Art is more than just creation—it is documentation. Every artist is, in a way, a scribe, shaping how we see, feel, and remember. An artwork’s physical presence is important, not just as an object but as a marker of its existence in time.
History gives us crafts, heritage, and traditions to reference. Yet, within the modern cityscape, so much has been erased, forgotten, or left untold. When we speak about history, it often feels like we are recycling familiar narratives—Peranakan origins, trishaw transport, nostalgia on repeat. But what about the histories that are disappearing unnoticed? The buildings, the rituals, the living creatures once woven into the fabric of everyday life?
Landmarks are demolished for the "better use of land." Redevelopments often sideline traditional culture in favor of economic progress.
I find myself looking at Peranakan tiles, traditional textiles, and old murals, wondering: What else has slipped through the cracks of history? What stories are we failing to preserve? If no one speaks about them, if they are not documented, will they ever be remembered?
I wanted to create motifs that hold these lost fragments of culture - visual imprints of histories that are fading. Motifs, like symbols, carry meaning. They encapsulate cultural identities and values, much like how the dragon and phoenix are tied to Chinese tradition, the peony to Peranakan heritage, or cattle and oil lamps to Hindu practices.
But creating motifs from scratch is challenging. Their simplicity holds immense weight -they are vessels of narrative, history, and memory. Each line and form carries something deeper, something passed down.
Earlier this year, I explored this idea in my painting Atease, embedding a ginseng motif within the image of a snake. Ginseng, often associated with healing and longevity, became a symbol layered with meaning. Through this process, I realized that art can serve as a quiet but persistent form of remembrance.
Here’s a glimpse into the process behind that painting.
Developmental process
Close up of painting
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