By providing a platform for Singaporean artists to present their artworks internationally, Maya Gallery has established itself as a key player in the country's art community. Its exhibitions offer an excellent range of work, from traditional to contemporary, often featuring thought-provoking pieces that challenge the viewer's perceptions. The gallery also actively supports emerging artists, providing them with opportunities to showcase their portfolio and build their careers.
Maya Gallery has exhibited works by award-winning artists, including Cultural Medallion recipients Iskandar Jalil, Sarkasi Said, and Chng Seok Tin, Heritage Award (Hadiah Warisan) recipient Idris Ali, and UOB Painting of the Year winner (Bronze) Valerie Ng. Its commitment to promoting art and engaging the public in the appreciation of art inspires the wider community. With its dedication to cultural dialogue and social responsibility, the gallery continues to play a crucial role in the country's cultural landscape.
Founded in 2012 by Jeffrey Wandly and his wife Masturah Sha’ari in historic Kampong Glam, Singapore, through a shared passion for the arts, the gallery was officially opened by Ms Janice Koh, then Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) for the Arts. Maya Gallery has received several awards, including Top 10 Art Galleries in Singapore by tallypress.com (2018), Recommended Art Gallery at the Expat Living Reader Awards (2015), and Best Asian Contemporary Art Gallery of the Year by National Critics Choice (2014). It has been praised as a gallery that "has won the hearts of art enthusiasts with its locally flavored exhibitions" by mydestination.com (2014). The gallery is currently located in MacPherson / Potong Pasir, a historically significant area for batik production.
Maya Gallery is a trademark™ managed by Maya Arthaus Ltd, a non-profit entity dedicated to the development and promotion of visual arts in Singapore.
Masturah Sha’ari holds an MA in Asian Art Histories from Goldsmiths, University of London through LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore. She graduated with a bachelor's degree, majoring in Economics and Malay Studies, from the National University of Singapore (NUS), and a Design Communication diploma from LASALLE. She has worked at the Institute of Contemporary Arts Singapore (ICAS) and International Enterprise Singapore (now ESG), and has been a Mentor for female undergrads at NUS Centre for Ready Graduates' Women’s Professional Development Programme.
Working in the art industry for over a decade, Masturah has made a significant impact as a gallery director. Her gallery is a destination for art lovers, and a platform for artists to showcase their work. She has curated countless exhibitions, featuring the work of both established and emerging artists, and has helped many to develop their careers.
An accomplished designer, she has completed many successful corporate and event identity projects for various clients, and also designed numerous publications, including the award-winning "The Mango Tree" and "Leluhur: Singapore's Kampong Gelam", winner of the 2021 NUS History Prize. She is a recipient of the Certificate of Commendation at the Conqueror Horseman Design & Print Awards in 2000.
As an artist, her abstract expressions have been exhibited in Singapore and Malaysia. She was appointed Chairperson of the 2021 Singapore Women Artists Exhibition, "Voices & Visions", organised by the Federation of Art Societies Singapore (FASS), and held at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre. Currently the Vice President of Angkatan Pelukis Aneka Daya or APAD (2022-24) and member of Women Artists Association, she strongly supports multiculturalism as well as the bridging of traditional and contemporary art practices.
Masturah dedicates her work in the arts to her late father, Hj Sha’ari Tadin. He was a former Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Culture, a Colombo Plan Scholar and the first Singaporean Malay graduate Member of Parliament. In "We Also Served: Reflections of Singapore’s former PAP MPs", edited by Rohan Khamis and Chiang Hai Ding, published by Straits Times Press (2014), a compilation of stories and autobiographies by former PAP MPs, she wrote a biography of his contribution to Singapore as an educator, politician and community leader.
Jeffrey Wandly holds a Masters in Project Management from Queensland University of Technology. He graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture (Honours) from the National University of Singapore. He is a recipient of the Architecture Angullia Scholarship, and the Anugerah MENDAKI (MENDAKI Excellence Award) for being the top Malay tertiary student in Singapore. He is currently the First Deputy General Director at BIDV Tower JVC and Senior Project Manager at Guthrie. He has worked at Napier Properties and Far East Organisation. ‘8 Napier’, a luxury residential property development project which he directed while at Napier, received the BCA Construction Excellence Award (2012).
Jeffrey captures the essence of heritage and historical landmarks with ink and acrylic on canvas. Fondly called “Building whisperer” by his collectors, he has had three solo shows and exhibited in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Korea and Vietnam. His works can be found in the collections of government ministries, organisations and private individuals. He received the Merit Award at the Singapore Tourism Board’s Saces Sculptor Competition (1980) and the Third prize (Seniors) at the Takashimaya National Student Painting Competition (1992). He also won the Best of Show Award at SeniKita by Kamal Arts Gallery in Wisma Geylang Serai (2020).
Jeffrey was the Executive Consultant for "Konsert Gurindam Jiwa", commissoned by National Arts Council for Silver Arts 2018, where he performed a saxophone solo alongside a 70-strong Angklung orchestra during this tribute concert to his late father Wandly Yazid—an accomplished music composer, arranger and musician in the 60s and 70s.
