ubiquitous HDBs and block numbers. Against these, the lines of clothes hung out to dry seem to tell something equally poignant and defiant – they might as well be flags proudly asserting their unique identity.
“Blueprint”
91 x 91 cm., mixed media on canvas (2009)
SOLD
I marvel at how much this little red dot has managed to cram into its modest space. It seems that the challenge posed by its size has been met with such drive for urban planning. Optimize, minimize, reserve, reclaim – all in one breath. I cannot help but be reminded of a line from a movie – “surreal but nice”.
altered state by arlyn 