My Story
Art should breathe beyond the walls of a gallery. Art belongs to the people and it should be lived and celebrated.
My passion for art stems from growing up in multicultural, colourful Singapore and from being raised by a family of skilled artists. From a young age, I have always felt that I have been nurtured by a plethora of extraordinary cultures practised by the many races that make up the fabric of my country.
After graduating from School Of The Arts Singapore (SOTA) with a specialisation in Visual Arts, I furthered my studies at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. Upon completion of the Bachelor Of Interior Architecture, I had an insatiable creative appetite and decided to pursue arts full time back home.
During this time, I fell deeply in love with the colours, patterns, and people that made Singapore. Being away from home for years made me pay attention to aspects I once overlooked and had taken for granted. Inspiration was waiting for me in every corner of my island home. I enjoyed studying every little detail of Singapore’s colonial architecture, the wonderfully rich fabrics in textiles and carpet shops dotted along Arab Street, the selection of intricately beaded purses and shoes in Chinatown, and the powerfully colourful traditional costumes in Little India.
My works are an extension of who I am. Oftentimes, storytelling through the use of images is more eloquent than speech. My aesthetic incorporates the juxtaposition of patterns and colours that transcend a familiar cultural touch to Islamic themes and stories. The adornment of my pieces using Swarovski crystals adds an ephemeral quality and a character of performance to my art. This symbolises the light of Allah and His presence at all times.
I believe that art should breathe beyond the hushed confines of art galleries. It should be celebrated, it should be seen. It is a true honour to be able to create art in the name of the Almighty. Thank you for letting me be part of your narratives. By reinjecting the fine arts back into your homes, I hope to not only preserve but also encourage the practice of this disappearing art form.
All The Love, T.
