Conundrum Chamber
Jayalakshmi, BODHI, Yang Han Wen
Group Exhibition
9 - 18 June 2023, 11am - 7pm
Conundrum Chamber is a trio art exhibition presenting artworks by BODHI, Jayalakshmi, and Yang Han Wen. This exhibition aims to explore self-identity through the themes of human emotions in our everyday life. Emotions are reactions to what we experience and have a strong influence on modulating the selectivity of attention, as well as motivating action and behaviour which impacts our self-identity.
In regard to the exhibition concept of self-identity, BODHI's oeuvre amalgamates real life scenes perceived by him with specific EDM tracks whilst perceiving those scenes, transfiguring them into surreal paintings to express the artist's engrossment in the nature of music and its ability to influence the psyche.
Jayalakshmi explores worldwide social issues and creates artworks concerning being authentic, self-acceptance, and the definition of beauty through the use of vibrant colours that is alluring as it aims to influence emotions, perceptions and actions.
Finally, Han Wen's artworks are inspired by the subtle variations of human nature which are used to explore the ties, influence, and self-balancing properties of human relationships, thus reflecting the inextricable bonds of human nature. She implores audiences to unlearn impossible societal standards for beauty, and instead promote an acceptance of and comfort in one's body.
By presenting the oeuvres of BODHI, Jayalakshmi, and Han Wen regarding different aspects of self-identity through human emotions and the reality of our lives, Conundrum Chamber aims to encourage the audience to reflect upon their personal identity and true self.
BODHI's Curating Playlists Series paintings contextualise real-life scenes by using specific EDM tracks that transfigure them into surreal scenes. The visual themes and moods of the music are congruent with the art, similar to music visualizers, videos, and cover art that match a specific track being played. By assigning visual components to audio and implementing them back into real-life visuals, the artist creates a unique and immersive experience for the viewer.
Jayalakshmi's artistic expression goes beyond just the visually appealing elements of her work; she incorporates repetition and geometric analysis to convey a deeper message about the complexities of society. She tries to draw the viewer in by using an alluring choice of colours and the satisfying play of colourful dripping paint. Using various mediums, she explores and highlights the issues that plague society in a way that is both creative and impactful.
Yang Han Wen’s artworks use stacked objects and entwined lines to show the ties influences and self-balance of human relationships that reflect the inextricable bonds of human nature. Her works articulate the realities of our intricate evolving bodies, offering a powerful gaze that embraces what magazines and media perceive as imperfections, but in reality are normal.
About the Artist(s)
Ho Chung Kwang
Ho Chung Kwang (b. 2000, Penang, Malaysia) is a multidisciplinary artist living by the artist name ‘BODHI’ and graduated with a BA (Hons) in Fine Art Practice from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. He is recognized for his acrylic paintings and being the house curator for The Fluxus House, Singapore’s only gallery cum hair salon. BODHI has sold artworks internationally and has been featured in numerous dailies such as THE STAR English Daily, Zaobao, and China Daily. He has also won various awards such as the Tan Chin Tuan Scholarship and participated in exhibitions in Malaysia, Singapore, and China.
Jayalakshmi D/O Sethu Raman
Jayalakshmi is an artist (b.1999, Singapore), who graduated with a degree with honours in Fine Arts Practice at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. She is currently a teacher at a Secondary School. Other than her interest in teaching, Jayalakshmi also exhibited in a few exhibitions.She is known to explore different kinds of social issues with paintings and photography. In 2019, she collaborated with Singapore Tourism Board, ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ held around ION Orchard and created a work called, ‘Onion Chefs’. Her work ‘Attachment’ was showcased early 2021 at Lim Hak Tai Gallery, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. Her work ‘Blues Clues’ was exhibited by BeOne gallery at ION art gallery, recently.
Yang Han Wen
Yang Han Wen (b.1998) is an artist currently based in Singapore. She graduated from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts with a Diploma in Fine Art Printmaking, and achieved her BA (Hons) Fine Art Practice from University of Central Lancashire in 2021. Most of her work mainly focuses on drawing and printmaking. She always uses stacked objects and human bodies to reflect social or mental issues. Her current practice focuses on the beauty standards, the reality of female physical autonomy and their impact on women in the 21st century. She showcased her work in the public showcase ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ held by Singapore Tourism Board in 2019, took part in the exhibition 'Towards Unlearning' at Gajah Gallery and ' Moving Plate' at Mulan Gallery in 2021. She recently exhibited in ‘Open Print Exchange' at 5/R Hall & Gallery in Japan. Her works have been featured by ‘Class Acts Zine' at National Design Centre Singapore and ‘Open Print Exchange Catalogue’ Cologne, Germany.