Birdsong Rhapsody (2021-ongoing)

 

Bird experts such as ornithologist Dr Donald Kroodsma (America) and ecologist Dr Laura Molles (New Zealand) have noted similarities between human language and bird song. Human language and dialects develop unique to the locations in which they arise, and similarly, songs from the same bird species can sound different when sampled from different locations. Local idiosyncrasies can be observed peculiar to its place of origin.

 

My series of new works utilises a narrative style to bring out distinctive qualities of Singapore. Every composition is like a song sung by the birds, spinning stories about our homeland. Resident and migratory birds are juxtaposed against neighbourhood scenes and tourist landmarks amidst our unique flora, in a symbolic representation of our island life. From the determined, progressive spirit of Ambitions, diverse multiethnicity evident in Rojak Harmony, vibrant cultural heritage found in Fusion, to the outstanding culinary traditions within our hawker centres and coffee shops in Hawker 4 Kings, each painting presents a microcosm of our rich Singapore experience.

​