Ways of Seeing

Mulan Gallery presents Ways of Seeing, a group exhibition of illustration artists showcasing new directions and recent explorations in contemporary illustration in Singapore. Featuring recent work created within the past three years, the exhibition features a mix of experienced and emerging artists working across different mediums. Participating artists include Adeline Tan (Mightyellow), André Wee, Soh Ee Shaun, Sonny Liew, and Yi Xuan x Ronald Louis.

The world in which we live is transforming more quickly than ever thought possible. The shock of the pandemic precipitated an almost overnight, unprecedented upending in the systems and ways in which we live, love and work, and also in the way art is presented and engaged with. With travel largely curtailed for most people, there appears to have been a newfound appreciation of nature and its bounty and glory, as well as urban farming among a significant number of disparate groups within our shores, for example. What might this augur for a society and world that is planning on a green recovery and renewed focus on sustainable development? How might our desires be altered during these changeful times? Artists are invited to explore the exigencies and possibilities of all that lies ahead – to consider and reimagine what the future might hold, and what life might look like in the aftermath of this extensive remaking.

While some of these works ponder about the constant deluge of news and information may be affecting our lives, such as our capacity to retain and nurture memories and contemplation, some point to the importance of focusing on our self-care and well-being. One puts into perspective how the increasing pervasiveness of the digital realm and its multi-layered realities may be affecting our perception, thus impacting our sense of what is real. In addition, some offer a glimpse of what the future might bring, from the unfolding promise of diverse spiritual and metaphysical universes, to the idea of moving forward through new connections and evolution.

The work of illustration artists has historically been some of the most responsive to the times and societies in which they live. This exhibition features forward-looking works reflecting current concerns and themes responding to this period of sweeping change and uncertainty, which dare to imagine the manifold potentialities and possibilities presented by recent developments and trajectories of the world and human development.