Y13 Exhibition

Natalie

Metamorphosis

In Metamorphosis, I explored the theme of childhood and the transition into adolescence. Exploring the universal experience of growing up interests me because it is a journey everyone can relate to, yet is specific for everyone. The hands depicted serve as a gate between innocence and maturity; the morpheus goo stuck in between. Each hand invites a viewer to reflect on their own personal narratives and experiences, connecting with the
shared journey of development and self-discovery.

01/08

02/08

Longkang Fishing

In Longkang Fishing, I aimed to illustrate a sense of nostalgia and childhood memory through my connection to Singaporean-Chinese culture. Longkang fishing is a popular activity for Singaporean children from past to present. This photo of myself in a dress allows me to communicate my younger self’s individuality, while dynamic paper shapes referencing
designs popular on red envelopes bring a sense of familiarity and warmth to this cherished childhood memory.

Luminary Decay

My work draws inspiration from Kathleen Ryan's moldy fruit bead sculptures and explores the nostalgia of childhood memories and the comfort found in routine, represented by my old bedroom lamp. The unapologetically feminine features of the lamp, as well as its origin from a thrift store reflects my personality and upbringing. The depiction of decay using organic shapes expresses the natural progression of ageing, while the beads add beauty and sparkle to age.

03/08

04/08

Journey of Creativity

This work illustrates my growth and development of creativity over time, as my artistic journey reflects the evolution of my creativity through time, navigating creative obstacles that don't follow a linear path. Greenery and foliage symbolise life, vitality, and nature's creativity, contrasting with blocky geometric black forms representing obstacles and monotony on the right. The open-ended path leads to a realm of uncertainty, symbolising the realm of
possibilities that the future can hold.

Meditations in Citrus

Citrus is about finding beauty in the ordinary; the meditative act of mindfully observing one’s surroundings. The citrus orange symbolises my cultural roots, reflecting its significance in
Chinese culture as a symbol of luck and prosperity, while also embodying my individual perception of this personally beloved fruit. I used loose brushwork, organic shapes, and flowing lines to emphasise the beauty of the orange, shining a spotlight onto the mundane.

05/08

06/08

Act of Giving

In Act of Giving, I aimed to emulate a commonly found scene during the time of Chinese New Year - a large family gathering around the living room, exchanging red packets and updating family members on their personal life. The actions of this cultural holiday uses tradition as a ridge between young and old. By passing on a red envelope, traditionally from an older relative to a younger, the action symbolises the passing of tradition - solely kept alive through connections with older generations.

A Bunny’s Burden

In A Bunny’s Burden, the uncomfortable pose of the bunny evokes feelings of alienation, reflecting the struggle to reconcile personal identity and femininity with societal expectations. The bunny represents my girlhood and being, as its anthropomorphic figure embodies the sensation of feeling out of place. In this work, I aimed to express my own experience with the idea of femininity, especially as a young girl, and advocate for authenticity and less scrutiny
against teenage girls.

07/08

08/08

Wilderness Expedition

This work depicts a cherished childhood memory of walking through a forest with a friend almost every evening. Using watercolour, I aimed to layer depth, capturing the essence of the warm ambiance. Experimenting with light and shadow, I also aimed to evoke the sense of being immersed in nature, especially as a child when the world seemed so big. Through this piece, I wanted to celebrate the connection I have with nature - the bond formed through
my exploration of wilderness.