Female Artists in Singapore: 5 names to know

1/5
Han Sai Por
You might have taken a photo of Han Sai Por's installation, Black Forest, at last year's Singapore Biennale. She is in fact one of Asia’s top sculptors and a recipient of the Cultural Medallion, the highest artistic honour in Singapore. Han is best known for her smooth and elegant abstract stone sculptures resembling organic forms from nature, which can be seen in her Seed and Flora series. She often uses granite and marble in her sculptures, which are natural yet hard materials that can withstand forces of the environment and time. By imbuing her sculptures with these qualities, her works are symbolic of the resilience of life. She also investigates the relationship between man and nature in the modern age through her work. The multi-awarded artist has participated in numerous international exhibitions and projects, and her works are found in international institutions, public spaces, and private collections in Malaysia, India, China, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and USA. In Singapore, her works can be seen in places like Changi Airport (pictured), Esplanade, and Fort Canning Park – keep your eyes peeled the next time you're out!

Artist website here.

Photo: Han Sai Por
2/5
Jane Lee
Renowned artist Jane Lee is known for her creative techniques and innovative use of traditional materials, particularly her three-dimensional use of paint through which she explores the way paintings are made by treating the different components of a painting in new ways. For example, the surfaces of her paintings are highly tactile and layered, often creating so much dimension they look almost like sculptures. At times, her works appear to move, and even spill out of the confines of a canvas. Lee has exhibited in many overseas exhibitions and museums, as well as locally in big events such as the Singapore Biennale and Art Stage.

Artist website here.

Photo: Jane Lee
3/5
Suzann Victor
Suzann Victor is the first and only female artist to represent Singapore at the celebrated Venice Biennale so far. Her early practice was in abstract painting, but has since broadened to include ethereal, enchanting installations. You might recall her work, Rainbow Circle, from the 2013 Singapore Biennale. Located in the National Museum of Singapore's rotunda, she induced natural rainbows within the enclosed man-made building using sunlight, water, and a modified heliostat. Victor created a uniquely individualistic experience for each viewer, since rainbows are immaterial and change in appearance at different viewing positions and times. Victor has represented Singapore at many important international art exhibitions, and her works are part of corporate and public collections in countries such as Korea and Australia.

Artist website here.

Photo: Suzann Victor
4/5
Sarah Choo Jing
Sarah Choo Jing is a multidisciplinary fine artist who works with photography, video, and installation. An awarded artist, she has exhibited internationally in Korea, France, and the UK. Choo's work depicts identifiable moments and characters within our modern society, suggesting private and solitary narratives such as the loneliness of urban dwellers. Often, her works toy with the human gaze. You can see her artwork, Art of the Rehearsal, which is showcased at the National Museum of Singapore's Gallery10. The piece is an immersive multimedia video installation which depicts traditional dancers from different cultures practising in the back lanes of cultural districts in Singapore. By showcasing the dancers’ rigorous training behind the scenes of every performance, Choo conveys their perseverance and captures the beauty of Singapore's diverse multi-cultural landscape.

Artist website here.

Photo: National Museum of Singapore
5/5
Dawn Ng
Coming from a background in studio art and journalism, Dawn Ng's career has spanned art, design, and advertising. She made waves in the local art scene with WALTER, guerrilla installations of a whimsical colossal rabbit inserted into Singapore’s many heartland enclaves, encouraging people to discover the extraordinary in the everyday and awakening a newfound sense of childlike wonder. The artwork was acquired by the Singapore Art Museum for its permanent collection and shown in France. Ng has also participated in art fairs in countries like Hong Kong and France. In addition, her works have made their way into the commercial realm. Ng created an installation for fashion brand Hermes' Singapore flagship store and provided the creative direction for modern French fine dining restaurant Odette.

Artist website here.

Photo: Dawn Ng

We live in an increasingly digital world, and that means we’re often fixated on our computer and phone screens. That’s why it’s important to take a breather, detach ourselves, and engage in other activities sometimes.

Well, apart from superstar artist exhibitions and photo-worthy installations, most of us Singaporeans still wrinkle our noses at the topic of art. However, it doesn’t always have to be a highbrow subject. In fact, there are many art pieces dotting Singapore that blend into the public landscape, some of which we might not even take notice of. There are also plenty of avenues to enjoy and learn about art. For example, the National Gallery Singapore contains the largest public collection of modern art in Singapore and Southeast Asia. Did you know that it has more than 8,000 works which chronicle the art history of Singapore and the region from the 19th century to the present day? Although it appears that Singapore is not a country that nurtures careers in the arts, it actually has passionate artists who are dedicated to their work. We have also produced outstanding female artists who have won awards, exhibited internationally, and are putting Singapore on the art map.

All set for a quick art lesson? Head up to the gallery above and get to know five local female artists that are championing Singapore’s art scene! Brushes and paint not required.

Rachel Zheng

Photo: Dawn Ng

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