Discovering New Endeavours’ presents new works from Geraldine Kang, Izziyana Suhaimi and Melissa Tan. In this exhibition, the three emerging Singaporean artists are encouraged to explore their creative processes and ideas by crafting artworks that supersedes the scale that they have generally worked in. Since Kang, Suhaimi and Tan are still developing their artistic practices, trying to locate a distinct yet viable perspective, they are more likely to break out of an established milieu in their creative explorations. Thus, as the title of the exhibition suggests, these artists are taking a journey of discovery through their artistic mediums to define and redefine the world around them, which has often become banal and mundane.

Whilst the artworks by the three artists range in material and subject matter, ranging from Kang’s photography to Tan’s paper relief, they are linked with a specific point of view that is instilled by the artists. Kang is focusing on a social commentary of Singapore through a visual survey of space. Suhaimi is interested in highlighting the social and cultural importance and significance of hairand the time-consuming craft of embroidery. With Tan’s artworks there is a careful balance between the tangible and intangibles in the accidental process of creation. Therefore, these artworks, which may appear aesthetically pleasing, particularly the soft embroidered works by Suhaimi, they are no less devoid of strong messages the artists are trying to convey. They make powerful statements of who the artists are as individuals, as well as their view of the world. What these artists are trying to do is to evoke their viewers to think beyond the surface and challenge themselves, just as they do when they are creating their artworks.

In May 2012, Kang has featured in the group show, Still Buildingat Selasar Sunaryo, Bandung, Indonesia, with the support of Valentine Willie Fine Art. She has won numerous awards, such as ONE Photo Convention in 2010 as well as recently claiming 4 th prize in the Photographer’s Forum: 32rd Annual Spring Photography Contest last year, 2012. Suhaimi has also exhibited at a range of galleries, most recently in Celebrating Women, at One East Asia this year, 2013. Further, Suhaimi has also been commissioned for projects, such being asked to create the cover of Indonesia’s NYLON magazine. Tan has exhibited along side last year’s Collector’s Show at Singapore Art Museum, in Future Proof at 8Q.

Image: © Izziyana Suhaimi, Richard Koh Fine Art Singapore