Valerie’s works in oil on canvas are a continual exploration of organic forms, natural phenomena and hues, through distinctive mark making and textural surfaces inspired by nature. Created during the global pandemic in the past two years, these paintings have also been inspired by sightings of nature adapting to and re-claiming urban spaces—flowering weeds and animals emerging in the city, while rooftop gardens and urban farms bloomed. 

This exhibition will also feature works in papier-mache, where she creates large new forms using scrap paper for a greener footprint. Stitched Fragments, made of canvas scraps sewn together, is inspired by the Japanese craft of boro and a critical component of her explorations in eco-friendly art making. And for the first time, Valerie is exhibiting her augmented reality (AR) artworks—smaller objects with interactive elements that extend the narrative of the artworks and digitally transform our views. Alongside these works will be a content-based website on research and knowledge gathered on these eco issues to create awareness of the related subjects in the community.

There will be an Art Walkthrough & Conversation to discuss eco-friendly art making with the community, and an ARRRT Workshop for children, where the artist hopes to inspire a greater appreciation for nature, the ecosystem, and the connections to art. The exhibition is supported by National Arts Council and curated by Vanessa Yeo.