mayaspace allows audiences worldwide to interact with artworks in an immersive environment. It is anchored in the ART ARK, a visionary museum comprising eight exhibition galleries offering immense exhibition spaces and amazing views of the Singapore landscape. This virtual reality (VR) platform makes possible the bridging of art and technology, as well as facilitate the preservation and sharing of our cultural heritage.
Virtual Encounters marks the first virtual exhibition at the ART ARK. Featuring the works of Singapore artists Valerie Ng, Masturah Sha’ari, Jeffrey Wandly and Idris Ali, it is presented across four galleries. Virtual Encounters celebrates the diverse artistic styles of these local artists, highlighting works that represent the depth and breadth of their art practices to date. Powered by leading visualisation consultants VMW Group, this project is made possible with the kind support of the National Arts Council through the Organisation Transformation Grant (OTG).
Gallery 1
Masturah Sha’ari
Masturah Sha'ari is a designer, artist and art gallerist. She has designed numerous award-winning books and publications. She received a Certificate of Commendation at the Conqueror Horseman Design & Print Awards in 2000. Her paintings are abstract expressions inspired by her experiences through her life journey and have been exhibited in Singapore and Malaysia. Masturah was appointed Chairman of the 2021 Singapore Women Artists Exhibition, organised by the Federation of Art Societies Singapore and held at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre.
Masturah earned her MA in Asian Art Histories from Goldsmiths, University of London. She received her BA, majoring in Economics and Malay Studies, from the National University of Singapore, and Diploma in Design Communication from LASALLE College of the Arts. She strongly supports multiculturalism and inclusivity, as well as the bridging of traditional and contemporary art practices.
Gallery 2
Jeffrey Wandly
Jeffrey Wandly captures the essence of heritage and historical landmarks with ink and acrylic on canvas. Fondly called the “building whisperer”, he paints in his distinctive style of intuitive and fluid strokes a visual diary filled with intimate portraits of the energy and vitality of inhabited spaces. He has had solo shows at Artshow Busan, Art Expo Malaysia and Singapore Contemporary, and has exhibited in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Korea and Vietnam. His works can be found in the collections of Singapore and foreign government ministries, organisations and private individuals.
Jeffrey graduated from the National University of Singapore with a Bachelor of Architecture (Honours). He is a recipient of the MENDAKI Excellence Award; and the Architecture Angullia Scholarship. He holds a Master of Project Management from Queensland University of Technology and is a project management professional and associate member of the Singapore Institute of Architects. Jeffrey 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 won the Best of Show Award (2020) at SeniKita by Kamal Arts Gallery, Wisma Geylang Serai.
Gallery 3
Idris Ali
Idris Mohamed Ali is one of Singapore’s most senior Malay artists. For more than 50 years, Idris has captured Singapore’s landscapes in colourful watercolours, and exhibited at numerous group exhibitions, including three successful solo shows. His works can be found in the collections of the National Gallery Singapore, National Heritage Board, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and various government agencies in Singapore and Malaysia, as well as private organisations and individuals.
A member of the Angkatan Pelukis Aneka Daya or APAD (Association of Artists of Various Resources), Idris has taught many young students under its Tunas (Budding) programme, as well as mentored art teachers. Idris is a recipient of the inaugural Hadiah Warisan (Heritage Prize) by Malay Heritage Foundation (2021) and two awards by APAD—Pingat APAD (1974) and Cipta Mekar (1990). He has also illustrated various award-winning publications. Through his talent, dedication, hard work and versatility, Idris Ali has contributed greatly to Singapore’s art scene.
Gallery 4
Valerie Ng
Valerie Ng attended the Alternative Foundation in Fine Art at The Slade School of Fine Art Summer School, University College of London. Working mostly in oil on canvas or acrylic on paper, her paintings are in an abstract expressionist style, created from her explorations in colour, light, depth, form and texture, as well as inspired by the natural elements, hues and shapes in the environment. Her paintings have been shown at the Singapore Art Museum as well as the National Art Gallery, Malaysia. She has had solo exhibitions at the Substation, Maya Gallery, Mulan Gallery and Wetterling Teo Gallery, as well as exhibited at Jendela Gallery at the Esplanade. Her works have been auctioned by Larasati Auctioneers in Singapore.
A Malaysian based in Singapore, Valerie has done artist residencies in Italy, Vermont USA, Iceland and Finland. Her works can be found in corporate and private collections in Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA, Mexico, Germany and Sweden. She won the Bronze Award in the United Overseas Bank (UOB) Painting of the Year 2018, First Prize (Abstract medium category) in 2004 as well as ‘Highly-Commended’ awards in 2006. She received a Distinction in the Malaysian Art Competition, 2007 and selected for the Young Contemporaries 2006 in Malaysia.
For viewing enquiries, contact us at art@mayagallery.com.sg.
