LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2022
LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2022
ENTER THE RICH UNIVERSE OF CREATORS INSPIRED BY THE REGION WE LOVE, DOING THINGS SO GOOD WE’RE JEALOUS. A bit like a gallery & a bit like a feed, we’re the place to discover all sorts of creators from Asia.
So whether you’re looking for someone to work with, searching for inspiration, or have landed on this page for an unknown reason, we hope you find something exciting here. WITH LOVE, YOUR FRIENDS AT ANAK.
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Ilyang Ilyang
Paper
Paper
Akiyoshi Nakamura
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Spirited Away — A paper sequel
Growing up in a family of craftsmen, it’s probably no surprise to Akiyoshi how he started drawing at an early age. Although thanks to his fascination with Leon Lionni, Eric Carle, Matisse, and Chieko Takamura, he took his drawing skills to the next level. Now, he draws with paper by paper-cutting, pasting, and chigiri-e. Using ultra-thin Japanese paper without brushes or paints, he’s even created his own version of paper colouring that applies tone sharpening. How even!
Paper
THIS MADE US GO: A new species, the paper species
A breath of life on paper, Patrick’s multi-dimensional artworks have a majestic presence to them. They almost feel like an animal kingdom of their own, made from layers of vellum board and watercolour paper. As an independent artist, he strives to experiment and develop new techniques in the age-old art of paper cutting.
Patrick Cabral
Philippines
THIS MADE US GO: Scissors, paper, flake!
Ashley’s delicately detailed creations might just be the skeleton of unmelted snowflakes — beautifully intricate and a wonder to look at. Known for her meditative drawings and paper sculptures, Ashley grounds her practice in private thoughts and ontological questioning; and revolves her practice around themes of lightness and slowness.
Ashley Yeo
Singapore
Paper
Paper
THIS MADE US GO: Stacked to perfection
From people to places to headspaces, multidisciplinary designer John puts it all on paper. Playing with depth and shadow, he creates stacked layers to sculpt third dimensions in his works. Lettering and paper cutting aside, he also enjoys experimenting with different and new media.
John Ed De Vera
Philippines
THIS MADE US GO: Flows to follow
Drawing inspiration from nature as the source of her artistic expression, Ceres is fascinated by the possibilities found within paper. In her words, “Beautiful, complicated forms arise from the transformation of this humble, almost-mundane material.”
Ceres Lau
Malaysia
Paper
Paper
THIS MADE US GO: One-sheet wonder
Using just one piece of paper in a single colour per artwork, Masayo strives to let three-dimensional forms break free from what they’re expected to be. A self-taught master of kirie, she first discovered this Japanese art of paper cutting in high school and hasn’t looked back since.
Masayo Fukuda
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Is this where paper planes fly to?
Seeking to warm the world with love by using paper is none other than Yeni — a paper artist, art director and set designer. Her creations usually begin with a drawing or sketch before it gets turned into little whimsical worlds made out of 3D paper models.
Yeni Kim
South Korea
Paper
THIS MADE US GO: Positive negative spaces
Filling empty spaces with happy feelings, Sabeena strives to communicate beyond what is visual in her work. Apart from paper lettering and paper sculpting, she also specialises in 3D illustration.
Sabeena Karnik
India
Paper
THIS MADE US GO: Puppets on a mission
Meet the team who are out to revive wayang kulit, a traditional shadow puppetry art, one puppet at a time. Using pop culture icons like DC superheroes and Star Wars as the basis of their creations, Fusion Wayang Kulit strives to merge the traditional craft with the digital/multimedia realm.
Fusion Wayang Kulit
Malaysia
Paper
THIS MADE US GO: Petals doing a strip tease
Made out of on-edge paper strips, Daphne’s stripped flowers might just bring us even more joy than receiving a full bouquet of roses. Apart from beauty and nature, her artworks are also inspired by light and shadow, and architecture and geometry. She’s currently based in Virginia as a paper artist and co-founder of JUDiTH+ROLFE.
Daphne Lee
Singapore
Paper
Others
Others
Hai Ihwa
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: The Alien Florist
To Hai Ihwa, plants are just like humans that have different expressions, shapes and lines with infinite perspectives for observation and exploration. His alien plants are no different, rooted in his belief for extraterrestrial life. As for the way they look, Hai Ihwa’s emotional archives are what influences his creativity — expressing complex emotions is like having the energy of life recharged.
Others
Khairullah Rahim
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Bling empower
Through collaboration and critical thinking, Khairullah unveils the lived experiences of his community with recurring themes of forbidden desire, shame, resistance, ambition and labour. As an interdisciplinary artist, he works across different mediums with research that looks into strategies of resourcefulness for survival in environments under surveillance.
Others
Shayne Phua
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Potted pastries
Who knew that culinary tools could make things outside of the kitchen too? Repurposing existing pastry apparatus, Shayne uses them as decorative clay reliefs to make ceramic vessels — a reconfiguration inspired by the functionality of such objects. Fusing traditions amidst cultural homogenisation, Shayne’s work also seeks to reinvent narratives of oral traditions, Chinese folklores and cultural semiotics.
Others
Sarah Lin
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Eclectic feel
Unbounded by materiality and execution, Sarah makes eclectic-coloured creations that are poetic and tactile from process to outcome. As for what goes on behind the scenes, her multidisciplinary practice revolves around themes of human conditions and narratives of her personal experiences.
Others
Aki Hassan
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Read between the lines
Aki is a trans-disciplinary artist who reinterprets how forms, materialities and objects encounter one another through unexpected details and new narratives. They see this process as a tool to reflect on their support systems — to locate strength, shifts and imbalances in exchange. Found through text, drawing, printed matter and sculpture.
Others
Jeanette Adrienne Wee
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: A one hand throw
Fluent in Korean, Japanese and Chinese, Jeanette uses her cultural observations to form a melting pot of North-asian art forms. Themed around personal experiences, nature and places, she works broadly with functional ware as well as sculptural pieces. The rich textures, mix of different clays, custom glazes and a one-handed throw pot technique are the main characteristics in her potted creations.
Others
Berny Tan
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Existential thread
In an attempt to reframe the ambivalent space between the rational and emotional as generative rather than paralytic, Berny turns to threads. No, not the ones on Reddit. Along with a needle, she threads through the tensions of systems and personal experiences — supported by strategies that reflect a fundamental interest in language as it is read, written and spoken by her.
Others
Samuel Xun
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Drippin in dazzle
Through the use of ornamented surfaces, multidisciplinary artist Samuel explores emblems of culture and identity. Often centered around the themes of emotion, cognition and aestheticism, his working process is an expression to convey the humanistic resolutions to social discourse. The end products of the above include sculpture, installations, and textile compositions informed by film, culture and personal narratives.
Others
Shishi San
THIS MADE US GO: Do not touch the tuft
“We don’t walk on my carpets” says it all about Shishi’s intricately fluffy paintings and sculptures that have been imbued with her very own distinctive style. Based in Brussels, she’s a self-taught multidisciplinary artist who enjoys being hands-on with her artworks that that are inspired by both Japanese and Chinese cultures. For Shishi, mixing traditional, tribal, and floral patterns with vivid colours push her artistic abilities and techniques. Talk about tufting it out!
Others
Hiné Mizushima
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Anatomy on fibre
Experimenting with different tools and materials, Hiné is the master of crafting unexpectedly charming outcomes. As a fibre craft artist based in Vancouver, she creates art through needle felting, weaving, makes miniature collages and embroidered puppet stop-motion animations.
Others
Studio Kallang
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Hansel and Gretel on a biscuit diet
“Chic but playful” is how Faezah Shaharuddin, founder of Studio Kallang, would describe her design studio’s aesthetics in furniture, homeware objects and installations. She gravitates towards showing personality by combining unexpected objects of materials & colours — inspired by travelling, art and film. Although, the roots of her interest stem from a fascination with interiors and forms while growing up in a family furniture business.
Others
Wang Zhijun
China
THIS MADE US GO: Does this soot me?
Who knew that the smog of mass industrialisation in Beijing would fuel Zhijun to create masks from his own sneaker collection? It’s for a good cause though. These sneaker masks are both aesthetic and useful, created to raise awareness about air pollution. Since 2008, Zhijun has been learning traditional crafts and making customised sneakers. Best known for his ‘Chinese Zodiacs’ series, his works are also collected by renowned institutions and celebrities.
Others
Tac_inomata_sc
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Nomsters Inc.
Tac’s Japanese snacks and side dishes are testament to the common saying: “Food is the way to the heart”. Regardless of age, we’re pretty sure Tac’s food styling captures the hearts of all young or old. With meticulous seaweed cutting and creative sculpting using colours and textures of each ingredient, he gives each dish a playful narrative. Tac playing with food has got him playing with our hearts too, in a yummy way of course… wink wink.
Others
Kanoko Takaya
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Eyebrows and everything tactile
With a great fascination for the expressive Indonesian masks, Bali-based artist Kanoko’s practice is led by tactility and interactions. Not tied to a single medium, Kanoko’s processes and methods are constantly evolving, from acrylic on canvas to wood carving, costume making, embroidery and tapestries. Often inspired by nature, her creations are a fusion of the Indonesian folk art and her personal experiences.
Others
Ease Studio
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Human-hand-made
Founded by Nichepek Torsutkanok and Wanus Choketaweesak in 2014, Ease is a multidisciplinary studio born from a family-owned embroidery business that weaves in craft, technology and design. From creating interior decoratives to furniture to site-specific art installations, Ease explores and experiments with traditional handcraft techniques with machine-based technology. All this to create new experiences with tactile art and living products.
Others
Damda
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Tuftscaping
If you’re looking for plants that don’t need water to grow, tufting them might be your next best alternative. Just look at these green ones! Mixed-media artist Damda is the creator of these textural landscapes made in oil with yarn. From 2D paintings to 3D art installations, the progression of tactility in her work spans through every tufted island.
Others
Yoshimasa Tsuchiya
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Dæmons of the wonderworld
The works of Yoshimasa is symbolic in the purest forms, with sculpted emotions taking the shape of fantasy creatures inspired from his dreams and studied postures of animals. How wonderful it is to be invited into his fantasies, and to be in the presence of these 3-dimensional beasts. Just gaze into those glass eyes, read the forms of each carved creature, and be transported to a mythical land of absolute elegance and awe.
Others
Daisak
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Clay is out to play
Ceramicist Daisak creates “artworks, half & half, goods” — in the form of cavemen, wide-eyed kawaii pineapples, quirky ornaments, conceptual sculptures with labels, illustrated mugs with saucers and you-name-it-unexpected-things. Daisak’s main interest in figurines is also his main source of inspiration. He makes up narratives based on the figurines he comes across and reinterprets them through pottery techniques.
Pin Saruta
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Reduce, reuse, reincarnate!
Growing up in a family-owned steel factory with a Fine Arts degree, Pin’s primary passion is to recycle worthless steel debris into valuables, and to challenge the possibilities of recycling waste materials — rethink and reuse. Her work includes transforming used steels into art objects/installations, functional and decorative items.
Others
The Archivist
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Screen me please
Founded by creative duo Min and Woon, The Archivist is a screen print studio with the purest intentions — to collaborate with people from different fields of art and design, visual and music. They’re also two people who are more than willing to share their knowledge and expertise with anyone curious at their regular workshops. As for their working process, it’s mainly focused on designing methods and procedures for systematic printing that value the importance of the “printing process” and high-quality materials.
Others
THIS MADE US GO: Miniature minimart memories
Inspired by her childhood memories while paying close attention to realism, Pui Wan strives to evoke a sense of nostalgia through her miniature sculptures. The self-taught artist behind Picoworm believes that miniature isn’t merely small as it also brings life to us.
Picoworm
Malaysia
Others
THIS MADE US GO: Under the sea on ecstasy
Mulyana’s colourful crocheted worlds of fun inspired by the television shows of his youth makes us want to dive right in. It’s crazy how he’s created these large-scale installations through the age-old technique of knitting, but we’re all for it. Oh, and he’s also got an alter-ego called Mogues, an octopus who can be found in his underwater-themed exhibitions. Bloop bloop.
Mulyana
Indonesia
Others
THIS MADE US GO: The only stitch I’d willingly be in
Irene initially used pencils, watercolours and digital tools to create her work until the day she stumbled upon her mother’s leftover threads and hoop. Since then, she’s been using thread and fabric to stitch her own original illustrations into lovely embroidered pieces.
Irene Saputra
Indonesia
Others
THIS MADE US GO: Ms Metaphysical
Coming across as dreamy illustrations and ethereal imagery, Diela’s colourful artworks also contain a hint of mystery for the character amidst the vibrant patterns of super saturated hues. Apart from embroidery pieces, she also does paintings and illustrations.
Diela Maharanie
Indonesia
Others
THIS MADE US GO: A colourful family affair
Over the past five decades, craftsmen Choi Jong-kwan has been taking great pride in representing chaehwa chilgi, a traditional Korean coloured lacquerware. He’s also given the traditional craft plenty of room to evolve with the times, thanks to his wife and kids who seek to explore and experiment its possibilities with modern designs and more.
Choi Jong-kwan & family
South Korea
Others
THIS MADE US GO: Mother-of-pearl comes of its shell
Helmed by craftmaster Lee Young-ok, Jinjooshell is a family business that specialises in the modernisation of mother-of-pearl. Through R&D of this particular material, they create various designs and artworks that can live in other forms apart from jewellery such as architecture, interior design and so on.
Jinjooshell
South Korea
Others
THIS MADE US GO: Ready for dollywood
Known to be a pioneer of art dolls in Vietnam, Tran Thu Hang has always been driven to pursue the naturalness of art. Just look at her incredible lifelike wooden dolls!
Tran Thu Hang
Vietnam
Others
THIS MADE US GO: Barbie’s weekend getaway
Rustic respite can sometimes feel so close yet so far, but that’s what it’s all about for Nachi and Muoi. As the founders of miniature model studio Lucid Dream, they create their works to be filled with the material of “reality” but also full of dreams.
Lucid Dream
Vietnam
Others
Barbie on retreat
THIS MADE US GO: Mother Earth’s stamp of approval
Specialising in the fine art of hand block printing on delicate fabrics and dyeing in vegetable colours, Pracheen is a workshop that prides itself in its eco-friendly process — and we’re all for it. Natural dyes have always been a part of India’s ancient heritage, and Pracheen believes that they are not an innovation but a revival of a rich and prudent tradition.
Pracheen
India
Others
THIS MADE US GO: Pho-real?
An Ha Nguyen’s iconic collection of miniature Vietnamese dishes make us want to pinch food that we can’t actually eat. An architecture graduate turned miniature artist and entrepreneur, she’s now the founder of Veene Studio that specialises in dolls and miniature models. All it took was a self-carved bride-and-groom cake topper that pushed her to fully pursue her love for the craft.
Veene Studio
Vietnam
Others
THIS MADE US GO: Dildoll, blowbots and children’s books
How fun would it be, if things could speak? Blending storytelling and art together, this contemporary art studio fuses fascinating personalities into their sculptures, collectable toys, children’s books, installations, and other immersive objects.
Kumkum Fernando
Vietnam
Others
Dilldoll, blowbots and children’s books
THIS MADE US GO: Moulded for mindfulness
As its name suggests, stillness is an inherent quality in their wares. A creative collaboration between Kaleb Loh and Tyco Tat, this duo is fueled by a desire to invent new ways for people to experience and interact with one of the world’s oldest mediums — ceramics.
Stillwares
Singapore
Others
THIS MADE US GO: XLB — Xiao long baby
Some describe her work as “pop-surrealistic” and “creepy-cute”, but Qimmyshimmy really leaves that up to one to decide. She’s just here to create tension between two worlds — the real and the imagined. So, do these mini organs and body parts make you scream in fright or squeal in delight?
Qimmyshimmy
Singapore
Others
THIS MADE US GO: Not-so-alien invasion
Don’t worry earthlings, these guys come in peace. Aspiring to bring back the past and build a better future using technology, Taketo aspires to show how combinations of creation can triumph destruction. 3D printing aside, he also specialises in materialising digital artwork, dissolving boundaries between what’s virtual and real.
Taketo Kobayashi
Singapore
Others
Mythical beings of the modern era
THIS MADE US GO: The fairy diaries
Xinhwang’s fantasy world has a childish charm that reminds us all that life’s better with a little faith, trust and pixie dust. Apart from drawing illustrations, she also dabbles in fashion design, bringing a different kind of fairytale into the human world.
Xinhwang
Taiwan
Others
THIS MADE US GO: Literal eye candy
Cynthia loves snacks, just like all of us, or at least most of us. So much so that she immortalised the Asian snacks she grew up with, like yakult and white rabbit sweets, into elaborate rugs. As the child of Chinese emigrants, these rugs offer her a deep sense of nostalgia — an afterschool snack she turned to time and time again during her childhood.
Cynthia Chen
USA
Others
THIS MADE US GO: A common thread for humanity
For Aze, fiber is her weapon that can stitch connections and heal inner wounds. Grounding her creative process with intuition and spontaneity, she seeks to explore the different possibilities of fiber as a medium such as the history, culture, and her ecology around it.
Aze Ong
Philippines
Others
THIS MADE US GO: Tapestry tales
Employing the same methods of craftsmen in China, Eng Tiang Huat preserves the authenticity of worn-out embroidered pieces while restoring them in respectful and conscientious ways. Known for its traditional handmade Chinese embroidery services, this Chinese cultural shop is helmed by Jeffery Eng, the current successor of this third-generation family business.
Eng Tiang Huat
Singapore
Others
THIS MADE US GO: No one mould for femininity
With mountains-as-breasts being a recurring theme in her works, Kara draws parallels between feminie and earth forms. An ode to how natural beauty comes in all forms, colours, shapes and sizes.
Kara de Dios
Philippines
Others
THIS MADE US GO: A crochet rebellion. Thread lightly
Inspired by her own great grandmother’s badass attitude, Daphne Chao created Ilyang Ilyang to revolt against the notion of crocheting being a grandmother’s craft — in “hardcore handmade crochet” style. A warning that’s somehow kinda heartwarming.
Ilyang Ilyang
Philippines
Others
THIS MADE US GO: Through the looking-glass… of glass
When Tomoko creates her art, she’s fueled by an anticipation for how such ordinary materials can transform into a never-seen-before scenery. The end product? Little glass “rooms” or “houses” with various materials like wire netting, wood, rock, and sometimes other random things.
Tomoko Wada
Japan
Others
THIS MADE US GO: Ooh… Ahh… Ooh la la…
The perpetual looks of amusement on Aman’s Claymen figures are probably how we all look like when no one’s watching. In fact, these creations emerged from a careful observation of the common man and his dilemmas. Aman’s other sources of inspiration come from the experiences that unfold from the medium he uses — clay.
Aman Khanna
India
Others
THIS MADE US GO: Ancestrally lit
Believed to be one of the only two people in Malaysia who makes and sells traditional surname lanterns, Mun Wai strives to preserve his Peranakan heritage and the theory of lantern making. Fun fact: Traditional surname lanterns are commonly used by Peranakan Chinese to decorate their homes for special occasions.
Chuen Mun Wai
Malaysia
Others
THIS MADE US GO: Fabric of human existence
Textile therapy, anyone? Situating her practice at the convergence of art and design, Isha seeks to create emotive and engaging textile environments.
Isha Pimpalkhare
India
Others
https://vimeo.com/user85428497?embedded=true&source=owner_name&owner=85428497
THIS MADE US GO: No-paint painting
What do you mean that’s not a painting? Yeah, it really isn’t. We checked. Reinterpreting everyday materials to create mixed media installations, Red Hong Yi manages to “paint without a paintbrush” that leaves anyone looking in awe.
Red Hong Yi
Malaysia
Others
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THIS MADE US GO: To the zen den!
No nails. No screws. Just age-old traditional tools and joinery techniques is all Mokkō Studio needs. Founded by lead craftsman Alvan Koh, this woodcraft studio grounds itself in the Japanese philosophy of woodworking to create heirloom furniture from wood.
Mokkō Studio
Singapore
Others
THIS MADE US GO: Just bead it
Little Shophouse specialises in Peranakan beadwork, helmed by siblings Robert and Irene who bead to the heart of tradition. As the only craftsman of the shop, Robert is in charge of designing the patterns that will go on colourful beaded slippers and other intricate items. After which, he joins Irene to hand-bead these delicate designs into treasured pieces of heritage.
Little Shophouse
Singapore
Others
Robert runs one-on-one beading workshops, lasting five hours and costing from S$370; book one week ahead.
Robert first creates the intricate designs before joining his sister in-beading his creative visions into timeless pieces together. The intricate designs are first crafted by Robert before he joins his sister in hand-beading his creative visions into timeless pieces.
Robert runs one-on-one beading workshops, lasting five hours and costing from S$370; book one week ahead.
THIS MADE US GO: Tuft times
Dunes on Mars? Yuck Earth’s got a rug for that. A side hustle of a dynamic duo, their latest series of hand-tufted rugs is inspired by landscapes that are literally out of this world. Oh, and they make some pretty cute suncatchers using crystal beads too.
Yuck Earth
Singapore
Others
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Vector
Vector
Teng Yu
Taiwan
THIS MADE US GO: Tang yuan clan
Teng Yu specialises in simplified yet exaggerated forms that remind us of tang yuan — the blobby, chewy traditional Chinese rice balls. Toeing the borderline of cute, his bold illustrative style reflect his graphic design background as well. Other forms he dabbles with include: paper material and printing techniques.
Vector
Yuo Ning Chien
Taiwan
THIS MADE US GO: Grab life by the eyeballs
Currently based in NYC, the graphic design-trained
Yuo Ning takes inspiration from daily life, skewing it with a distinctive does of whimsy and spontaneity. Her distinctive eyeballs, colourful geometry, and playful loops make for eye-catching art. Literally.
Grabbing life by the eyeballs
Vector
Yiyi Bian
China
THIS MADE US GO: Manufactured mayhem
The world of Yiyi has a distinctively dystopian slant. Those who dare enter are richly rewarded with a landscape populated by a courageous harmony of dark colours, human bears with many wigs and abstract storylines. O, Brave New World…
Vector
Li Dan27
China
THIS MADE US GO: A story of strange streets
Li Dan translates his “attachment”, as he calls it, to architecture into his own visual language. With deceptively simple forms, he imaginatively recreates complex urban streets and buildings, creating an interesting and dynamic visual tension. Breaking away from this style, he has also recently branched into more organic and colourful forms.
A painter who enjoys the pleasure to re-paint classical symbols.
Vector
Han Tingting
China
THIS MADE US GO: Monsters, Inc on mushrooms
Countless permutations of shape and form yield a fascinating tribe of characters in 2D graphics. Dynamic and alive; cutely contemporary; bold and yet balanced, Tingting manages to convey a strong sense of personality with deft use of colour blocking.
Vector
Lin Chen
China
THIS MADE US GO: Easy, Breezy, Covergirl
Lin Chen’s playful figurative compositions dance effortless between eras. She seeks to weave worlds around her female characters, who represent an archetypal balance of soft and strong.
Vector
Karen Yao
China
THIS MADE US GO: Guide me, divine deities
A flick through visual polymath Karen’s portfolio reveals a staggering variety of illustration and design styles. The common thread running through her works — searing observations of the modern world sharpened by a keen wit. Keep an eye out for: a series of graphic illustrations inspired by the 1985 book by Neil Postman, Amusing Ourselves to Death (pictured left).
Vector
AMAO
China
THIS MADE US GO: Emotions in motion
AMAO (Shengyun Mao) is a two-for-one talent, as a skilled graphics designer who brings joy to her illustrated work through playful animated loops. The main subjects of her work are love and loneliness, seeking to reveal the details of such emotions in placid ways.
Vector
John Johnny
China
THIS MADE US GO: No funny, no honey
What’s going on in John Johnny’s mind? We want to know. Scenes from the daily lives of his strange humanoid characters reveal a serious sense of humour and keen narrative sense. Smiles are inevitable; you only have to look closer.
Vector
Jiaqi Wang
China
THIS MADE US GO: zero eyes, 100% vibes
Jiaqi’s distinctively eyeless illustrated folk break the myth that the eyes are the most expressive feature of the human face. Based in LA, her use of such quirky characters and moving images add more to any story.
Vector
Ngooi Su Hwa
Malaysia
THIS MADE US GO: Maps that get you lost
Well stacked like a Lego/PlayMobil world, Su Hwa’s cityscapes are super engaging. Although they may look “cute” at first glance, a closer look at the intricate details reveals a strong compositional sense that appeals to an ageless audience. A world we wouldn’t mind getting lost in over and over again.
Well stacked like a Lego/PlayMobil world, Su Hwa’s cityscapes are super engaging. Although they may look “cute” on first impressions, a closer look at the intricate details reveals a strong compositional sense that appeals to an ageless audience. A world we wouldn’t mind getting lost in over and over again.
Vector
Michelle Sherchle
Indonesia
THIS MADE US GO: Very serious about silly
Life is too short to be serious all the time. The weird-cute, dark-funny work of Michelle has us in full agreement with that axiom. Visual puns, unexpected twists, and a dash of the macabre first make you go “What?” Then, after, laughter.
uired
Vector
Jinhwa Jang
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Synthesized Moebius
Welcome to Jinhwa’s vision of a dystopian future, made from a reinterpretation of the visual codes of Japanese manga and games. Be it in black or white or neon, the ensuing carefully constructed chaos is bold, hypnotic, and mind-blowing.
Vector
Minji Moon
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Portrait perfect
Minji’s visual philosophy is a good reminder to the rest of us — when you tell a story, the most concise, simplest route often works best. Dispensing with extraneity, each line of her bold graphics is not only purposeful, but somehow also playfully elegant. Her deft touch shines the brightest in her portrait and character work.
Vector
Henn Kim
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Sinking in my feelings
Henn Kim is known for her black and white illustrations, which she describes as “beautiful dark twisted fantasies”. An intoxicating mix of familiarity and surreality, her artworks offer a poignant commentary on the emotions that affect us all.
Vector
Nan Lee
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Jack of all trades, master of quirk
Nan plays freely across a variety of illustrative styles. The red thread that ties her technical experiments together is a distinctive sense of quirk and humour. Her wonkily proportioned characters, who are both childlike and adult, articulate the original definition of cute — “ugly, but adorable”.
Vector
Jing Wei
China
THIS MADE US GO: Hey there gentle giants
NYC-based Jing Wei’s printmaking background comes through in the simple and clean shapes as the basis of her illustrations. She also takes the opportunity to fuse her personality into the characters she draws — quiet and weird, soft and proud.
Vector
Erin Dwi Azmi
Indonesia
THIS MADE US GO: Perfectly angled disproportions
Erin’s gaze boldly throws shapes out of proportion in a brilliantly organic and harmonious way. Skewed perspectives and a retro-leaning colour palette add more to her fantastically striking visual world.
Erin’s gaze boldly throws shapes out of proportion in a brilliantly organic and harmonious way. Skewed perspectives and a retro-leaning colour palette add more to her fantastically striking visual world.
Vector
Reza Hasni
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Trance Trance Revolution
Bright colours and hypnotic patterns are the core of Berlin-based Reza’s work, and in moving form, it’s mesmerising. Smileys and faceless beings; cult symbols and geometric columns; and floral and fauna in endless space tumble together as we jump from one dimension to another in an alien loop.
Vector
Ardhira Putra
Indonesia
THIS MADE US GO: Club Tropicana, drinks are free
Singapore-based Ardhira’s influences come by way of video games, vintage and Asian pop ads, and Japanese cartoons from his childhood. The result? A whirl of 80s/90s graphic design and poppy colour palettes.
Contemporary pop nostalgia
Vector
Ella Zheng
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Rhapsodies and rainbows
Ella’s other hat as a designer brings a bold sense of composition, texture and colour to her illustrations. Unapologetically bright colours and unexpected notes in each piece of work simply spell P.E.R.S.O.N.A.L.I.T.Y. Trigger warning: happiness.
Vector
Van Lim
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Eye spy happy meals
Van’s tasty tribe of anthropomorphic fruit (and other objects) are joyful and not just cute, but cool to boot. Googly eyes and nuanced palette of contrasting tones keep out appetites whetted for more. As evident in her colourful artworks, the thing that grounds her practice is none other than a good sense of humour.
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Lucia Pham
Vietnam
THIS MADE US GO: K-pop in a k-hole
From singing flowers to green faced goddesses, Lucia pulls from a wide array of Eastern iconography — spanning K-pop to traditional symbols and religious art — merging them into a singular worldview of flamboyant colours and sharp, succinct lines.
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Tunlaya Dunn
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Before the midday crisis hits
Tunlaya’s sense of restraint lends a slight sense of surrealism to the cosy and familiar. In recent works, she experiments more with shapes and playing with the form of comic art.
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Nuttapong Daovichitr
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Things taking shape
Nuttapong digs a lot deeper, tuning in to his innermost feelings or some daily states of being as the main subjects in his work. With his refined style and accomplished hand, he elevates everyday human stories through relatable scenarios.
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Bloody Hell Big Head
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Sci-fi art-toons
Thanawat Sakdawisarak, who goes by the artist moniker Bloody Hell Big Head, finds his distinctive voice by mixing modern and vintage graphic elements through an outwardly, futuristic lens. Anthropomorphic critters reside alongside humans in Escher-esque settings, or in retro homes on an alternate planet. Anything and everything goes… together.
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Yune
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: It’s, oh, so quiet shhh shhhh
Payoon Worachananan aka Yune is a Thai illustrator based in Tokyo. Focusing on 2D shapes to depict architecture and landscape, her work is beautifully crisp, detailed, and full of imagery. Not forgetting her dusk-informed palette that grasps the peacefulness and poetry of these unoccupied spaces.
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Nimura Daisuke
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Naughty naughty
Nimura brilliantly captures the emotional essence of his characters through body language. His intimate portraits reveal and revel in the extraordinary drama that underlies much of our so-called mundane lives.
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Noritake
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Daria’s boyfriend
Known for the strange faces and minimal scenes in his works, Noritake draws from the classic Japanese comic tradition while pushing it to the edge of contemporary cool. Also, not to forget — his ability to distill emotions and actions into wonderfully crafted one-liners.
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Yu Nagaba
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Fido Dido’s art class
The worlds Fido and Matisse collide quite singularly in Yu Nagaba’s line work. A preoccupation with pop and celebrity culture, expression through reduction, a willful naivete and a fine art sensibility explain our enduring fascination with his perspective.
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Asuka Watanabe
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Windows to the abstract soul
The Japanese affinity for French Art Nouveau and later, Art Deco goes way back to the start of the 20th century. Asuka picks up these threads through her work in patterning, interpreting them with a looser hand and graphic sensibility that’s definitely of our digital age.
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Ellie Suh
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Sun-daubed bodies
Hong Kong-based Ellie balances playfulness with purpose to create vibrant illustrations that depict the life of individuals in bold tints and unconventional geometric shapes. Her inspirations include: her multicultural upbringing, femininity, the people around her, nature, and the sun.
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Qowomo
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Kidnap me aliens
A recent graduate turned highly sought-after tattoo artist, Qowomo’s works are distinctively otherworldly and mind-blowing. She’s well known for her stylized b&w organically generative “barbwire” tattoo art, and her passion is evident in her creations. We’re pretty much in love with them too. Definitely one to look out for!
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Nori Okawa
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Boing boing boomshaklaka
Filled with expressions and momentum, it’s intriguing how Nori’s illustrations are composed from the most minimal uses of lines and shapes. Of simplified figures, contrasting vibrant colours, textures, animated scenes and repeated patterns found in traditional woodblock prints. Inspired by the techniques of Ukiyo-e and its purpose to be made for the “common people”, Nori hopes to take a similar approach in her work too.
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Degeha
Indonesia
THIS MADE US GO: Sky daddy’s mythical side
Pop culture meets tradition in Degeha’s god-like works, inspired from Balinese mythologies of sacred ceremonies and deities to Japanese ukiyo-e and anime. Fusing the two opposites into a current day visual language, Degeha’s body of work is constantly evolving and each scene we see is indeed an adventurous trip. All aboard!
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HAFI
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: This little pinkie went whee whee whee
Meet illustrator and designer HAFI who creates work that dissects themes of identity and cultural narratives. She’s also the co-founder of Seasonings, a food and culture magazine. Oh, and don’t forget to holla at her confident pink-bodied protagonist — a relatable, down-to-earth, girl-next-door kind of gal.
8EyedSpud
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Where’s Wally? Wait, who’s Wally?
8EyeSpud is a visual storytelling studio founded by BFFs, Nat and Jackie, who have been working together as a duo since 2018. Their combined wit and humour is evident in compositions that excel in evoking an abundance of fun.
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June Jirapart
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Tropical intervention
The phrase “A Jack of all trades is a master of none” has got nothing on June, the co-founder of Carbet Moon Studio. Led by his curiosity while striving for experimentations in new processes, his biggest tool is his distinct illustrative style in engraving drawing techniques. He’s translated that into other works of art like mural paintings, typographic hand-lettering, and rebranding projects.
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Jocelyn Tsaih
Taiwan
THIS MADE US GO: If you’re a blob, I’m a blob
Amidst the (welcome) rise of specificity and diversity in representational art, Taiwan-born, Shanghai-raised and Oakland-based Jocelyn dwells on the shared human experiences that unite us all. Featuring an amorphous figure meant to embody the universal spirit of human beings, she has an uncanny way of distilling abstract, philosophical questions with Zen-like clarity.
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Page Tsou
Taiwan
THIS MADE US GO: Steampunk fairy tales
Page looks to a mix of eastern and western cultural influences for inspiration, from traditional chinese ink paintings to steampunk. The aptly-named illustrator’s art retains a distinctively painterly quality, yielding works that feel like they’ve been taken straight from the pages of a most fantastic storybook.
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Croter Hung
Taiwan
THIS MADE US GO: …Meow
Watercolour or pen, colour or monochrome, Croter can seemingly do it all at an incredible level of finesse. A satirical worldview combined with a meticulous eye for detail makes him a very special talent. Plus, we are suckers for cats, too.
Seo Young
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Hey Alexa, play lofi beats
Surreal, fluorescent compositions and companions transport us to Seo Young’s alternative parallel dimension of 1980s Earth. Ghosting through dreams of a different planet, life there seems chaotic but peaceful at the same time.
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Yashin
Taiwan
THIS MADE US GO: Dreaming dreamscapes
With her meticulous style converging between reality and fantasy, there’s an inherent surrealness of reality in Yashin’s work. Thanks to her hybrid approach that combines layers of retouching with hand-drawn compositions, her illustrations give an ethereal, gossamer-fine quality that’s quite magical.
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Mutong Duan
China
THIS MADE US GO: “Blistering barnacles!” — Captain H
Is there something Captain Haddock-esque about Mutong’s bearded protagonist? Just us, then? Apart from digital illustration, Mutong also works in pencil and watercolour.
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Vikki Zhang
China
THIS MADE US GO: Pass me that magnifying glass
Currently based in NYC, Vikki picked up traditional Chinese painting when she was a mere tot of five years old, which doesn’t necessarily translate into artistic genius, but in her case it does. Revealing a fusion of Eastern and Western influences, the delicate details of her art draw us endlessly in for closer inspection.
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Feifei Ruan
China
THIS MADE US GO: A mythical ink-ling
There’s a telltale trace of classic Chinese ink painting in NYC-based Feifei’s linework, but it’s interpreted with a very contemporary eye. The balance of the two make for very visually engaging works, and she especially excels at adding atmospheric details of cloud, wave, flame, mist, and shadow.
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Qiu Dandan
China
THIS MADE US GO: Searching for Laura Palmer
Dandan’s surreal vistas of ink, pencil and oil on paper are largely black and white, but never bleak. Richly textured, wildly imaginative, her recent works have broken through to include vivid bursts of colour, expanding the scope of her fantastical world further.
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Martcellia Liunic
Indonesia
THIS MADE US GO: Prescription (happy) pills
Mundane situations and objects are playfully interpreted into bursts of colours and abstract shapes by Martcellia. Turning a self therapeutic process which becomes a gift to her viewers with the joy that echos in the work. Side note: she also runs a clothing label “Liunic on Things”, taking happiness to the streets.
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Ykha Amelz
Indonesia
THIS MADE US GO: Tradition or trendition
Ranging from meticulously detailed texturing to splashy block colouring, self taught Ykha has a portfolio with an array of style treatments. Be it a theme fusing traditions with pop culture or street cultural trends, she grasps the essence of each genre ingeniously.
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Ise Ananphada
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Single poster synopsis
It is essential to read between the lines as we scan through Ise’s delicately detailed illustrations. Within the complex rendering and expansive colour palette, lies layers of symbolism which she describes as “visions, illusions, madness, artistry and poetry”.
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Kanith
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Stranger things
Through the medium of digital painting, Kanith explores behaviours, attitudes and inner lives of characters traversing boundaries and identities. The sense of awkwardness and uneasiness are felt through her simple methods of storytelling — inspired by Edward Hopper. Yeah, poetry isn’t always about roses and lines.
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Toma Nguyen
Vietnam
THIS MADE US GO: Fear dark forces
Whether she is painting traditionally or by digital means, Toma’s openness to explore and experiment with juxtaposing unconventional subjects lead to the least expected outcomes. The potentiality of fusing traditional and modern with gore and glamour, flowers and serpent, beauty and the alien has manifested in Toma’s art.
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Seo Inji
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Big baddie’s home
The only rule is to break all rules as evident in Inji’s method — mix and clash. She seeks to put things that don’t usually go together on the same page, and BOOM. Say hello to neo-pop voluptuous bods and luscious lips, pushing the spectrum of East and West, technology and sensuality.
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Daye Kim
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Awkward as life is
Pinhead people with pinhole eyes is Daye’s trademark that comes in different style treatments. The intentional abstraction of organic forms to geometric shapes is balanced and harmonized by her colour palette. Well, these arms look just fine dear!
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Seenaeme
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: One too many Chubby Bunny
The intent is “just for laughs” but Shin He-mi has given us more than that. Irregardless of where she takes her plus-size figures, they fit perfectly on any street wall or canvas. He-mi’s re-interpretations of Disney and film characters is aesthetically distinctive and chubbly charismatic.
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Hye Jin Chung
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Poster girl in a Matisse world
New York-based Hye Jin has lived in several different countries growing up. She co-founded Instant Rabbit, a self-publishing studio for zines, prints and all stuff FUN. Fun — the overarching ethos regardless of her varying style treatments and applications.
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Howie Kim
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S
Prolific in various mediums, Howie is fascinated by all things kitsch and bizarre. Disrupting the line between reality and fantasy, he pushes the boundaries to create a whole new realm of surrealism garnering a style unique of his own. His self-portraits shows the world who he is and this, is unquestionably admirable and inspiring!
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Paynk
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Spirit animal come through
With influences from the Eastern traditions and multicultural folklore, Sharon’s fantastical and delicate drawings teleports us to her mythical paddle-pop world of giant unicorn cats and stallion koi. An inkling of Japanese and Chinese anime is present in her style treatments.
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Barbarian Flower
Malaysia
THIS MADE US GO: What’s today’s special?
Singapore-based Szeyan draws inspiration from traditional and vintage art forms from Japan and Hong Kong. With a distinctive 80s aesthetics and digitally drawn, her works emulates effects of colour pencil and airbrush painting. Szeyan’s growing interest in still life and portraits are evident in her recent work.
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Kristal Melson
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: That female gaze
There’s something alluring about the characters present in Kristal’s work. Along with her experimental compositions, we can’t help but to be drawn in to these vibrant and witty illustrations. Apart from the features of her charming characters, the breeze in the flow of her linework is also something that can’t possibly be ignored.
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Anngee Neo
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Riddle me this, rattle me that
Spanning across a wide spectrum of styles, Anngee’s “rattles-in-her-head” are enduring and engaging. From kid-friendly to satirical, they ain’t just an outlet for her but a kind reminder for us about the things we might have overlooked. She knows how to serve hard truths, in the most nurturing way — light yet informative.
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Beverley Ng
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: High five to the low-fi
Heavy influences from D.I.Y ethics of punk subcultures can be seen in Beverley’s work through a combination of illustration and collaging. Her style of drawing is distinctive, detailed and expressive. Equipped with a background in Graphic Design, she creates art books, zines and websites.
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Shian
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: How many versions of me are we?
Taking us through a Miyazaki or a rom-com or dune to present, Shian continues to unravel her artist voice with an eclectic mix of styles and techniques. Her distinctive work is complex and detailed, in texturing and the narratives told within.
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Kezia Gabriella
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Everybody clap your hands
The quirk of multifaceted Kezia is THE energy in her art. Recognisable by the bold distortions and vibrancy, the intentional chaos and wacky characters are the outcome of her artistic explorations on human connections and liberation.
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Marina A
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Hello darkness, my old friend…
Undoubtedly manifestations of dreams, Marina takes us on cryptic rainbow trips. Drawing inspiration from astrophysics and symbolism between serpents and females, which are the recurring subjects in her work, Marina describes her art as Cosmic Surrealism. This is her Utopia, what’s yours?
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Ivee Pendo
Philippines
THIS MADE US GO: Meticulous manga marvels
Can a person be both creative and logical? Well those who beg to differ just haven’t met Ivee yet. A data administrator and an illustrator, Ivee’s drawings are skillfully and ingeniously executed. Reminiscence of an era passed, or a vision in a manga dreamscape, her juxtaposition of duality is a style she totally owns.
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Kerby Rosanes
Philippines
THIS MADE US GO: Strokes of trance
Emanating a hypnotic effect, Kerby’s rhythmic B&W lineworks are hand-drawn with ink and markers followed by a digital render. With a foundation in Graphic Design and stellar illustration techniques, Kerby’s work is recognized and published widely across the world.
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Owi Liunic
Indonesia
THIS MADE US GO: From universe to metaverse
Labeled as a multi-hyphenate creative, Owi’s process is hip and trendy. Her illustrations translate in both 2D and 3D, static and motion, traditional to digital. With an energetic and experimental attitude, her creations are always refreshing and unexpected. She also runs Press Pause Studio, an art collective selling art rugs and home deco; taking digital to tangible.
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Kaori Seno
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Eat me, eat me
Oh! A jolly portfolio! Is one filled with cute animals and happy food. Just look at Kaori’s googly-eyed sushi bombarding magazine covers with overloaded chaos that leaves you wanting more. Her food illustrations are composed with abstract shapes in clashing perspectives making up the tableware and ingredients, accompanied by miniature animal friends.
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Emi Ozaki
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Prickles that tickle
Gently comical and beautifully weird, Emi’s paintings are as bold as she is. She’s one who takes the lead in turning passion into “business”, having given up a job in advertising and making self-expression the key to success. We dig it.
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Xinmei Liu
China
THIS MADE US GO: Propaganda has a bad name
Beyond the nostalgic propaganda-ish aesthetics, New York-based Xinmei interjects visual gags and satirical elements in her beautifully detailed, delicately executed illustrations. Mainly focusing on her childhood and cultural background, she aims to use humor and sarcasm to provoke thoughts and raise questions about the conventional ideas of a society.
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Pen So
Hong Kong
THIS MADE US GO: “Life is in color, but black and white is more realistic” – Samuel Fuller
Working only in black & white, Pen So’s architectural “sketches” of Hong Kong are immensely mesmerising and expressive. His hyper realistic renders possess both the voice of the artist and the characteristics of a hectic Hong Kong city.
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Yukai Du
China
THIS MADE US GO: Rainbow sprinkles are not just for froyo
Both an illustrator and animation director, UK-based Yukai has a distinctive style in the textural treatment of dots, lines and rainbow sprinkles. Her love for geometric shapes, playful patterns and inspiration from impressionism is evident in her creations which she takes to a whole new level with the use of motion.
Chia-Chi Yu
Taiwan
THIS MADE US GO: Grass is greener on the textured side
Chia-Chi’s textural works transport us into a sensory, textured world, but one that is often refreshingly raw, spare, and un-romanticised. (But if you’re looking for whimsy, she can do that too.)
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Sophia Ji
Taiwan
THIS MADE US GO: Grain-deur spirits
Between Sophia’s grainy textures and vivid colours lies fantasy, mystery, and self-introspection born from the purest intentions. With her timeless visual language, Sophia thrives to encompass the spirit of joy and simple pleasures in her illustrations. Now, let’s get in line for that tarot reading!
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Chen Wu
Taiwan
THIS MADE US GO: Lyrical gradients
The subtle and poetic beauty of Chen Wu’s visual language invites all to embrace their imagination and interpretations. Given the versatility of his role as a creative, Chen Wu sure knows how to cleverly utilise minimal graphics for maximum effect.
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An Chen
Taiwan
THIS MADE US GO: Italics for president
Graphical cubism with a typographical slant, literally, has garnered An Chen an idiosyncratic and instantly recognizable illustration style. Geometrically charming, her art is influenced by matchbox designs from the 50s/60s which gives us that ~nostalgic~ feeling.
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GTOCHAN
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Happy-go-quirky
The ones that bring together Krit’s diverse set of style treatments is none other than her friendly characters. Adding on to these jovial aesthetics are vivid coloured shapes, and a “reality” in disproportions and distortions.
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22mm.t
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Oh he’s a jelly good fellow
Titiporn Klintachote’s design process follows 1 rule — always look cute. With an evolving portfolio, her recent works are cohesive and en route to discovering her very own artistic language. Just look at those booty-head sausage-lip characters, out of the ordinary and modern. Googly-eyeing every object unique to her own style is very welcomed.
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Lili Tae
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: When nature feels sheen
Made from the stuff of eccentric imaginations and peculiar dreams, Lili tells intriguing tales alongside her proficient techniques. Owning a consistently polished and evolving body of work, her linework and colouring are meticulously crafted.
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Naruemon Yimchavee
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Sleeping beauty
Finding beauty in melancholy is not as absurd as it seems. That’s our biggest takeaway from Naruemon’s 2019 illustrations, which radiate a feeling of peace in the tiredness of her subjects within a vibrant colour palette. Of abstract figures and shapes, she gives a contemporary take of an artist’s translation of everyday mundanities.
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Daniel Tingcungco
Philippines
THIS MADE US GO: A day in the life of
From architectural facades to scenarios of the streets to delicious vietnamese dishes, Daniel paints to document his time based in Saigon. Using graphical shapes and digital brush strokes, he elegantly captures the living essence of his subjects.
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Shuhua Liz Xiong
China
THIS MADE US GO: Shim shimmery, shim shimmery, shim shim sheroo
If you’re wondering what happens when you combine a photography background and an anime-infused childhood, this is it — the iridescent wonders created by Liz. Having mastered the airbrush effect, an “indulgent” tool as she calls it, has allowed her to draw how she feels and not what she sees. Brushes of pure bliss.
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Lutfi Aufar
Indonesia
THIS MADE US GO: Esher meets Dali meets Metalica meets Jordan
Nostalgic flashbacks. Futuristic dreamscapes. Lutfi sure knows how to take it retro. His body of work swings between 2 distinctive illustrative styles, airbrushed with a film grain and pen-drawn with clashing neon colours.
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JooHee Yoon
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Paleo patterns and prints
What looks like the work of printmaking techniques is in fact JooHee’s digital colour experimentations with overlapping layers. Treating each image like a puzzle, regardless of any limitations, she aims to utilize tactility as one of her tools for telling narratives.
Textures of my spirit animal
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Jee-ook Choi
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Feelings of a lava lamp
Who knew that “unorganised mumblings” could become so mesmerising? According to Jee-ook, it’s about adopting a “process of discovery” of note-taking where her collection of words can consistently allow for unique visual narratives and outcomes.
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Minet Kim
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Dispositions in compositions
What would be Freud’s analysis looking at Minet’s work? From a layman’s perspective, it is pure pleasure to decipher these stories and wonders related to the significance of the dreaming mind, made up of abstract forms and strange creatures.
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Dani Choi
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Codex Seraphinianus 2.0 for web 3.0
Inspired by Korean folktales and mythologies, New York-based Dan takes us to her vividly colourful enigmatic world filled with symbols and hidden meanings. Despite varying illustration styles, her portfolio of work is consistently detailed and charmingly bizarre; and her recent works are contemporary and infused with an eastern essence.
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Radhiah Anis
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: #ThrowbackThursday on Wednesday
Reminiscent of the style in the ‘70s, Radhiah’s background and passion for interior design is evident in her personal works. They are coherent as a whole in colouring and textural treatment. In her creations, she aims for subtlety and free reign interpretations over the obvious and literal.
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Kouzou Sakai
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Hue-topia
Do you feel a sense of calm emanating across Kouzou’s work? We know we do. With a background in Animal Science & Biotechnology and design production, Kouzou’s now a prolific illustrator with an expanding portfolio. Unquestionably, a good deal of experience comes varying styles which will evolve through the years given more refinements and detailings.
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Ono Chan
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: You then degen
From creators like Shinro Ohtake and Michel Gondry to the created like Crayon Shin-chan and Osaru no Monkichi, Ono find inspirations from various influences on top of THE good-oh everyday life. Driven by the tensions and feelings of creating unexpected shapes in her artwork, she interprets this world in satire and humor — painted in joyous modesty.
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Andre Yoga
Indonesia
THIS MADE US GO: Trollin’ all day everyday
Inspired by both the extraordinary and mundane of everyday life, Andre’s daily observations are the heart of his works. Together with his Balinese influence, he fuses elements of current events, social issues and cultural elements to create his own vision — modern day mythologies of unexpected outcomes. With an ever-evolving illustration style, his latest artworks are visually punchy. Love it!
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Sooneasy
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Uh-oh that’s life
Juxtaposing dark humour with bright coloured paintings, Sooneasy depicts our everyday realities in a caricature of life’s hard truths. Tbh, his work carries the grandeur of Renaissance paintings with visual elements that represent popular culture and current events. The scenes within are bombarded with fresh familiarities — but from the opposite spectrum of one’s expectations. Poverty, gore, violence, discrimination, death, you name it. Although with darkness, there is always light.
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Ju Gio
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: More than one is never enough
Who are these characters with dilated pupils, that come in multiples? There’s something alluring in Ju Gio’s intended repetition of his subjects, such as the silent wonderment those (many pairs of) googly eyes hold. Traditionally painted, it’s astonishing how Ju Gio makes them look like digital artworks that are modern and pop art.
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Zou Liangping
China
THIS MADE US GO: The (Miro) Shining
Liangping’s work is the perfect visual representation of the poetics that lies between dreamscapes and surreality. Each of her paintings not only contains rich visuals, but has a detailed creator’s story behind it which allows for multiple interpretations. So if you’re searching for fresh perspectives, we highly recommend taking a closer look at the absurdities and dualities found within Liangping’s works. Scary dreams, sweet dreams, are all made of these.
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Tae Parvit
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Abstract but also not abstract
As a practising painter with a background in graphic design, Tae works with multiple mediums — animation, digital drawings, screen-printing, publications, music and art performances. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences and the world around him, Tae’s works are filled with movement, energy, and a sense of lightness.
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Fetra Danu
Indonesia
THIS MADE US GO: Sniffing balls
Chimeric creatures, disproportionate beings, and the occasional studs and leather — these are the main characters of Fetra’s varying illustration styles found in his digital paintings. These surreal scenarios in an unforgettable vivid dreamscape are just waiting to be deciphered and translated. Strange characters in a parallel world, there’s more than just one story to uncover in each image.
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Naisu
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Van Gogh East
Pariyanart Chiratthitikarn aka Naisu is an artist and illustrator with a distinctively unique style — vibrant colours of eclectic detailed visual influences in an Eastern and Western mix. For Naisu, painting is an exploration of her personal reflection on gender, sexuality, and self. Somewhat surreal, her digital paintings have a strong floral presence that are as expressive in nature.
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South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Let the good times pop
From paintings to sculptures to videos, Jaeho Lee’s creations are a universe of multiple mediums. His paintings are graphical, witty and embodies the sense of kidult in him. Vibrant, minimal, and simply pops!
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Aeropalmics
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Adventure lies on the abstract side
From detailed mural paintings to playful colour block paintings, Aeropalmics has the capability to grasp and express the essence of abstraction in a spectrum of emotions and translations. Vibrant and joyous, expressive yet mysterious — range is awesome.
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CHIH
Taiwan
THIS MADE US GO: Where did everybody go?
CHIH paints a sort of alienation and mystery, through the abstraction of perspectives and dimensions of interior spaces. As a Kingston University graduate with a background in design, CHIH’s also got a fascination for spatial expressions and Bauhaus designs.
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Liang Gen
Taiwan
THIS MADE US GO: Night at the museum — daycare edition
Bringing inanimate objects to life and dynamising by distorting perspectives is Liang Gen’s forte. A visual artist who creates with acrylic paint, he has a way of hand-painting with exceptional details that declutters chaos.
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Mister Goat
Taiwan
THIS MADE US GO: MAD magazine cover boy’s great granddaughter
Going by the moniker Mister Goat, Chia Chi Lee is known for her quirky characters styled in ‘50s ad style. Evidently brilliant with markers, she captures the likes of her subjects in bright contrasting colours guised as vintage printed materials. Her satirical illustrations can be found on stationeries too.
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Pei-hsiu Chen
Taiwan
THIS MADE US GO: Shading away, day by day
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and in the imperfection of Pei-hsiu’s linework. Each stroke, scribble, overlap, and expression is individually appealing and gives more than just character to her work. By hand and digital means, she creates for magazine editorials, children’s books and self-initiated picture books.
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Inca Pan
Taiwan
THIS MADE US GO: Nurtured by nature
Working with gouache and ink, Inca draws inspiration from mother nature and eastern mythology. He does commissioned editorial work on a regular basis for the newspapers where he blends current affairs with his flair in imagery, resulting in unexpected ways of storytelling.
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Xiao Du Zi
China
THIS MADE US GO: Do you come here often?
An insider who seems to have also grasped the charismatic essence of outsider art is none other than Xiao Du Zi. The recurring theme that can be found in his body of work revolves around socialising and bar scenes. He’s also one who paints traditionally and digitally with multiple styles in different techniques.
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Chen Xuanrong
China
THIS MADE US GO: Writings on the wall
Ghetto to galleries, art is subjective as it is. Xuanrong skillfully turns collective chaos into his version of hyperreality — transforming the signatures of others to his, as his role reverses from a viewer to a creator. His creations are inspired by an interest in the interactions between writings on the walls with its surroundings and nature. To him, a graffiti transforms into symbols, lines and colours where the image itself is no longer of any importance.
Painting
Oamul Lu
China
THIS MADE US GO: Slow down and watch the world breathe
Using it as a tool to record beauty in the world around him, illustration plays an important role in Oamul’s daily life. Nature inspires him to draw, to slow down and to reconnect. Apart from painting and illustrations, he also specialises in animation.
Painting
Harishazka Fauzan
Indonesia
THIS MADE US GO: Shades of all shapes and sizes
Play and flexibility are key to Harishazka’s creative processes — the ability to break rules guides him to produce new experiences and outcomes. Influenced by his background in interior and architecture, Harishazka combines geometric shapes, lines and colours as his subject matter.
Painting
Pande Made Sulendra
Indonesia
THIS MADE US GO: Monsters with great orthodontists
Established in 2000, Pande Made Sulendra and his family are traditional Balinese painters who are committed to preserve the Balinese arts and culture. This includes running painting workshops for all who are keen to learn this special narrative of painting.
Painting
Tsherin Sherpa
Nepal
THIS MADE US GO: Love, Death & Robots — thangka version
Taking the neo-traditional approach of Tibetan thangka art with contemporary themes, Tsherin bridges the sacred and secular, historical and current. His ability to adapt to different environments and his migration to California led him to explore his experiences and cultural specificity through the depiction and re-appropriation of Tibetan traditional iconography.
Painting
Jungho Lee
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: If books could dream
In the mood for calm, on route a voyage and in the realm of René Magritte. Jungho creates surreal paintings which involve hand-drawing in monotone on several pieces of cold-pressed paper, digital layering and colouring them in after. His fascination for books is evident in his personal works.
Painting
Me Kyeoung Lee
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Choco pies, Shin ramyun and Jinro soju please
With the intent of preserving their cultural legacy, Lee Me Kyeoung has spent decades documenting the dwindling numbers of convenient stores and corner shops in both the remote and bustling areas of South Korea. Her acrylic paintings are delicately detailed, and her dedication to the small details and characteristic of each makes them uniquely hers.
Painting
Haleigh Mun
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Chattering away with my pencils
New York-based Haleigh’s goal is to draw like a child — bravely draw anything and innocently make mistakes. Her main medium is colour pencils and her works are vibrant, fun, and filled with immense energy. Haleigh’s drawings have been published in The New York Times, The New Yorker, Google, Medium Elemental etc.
Painting
Valerie Chua
Philippines
THIS MADE US GO: Da Vinci in the bathroom
Renaissance sculpture in a modern bathroom throws you off a timeline you thought you knew. What looks like a montage of cut-outs, is in fact painted on the same layer. Valerie’s body of work defies the conventions of the viewers’ perception of traditional medium and subject. Ah, the fabulous effects of juxtaposing the unexpected triggers.
Painting
Tarini Sethi
India
THIS MADE US GO: Folktales of Exquisite corpse
An artist and a curator, Tarini’s style is an experimental mix between surrealism, dadaism and humour. Drawing inspiration from folk tales, stories of the royalties and current affairs, her work revolves around the theme of “Utopias”. One where everyone is free, equal and without judgement, with human intimacy and body-consciousness.
The Exquisite Corpse game
Painting
Feebee
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: 17th century pokémon
Transcending time and space, Feebee’s neo-classical paintings are awe-inspiring. She is skillful in the traditional delicate brushstrokes of gongbi, as she is with the vivid colourings of ukiyo-e. Feebee paints mythical creatures, legends, yokai; imagined and infusing elements to “express the relationships and connections among the era, society and the world in which we reside.”
Patterns
Patterns
Juli Baker and Summer
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Clash of the patterns
Clashing — ok! Overwhelming — ok! Because Phaan seems to effortlessly fit contrasting patterns into a chaotically harmonized puzzle. The beauty is in the perfect imperfections in her liberal strokes and shapes. Phaan’s work applies well on apparel and large scale formats.
Patterns
Sophia Sena
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Monumental ornamental!
Embodying her multicultural identity of Singapore, New York-based Sophia gives an alluring beauty of remix and fusion in her works. As a branding designer and an illustrator, she draws inspiration from decorative arts and ornamentation where she implements the elements and interprets them into her visual essays.
Patterns
Eszter Chen
Taiwan
THIS MADE US GO: The flora and the funk
Fascinated by colours and their countless permutations, Eszter creates vibrant eye-catching patterned prints and illustrations. The theme present in most of her works lean towards the feminine side, with fashion and floral as a recurring subject.
Patterns
Pomme Chan
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Aloha s̄wạs̄dī
Drawing passion into patterns is multi-talented Pomme Chan with a background in Interior and Graphic Design, who also leads Happy People Studio and Swoon in Bangkok. Given functional applications and businesses that grow with creative collaboration and an expanding audience, she brilliantly paves the way for fueling her love for drawing into the designs she creates.
Portrait
Portrait
Brindha Kumar
Malaysia
THIS MADE US GO: Fruity beauty
There’s something about Brindha’s artworks that is legitimately “digital illustrations”. Her series “Uglyworldwide” portraits combine hand-drawn layered-over backdrops with digital filters — an expressive mix-and-match of soft yet bold strokes that carries the artist’s uniqueness.
brindhakumar..com
Portraits
Osheen Siva
India
THIS MADE US GO: Hail to these higher beings
New worlds of decolonized dreamscapes, futuristic oases, and narratives of feminine power — Osheen brings it all to pop art and culture. Along with her Dalit and Tamilian heritage, her fascination with surrealism, science fiction and mythologies inspire her works and the themes around it. Namely femininity, sexuality, and gender intersecting with technology and society.
Portraits
Hsiao-Ron Cheng
Taiwan
THIS MADE US GO: Phantastic features
Hyper-surrealistic is when hyperrealism meets surrealism. Hsiao-Ron’s digital drawings resemble pencil drawings, exuding an illusionary effect that throws one into the realm between dreamscapes and reality. Her work also reflects the hybridisation of today’s society, where cultures fuse and technology works in hand with traditions.
Portraits
Niki K
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Better than Meitu Xiu Xiu
A recent graduate with a BFA in Design, Niki has a flair in portrait illustrations. Her current portfolio explores varying styles as she embarks on her artistic journey, Niki’s works are detailed and she’s definitely one to watch!
Era prancing
Portraits
Joon Saw
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Don’t mess with flora aura
A distinctive sense of androgyny is felt through Joon Saw’s subjects, their softness balanced with her colour palette and linework. Going by the moniker Sawdako, Joon Saw is a designer who channels her creative visions through illustrations.
Portraits
Amara Sikander
Pakistan
THIS MADE US GO: Characters of counterculture
With a career in advertising and a passion for illustration, Amara’s art advocates female empowerment and gender equality. Fuelled by her unwavering ethos, her artistic expressions are bold and unapologetic.
Portraits
Noopur Choksi
India
THIS MADE US GO: Album cover kinda mood
The catalyst for Noopur’s creations is her strong stance in the importance of imperfection and independence, that goes beyond the one dimensionality of femininity depicted in the visual culture. Through her energetic brush strokes, she expresses the volatility and complexity of society and individuality.
Flora & Fauna
Flora & Fauna
Freya Kotchakorn
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Brush brush baby
Specialising in watercolour, pencil drawings and digital paintings, Freya’s work revolves around botanical, pattern design and fashion illustrations. Both an illustrator and educator, she passes on her creativity and techniques through ProCreate online courses and even created brushes that help aspiring students. This is a sign to go try those brushes!
Tomoaki Murayama
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Penned up and free
Tomoaki’s highly detailed and meticulous flora & fauna illustrations go beyond the 2D realm. He models plants and animals drawn into 3D forms to create a space that challenges the boundaries of drawings — Behold, an immersive black and white world where fantasy and reality, man-made and nature meet. We’re already in awe with images of his creations, but can you imagine being able to look at the quality of his markings up close and in real life? Take us there please!
Flora & Fauna