You are Invited to Lost & Found a group show curated by
Urmi Magoon and Susan Olij
at The Selegie Arts Centre
22-24th Nov, 2024
Gallery timings & Events
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22nd Nov - Open to public 12-5 pm- Vernissage (by Invitation) 5-8pm
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23rd Nov - Open to Public - 12-8pm
Artist Talk, 1-2pm, no rsvp required -
24th Nov - Open to public 12-4pm
Urmi Magoon
I often turn to words and poetry as the foundation of my pieces
Urmi’s journey to becoming a full-time artist and then an art educator was not a straight path. After graduating from Delhi College of Art (1996), she opted for a career in technology and graphic design, a booming industry in India. She restarted her art practice in Munich, where she showed her collection of small watercolours for the first time and then went on to exhibit in other parts of the world. She began teaching art by chance during the pandemic and she discovered that she enjoys providing a safe space for self-expression.
In my current work, I have pushed the boundaries by limiting my palette, which has challenged me to be more innovative. I didn't confine myself to a single style or medium—far from a purist, I love working on multiple projects simultaneously. Recently, I’ve expanded into 3D printing and installation art.
I often turn to words and poetry as the foundation of my pieces, using visual language to express their meaning. Nature has also been a profound influence, guiding me away from predictable color palettes and styles. The result is a fresh direction in my work, yet I continue to explore questions surrounding womanhood, beauty, legacy, and heritage. These themes are central to my artistic exploration and remain a source of inspiration for my evolving body of work.
Susan Olij
I aim to use improvisation and spontaneous non-action...
As an immigrant Singaporean and a multilingual, third-culture artist, Susan creates work that embodies a connectedness of forms, transcending language and culture. Her experimental paintings draw inspiration from the everyday urban landscape, blending realism and abstraction through her multi-disciplinary approach. In a time when global inequalities feel like weights around our ankles, her work brings a refreshing lightness. With humor and a touch of absurdity, Susan’s art aims to revive our imaginations and offer a different perspective
The phrase 'Draw what you see' might sound simple enough—until you realize, most of us look at a lot of images but don’t actually see much. In this exhibition, I’m exploring the concept of Effortless Action, or Taoism ‘Wu Wei’. By exploring the spontaneous abstraction of structured sketches I’ve gathered during my travels, I aim to use improvisation and spontaneous action to give the paintings a chance to complete itself. Think of it as a conversation between order and chaos. It’s my way of showing how interrupting myself can lead to new ideas—what you see is a stage of flow and idiosyncrasy. Sure, I teach my students the basics of traditional drawing, but I’ll be frank, art isn’t about reproducing reality. To me, art is about offering a unique point of view that goes beyond accuracy. To add a bit of fun, I’ve included different magnifying tools so viewers can get up close and personal with the delicate, the fluid, and maybe other details if they can ‘see’ it.
Sherlee Choliluddin
My art is a lifelong journey of embracing the beauty of the unknown
Sherlee began her art journey in 2016, seeking an outlet to relieve stress, but it evolved into a path of self-discovery and growth. She realised that painting was more than just a hobby—it was a mirror reflecting her evolution and the building of confidence, both in her art and within herself. Each stroke and sketch became a step toward understanding what she could and what truly motivated her, both in art and life. The process was not always smooth, with moments of effortless creativity countered with frustration with new techniques or uncertainty in her vision. These challenges taught her resilience and patience, revealing the depth of her passion and clarifying why she creates.
Each piece reflects my current journey—abhoring a fixed way of doing things, seeking freedom to explore and grow. I see nature poking, pushing, thriving around the structured buildings- creeping vines, opportunistic, seemingly seeking freedom from the confines of concrete, sprouting from heritage buildings, and majestic rainforest trees, adorned with bird’s nest ferns on strong branches, like a drag queen, throwing caution (and glitter) into the air. Humans exert control, yet they break through the confines and flourish, as it is their birthright. This mirrors my process, never static, ever-changing; not as a pursuit of perfect realism but as a powerful way to embrace beauty and freedom. Like nature’s way of surprising me most unexpectedly, my art is a lifelong journey of embracing the beauty of the unknown, and the imperfect.
Isabella Chen
The fun lies in the challenge.
One of my earliest and most vivid memories is when my oil pastel painting earned a place of honor at my kindergarten. It was a beach scene, and I remember feeling both proud and confused when my teacher told me it would only be displayed if I covered up the trash I had drawn in the foreground. That trash, to me, was essential—it reflected the beaches I knew. It was the thing that made the scene feel real.
I have never lost that love for capturing the world as I see it. I'm not tied to any particular style or medium—what drives me is the joy of painting, and for me, the fun lies in the challenge. Success and failure are equally valuable; every unsuccessful piece is a puzzle waiting to be solved. I find pleasure in the formal elements of picture-making—composition, perspective, and color relativity—because they anchor my work in reality and guide me toward continual growth.
More importantly, these elements help make imagined places feel real. Much like the colorful trash in that childhood painting, they add unexpected layers of meaning and truth to my work. This exhibition reflects my journey through experimentation, problem-solving, and rediscovering the joy that first drew me to painting.
Joyce Long
I found joy in tactile and sensory experiences,
Joyce has been passionately teaching art for nearly 18 years, starting in 2006 when she had her first child. Engaging young toddlers in creative play ignited her love for teaching and deepened her connection to artistic expression. Over the years, Joyce has worked with children of all ages in both local and international schools, nurturing their curiosity and encouraging them to express themselves through art. After earning her Master of Education (Arts), she has continued to inspire students to explore their creativity through inquiry, experimentation, and hands-on learning. Today, Joyce manifests her passion for teaching with her evolving artistic practice and art education expertise, guiding her students while continually growing and developing her own voice as an artist.
"Recently, I began working with a more focused approach, limiting the use of colors and materials to create stronger connections between my pieces. This has allowed myself to experiment with how I can tell a story across multiple artworks and be expressive. By doing this, I create a balance between my personal memories and the materials I used, ensuring that each piece contributes to a larger narrative about my life and creative journey.
In this exhibition, I explore themes of renewal and growth by transforming familiar objects into vessels of meaning and memory. I invite participants to engage both visually and through sensory interaction, enriching their experiences and fostering a profound connection with my artwork. By incorporating tactile elements, I aim to create an immersive experience that allows audiences to feel my journey as much as they see it, breaking down barriers between artist and viewer. Through this showcase of my artistic evolution, I highlight the transformative power of art as a means of connection. I hope viewers leave with a renewed appreciation for the memories and experiences encapsulated in art, encouraging reflection on their own journeys and stories."
Arsh Minhas
I'm diving into the symbol "OM"
As an Indian-born artist raised in Singapore, Arsh brings a unique perspective shaped by his diverse educational background in Indian and American systems. He is exploring something close to his heart – the concept of religion – through his own lens. Art, especially illustration, has been his passion since he was six. It's how he expressed himself, his sanctuary. He stated that growing up, this wasn't always understood, but creating art has always been his safe space. His mixed Indian and American education shapes his perspective, making his art deeply personal, reflecting his feelings and experiences. He’s stated his love for experimenting with different materials, allowing his work to be ever evolving.
Here, I'm diving into the symbol "OM" and its five realms. Using black, white, and red, with all the shades between, plus ink, resin, acrylics, and more, I've created pieces open to your interpretation, allowing you to create your own belief system, while staying true to "OM's" core ideas. I hope people from all backgrounds connect with the work in their own way.
Finding my artistic voice is a journey of self-exploration. I believe "truth" and "reality" are subjective, shifting with each perspective. Through my art, I'm sharing my vision, hoping to connect with you on a deeper level.
