Synchronicity: Intersections of
Nature and Culture

8 August – 2 September 2023

Synchronicity: Intersections of Nature and Culture is a showcase that brings together six talented artists - Adeline Tan aka Mightyellow, André Wee, Chen Shitong, Goh Kheng Yew, John J Mathis, and Koh Hong Teng - who explore the harmonious coexistence of nature and culture and the serendipitous connections that arise.

Adeline Tan envisions a future where flora and fauna morph and mutate into botanical creatures, adapting to a chaotic climate. Her art reflects the process of moving forward, making new connections, and embracing decay and mutation as integral parts of evolution. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving garden city-state, her works evoke the intersections of nature and culture in an ever-changing world.

André Wee offers explorations of liminality in an increasingly globalized and digitized world. Through the fusion of human figures, images, and architecture, Wee's art delves into the formation of meaning, identity, and memories, and the transformative potential of stepping into the realm of the in-between.

Chen Shitong uses traditional printmaking methods to create fine art prints that pay homage to the colors and textures of the land we inhabit. His deliberate choice of simplicity in colors and form offers a sense of tranquility and respite from the constant barrage of disarrayed information.

Goh Kheng Yew blends traditional Chinese art forms with contemporary brushstrokes and presents works that exude balance, simplicity, and rhythmic movement. With profound brushwork and a fusion of Eastern and Western influences, his art creates a harmonious state of mind, revealing the seamless integration of nature and culture.

John J Mathis, an artist with a deeply personal connection to his work, celebrates Singapore's vibrant food culture through his linocut prints, paying tribute to the hard work and achievements of the nation's food sellers and hawkers. His series captures the intersection of culinary heritage and cultural identity, immortalizing iconic food places that bring people from all walks of life together.

Koh Hong Teng, known for his detailed and evocative paintings, captures forgotten and hidden facets of Singaporean life, showcasing the cultural intersections of the city.

Exhibition Catalog