Showcasing a collection of abstract views through an atmospheric ecosystem and consideration of the Anthropocene with gathered thoughts on the issues, the artworks are a creative response to interactions with nature. Whilst this may come in pieces of parks, gardens or short coastal walks, it is still necessary to find and build connections to, and highlight, the wonders of the wild.
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.
Supported by National Arts Council and curated by Vanessa Yeo, Wild Fragments will run from 2 to 30 July 2022 at Maya Gallery.
Explore the pathways of this exhibition to discover a greener perspective to art and greater appreciation of the natural world.
OPENING RECEPTION
Sat 2 July 2022, 3 pm – 7 pm
EXHIBITION
2 – 30 July 2022
12 pm - 6 pm [ closed on Mon ]
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ART WALKTHROUGH & CONVERSATION
Sat 16 July 2022, 2 pm – 4 pm
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/wild-fragments-art-walkthrough-conversation-tickets-372750535887
ARRRT WORKSHOP
Sat 23 July 2022, 10.30 am – 12 pm
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/arrrt-workshop-reduce-reuse-recycle-eco-map-for-kids-tickets-369709730757?aff=erelpanelorg
ARTefact Discovery Trail Map: www.valng.com/artefact-trail
Eco-art Research: www.valng.com/eco-art
Arts Republic, Wild Fragments
SG Magazine, Exciting Things to do in Singapore this July
Singapore Art Gallery Guide (SAGG), Wild Fragments - Solo exhibition by Valerie Ng
Plural Art Magazine, Wild Fragments - Solo exhibition by Valerie Ng
City Nomads, Wild Fragments
A-List, Wild Fragments, A Solo Exhibition by Valerie Ng
Valerie Ng’s (b. 1974, Malaysia) abstract paintings are a gestural expression of mood and movement. Working mostly in oil on canvas or acrylic on paper, they are created as a result of her explorations in colour, light, depth, form and texture, as well as inspired by the natural elements, hues and shapes in the environment. She strives for a dynamic balance of energy and atmosphere through a unique transfer of marks in the action of painting.
Having a keen interest in paper, her art works include artists’ books, papier-mâché, collage and assemblage. Her paintings have been exhibited at the Singapore Art Museum as well as the National Art Gallery, Malaysia. She has had solo exhibitions at the UOB Art Gallery Substation, Maya and Mulan Gallery, as well as group exhibitions at instinc, One East Asia and Jendela Gallery at the Esplanade. In addition, her works have been in art fairs across the region and auctioned by Larasati Auctioneers.
Valerie won the Bronze Award at the 2018 UOB Painting of the Year competition as well as First Prize (Abstract) in the 2004 UOB POY in Singapore. In 2021 and 2019, she was a finalist in the Sovereign Asian Art Prize in Hong Kong, and in 2006, selected for the Young Contemporaries in Malaysia.
A Singapore PR from Malaysia, she often seeks inspiration through travel thus has had artist residencies in Portugal, New Zealand, Italy, Vermont USA, Iceland and Finland. Her paintings can be found in corporate and private collections in Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA, Mexico and Europe.
Vanessa Yeo (b. 1984, Singapore) is a recent graduate in MA in Asian Art Histories (2022), with a life-long enthusiasm for the visual arts. These collection of works in Wild Fragments is an opportunity to share the perspectives gleaned from her recent research into theories of nature aesthetics and eco-aesthetics.
