LAST UPDATED 8 DECEMBER 2023
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
KRAF Studio
Indonesia
THIS MADE US GO: Cardboard Couture
The literal brainchild of KRAF Studio is none other than Arismawan’s kids. It all started when he helped them out with a school project where he decided to pursue cardboard as his creative medium. From eagle-shaped helmets to robot masks, Arismawan creations carry more than just an environmental message. It holds a consideration for the economic conditions of its customers, as well as the promotion of Indonesian culture and normalisation of Muslim faces.
Paper
Hong Hong
China
THIS MADE US GO: Wallpaper Whizz
When people think Made in China, no one thinks about paper. No one thinks about the revolutionary material made by punching and drowning tree bark. Hong Hong continues this proud tradition, in abstraction. She labours for hours under the sun, using old-school monastic rituals to create something entirely new.
Paper
Nishiko Hariko
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Bob bob bob
If you’re looking for art that you can actually touch, Yoko Nakanishi’s paper mârché pieces are literally made for poke and play purposes. Born from Yoko’s marvelous sense of humour and her elaborately crafted traditional techniques, these charming characters will get anyone bobbing along with them. Boop!
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: 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: 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
Tomihiro Kono
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: “Hair is everything” — Fleabag
What’s the line that divides hairstyling and head wear design? For Tomihiro, that boundary is meant to be blurred. Having started his career as a hairdresser, he’s since ventured into becoming a session hair stylist. Not only is he styling hair, he’s making head prop designs and wigs too. Once again, hair is everything.
Others
Kelly Limerick
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Corals or crochet
If you think crochet is a granny craft... think again. Or just look at what Kelly has got to show you without saying a word at all. It’s evident how she’s stretched this traditional craft beyond the predictable patterns many think of when they hear the word ‘crochet’. After all, she’s been doing this since she was 7 years old.
Others
Ng Si Ying
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Rattan inside
Digging deeper is what keeps Si Ying going. In fact, each of her exploratory works is an ongoing dialogue. All to rediscover both old and new relationships that make rattan a very dear material to Singapore and the wider Southeast Asian region. Not forgetting finding out what rattan’s purpose in our time is.
Others
Shokki
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Cray clay
This clay is for more than just play. It’s for the everyday. From tableware to flower pots to sculptures, Shokki proudly creates these ceramic creations with seasonal themes — all by hand. Personally, we find the most charm in their imperfectly moulded shapes. Isn’t that what daily life is like anyway?
Others
Geraldine Lim
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Legend of the Axolotl
Science fiction, fantasy, and myths was what birthed these supposedly amorphous yet axolotl-looking creatures. Their creator is none other than Geraldine, who works primarily with soft sculpture and drawing. All this to give them life in fragmented narratives that navigate her own processes of introspection.
Others
J Z Ang
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Quint-essentials
Tell me you’re Singaporean without telling me you’re Singaporean. That’s exactly what we’re getting from JZ’s works of art. From the everyday things to the not-so-everyday-yet-wildly-familiar stuff, these nonsensical items make a whole lot of sense. That’s probably one of our favourite things about art.
Others
Kim Todam
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Brain farts
We all try our best to remember when we forget. Kim’s works make us feel seen while validating how it’s only human after all. Through intuitive sketches and VR programs, he produces artwork that distort the memory of characters you’ve definitely seen somewhere. To him, it’s all up to interpretation. Life’s more fun when nothing is absolute and everything is perspective.
Others
Baku Takahashi
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Lego memory
Oh, how we’d love to have Baku’s ability to turn his distant memories into glassware. In his words, each of his works represent “something I might have seen somewhere, yet I cannot recall the context around that thing”. Familiar forms with the memory of antique sculptures, they come in a combination of colours and shapes, reminiscent of brick sets and block games.
Others
Narongyot Thongyu
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: When the beach clean up nice
Inspired by his childhood living by the remote coast of Songkhla, Thongyu gathers scraped objects found by the seashore and turns them into something more. From drawings to sculptural objects, each piece reveals his quests of the social power relations between good, human, nature, and the prevailing ideologies in the space of production.
Others
Fa Wuthigrai
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Weave weave weave
Jewel beetle wings, bamboo strips, and yarns are what Fa uses in his attempt to move Thai craft forward while weaving in new design approaches. His works explore ways to rethink and revitalise traditional crafts, while finding a balance between the integrity of tradition and exploratory approach to the practice.
Others
Osamu Yokoyama
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Bamboozled
The “call of the bamboo” was what turned Osamu from a graphic artist into a master of bamboo artistry. He finds bamboo an ideal material for self-expression. With its bends and curves, ability to be cut, bound and stretched to its limits, it serves as a medium that reflects the experiences of life itself.
Others
Hangama Amiri
Afghanistan
THIS MADE US GO: Sitch in a stitch
To define, explore, and question, Hangama uses textiles as her medium of choice. Putting different Indian and Afghan fabrics and materials together, she creates immersive compositions that tell a story. All of which she shares her examination of feminism, geopolitics, and gender that impacts the daily lives of women in both Afghanistan and the diaspora.
Others
Haroshi
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Kueh lapis
Who would have thought that these figures who look like kueh lapis, an iconic Indonesian dessert, are actually made from recycled wooden skateboard decks? Now we’re even more in love! All made by Haroshi, a self-taught artist who blends craftsmanship and pop culture. We love how these adorable characters have colourful layers aka personality!
Others
Republic Nanu
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Woods of art
“To be or not to be?” is something we think about, looking at Republic Nanu’s woods of art. Pun intended. Republic Nanu is the brainchild of Pakphum (Nanu) Youttananukorn — an artist, designer & maker. If you’re wondering why we ponder about purpose, it’s because his works investigate the intentions, traditions and mythologies of pre-existing objects and places.
Others
Kohtaro Abe
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Food play
We’re convinced that playing with food is an underrated activity after we’ve seen Abe’s work. He creates works using his own “paints” that contain ingredients such as black sesame and tapioca powder. Born and raised in a family involved in the aquaculture trade, his process is inspired by the making of fish feed that has evolved in the most unique way.
Others
Shishido Mazafaka
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Fleshsionable
Anyone looking for a listening ear that truly hears you out without giving unsolicited advice? We’d recommend one of Shishido’s fleshed out ones. Shishido Mazafaka aka Doooo is a Japanese DJ who makes accessories out of (fake) human flesh — small handbags, phone covers, stamps, computer charges. That is when he’s not busy writing or recording new songs.
Others
Tita Keks
Philippines
THIS MADE US GO: Sign me up
“A labour of love to a new generation” is not just Tita’s life goal but a sign that sometimes what’s considered old is actually gold. Seeking to revive this once thriving craft in the Philippines, Tita puts all her care and attention to every painted letter across her works. Here’s to all that she does to ensure that this cultural symbol continues to live on, one sign at a time.
Others
Ném Project
Vietnam
THIS MADE US GO: Trashsure
Born from a desire that couldn’t be expressed through photography, Dương Gia Hiếu started Ném Project — his response to consumerism and bad designs. Unlike photography, it involves “non-stop processes of sketching and prototyping”. Along with “taking unwanted thrown away materials from the street to create functional objects and furniture.” Perhaps another man’s trash can also be his treasure.
Others
Eri Imamura
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Bead me a sleeve
Jagua ink isn’t the only way to have a temporary tattoo. Just look at Eri’s antique kimonos. Although their purpose isn’t for wearing, but to make a statement as most tattoos do. For Eri, it’s to reconcile the material entrapment of urbanism with an animistic desire to reconnect with nature. The result? A mix of mythology, Native American beadwork and tattoo culture in the form of life-sized textile sculptures.
Others
Baremetalco
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Steel life
“Deliberately bare, without any extraneous layer of paint” is how Barementalco’s metal craftsman Matthias likes his metal. We might have never really thought about it before, but seeing his works have us immediately sold on naked steel too. After all, that’s what Baremetalco aims to do with their interest in the artistic and aesthetic aspect of metal working.
Others
Roger&Sons
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Wood you be mine
This group of brothers behind the carpentry firm give “Made in Singapore” a whole new meaning. As one of them states in an interview, “It’s the idea that our products have been designed by Singaporeans, for Singaporeans, using Singaporean materials.” In case you’re wondering — Yes, this trio makes all sorts of furniture from local trees. Wild.
Others
Woomin Kim
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Eye of the loom
‘Shi Jang’ means market in Korean, and they sell everything from fish to sandals to mops. Woomin Kim uses fabric collages to celebrate these unique spaces, which are both a refuge for immigrant cultures and a fuck you to the boring dystopia of identikit shopping malls.
Others
Su.Felting
Japan
THIS MADE US GO :All fuzzy inside
The only thing better than one fuzzy wool tempura is a whole family of fuzzy wool tempuras. Su.Felting’s felt konbini characters are the epitome of craft meets cute. If only your regular Family Mart fare looked this good.
Others
Shiine Shirauo
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Pots and frens
Call it pottery with personality. It’s easy to spot Shiine’s work. The artists’ use of expressive eyes is nothing short of .. eye-catching. These handmade pieces are made using the traditional Japanese porcelain techniques of Arita and Hasami ware, then finished with pairs and trios of googly eyes.
Others
AKI
Hongkong
THIS MADE US GO: Love is in the hair
Anime characters are well known for their gravity-defying and mind-blowing hairdos. And now that’s possible in real life too! AKI’s wigs add a special touch to the costumes of many a dedicated cosplayer. They are engineered to turn heads and wow cameras, but only if you’re audacious enough to go full Cruella De Vil.
Others
Leeroy New
Philippines
THIS MADE US GO: We come in peace!
Leeroy’s larger-than-life structures look like they’ve come straight out of an alien movie production. It’s no wonder the multidisciplinary artist credits his first encounter with art to sci-fi, fantasy and horror films. Unlike most kids, young Leeroy was always more fascinated with creatures and monsters than scared of them. Hold up, is that a zombie from The Last of Us?
Others
Tamiya Raden
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: 'Cause we're living in a material world
Who would have thought fabric could be made from sea shells? That’s now the duty of Tamiya Raden to make this technology into a legit tradition. It all started from a philosophy inspired by a textile craftsman named Katsuichiro Tamiya: “If only fabric could be woven from mother-of-pearl…” Oh, the wonders of imagination. We’re so inspired to daydream right now.
Others
Nucharin Wangphongsawasd
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: And stretchhh!
“I am women boss and a cry baby” are words that live on the walls of Nucharin’s studio. We stan the mix of independence and vulnerability. It’s giving girl boss energy. After all, it was man-made structures and nature’s repetition that inspired Nucharin to create a different slant into woodworking. Literally.
Others
Hukanzen
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Silence of the furbies
Who would have thought these wide-pupil-tiny-eyes-no -mouth furry things are actually imperfect beings? We love them even more now, from their strange stitches to twisted pearl ornaments. A plush toy brand by two artists from Tokyo and London, Hukanzen prides themselves in making plush art for those who love “imperfect”. Stuffed toys have never been this comforting.
Others
Pei Li
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Real or not?
Did you second-guess yourself about these being real flowers? That’s exactly what paper artist Pei Li set out to do with her ‘PeiPer’ products. With tender hands and a love for paper, Pei Li creates flowers that look real enough to smell with details down to the leafy veins. The best part? They last forever and give a second life to recyclables like good ol’ toilet rolls.
Others
Daisuke
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Foodcore
“You are what you eat” isn’t just a phrase. It’s a fashion statement, as demonstrated by Daisuke’s line of itemised ingredients. Bun bags. Ramen boots. Rice crocs with sushi jibbetz… This is how you actually look like a snacc. With a fit like this, you won’t need to take any of those thirst trap pics.
Others
Makoto Egashira
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Blanket core
Comfort as a style has never looked this cute and might we add, versatile! Just look at that little pink vehicle all snuggled up in flowery. Who would have thought that the artist himself, Makoto, actually hates blankets? Well he once did until he decided to overcome that hatred. In return, he found a new way to express himself mainly through floral blankets. If this isn’t proof that passion has only two extremes, nothing in-between.
Others
Marcos Kueh
Malaysia
THIS MADE US GO: Mythweaver
“The ancestors of my land encapsulated their dreams, myths and hopes in their textiles” was the sense of familiarity Marcos found while being away from home. For this textile artist from the Island of Borneo, the myth he hopes to weave through his craft is that of self-acceptance, resilience and compassion. Many of his works are explorations and speculations around the traditional meaning of craft in a contemporary context.
Others
Daisuke Kondo
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Silly styrofoam
Kondo’s styrofoam sculptures fill us with excitement — you know when you’re digging through little styrofoam balls to find the item within the package you just received. Apart from carving out characters of nature like animals and even elements like the sun, Kondo also draws and comes up with poetry too.
Others
Haruka Yamakawa
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Snacks are our superheroes
Haruka is described to have a “pop, surreal, somewhat nostalgic and moody view of the world”. Well… same here actually. Apart from being an illustrator, she also loves pottery as evident in her items of work that are a complete M-O-O-D.
Others
Closet Children
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Fit for battle
Inspired by the bejewelled transformation ornaments of magical girl anime, Rachael creates “hardwear” and “softwear” fantasy armour for one to always be adorned and ready for battle. As a “dollmaker”, her creations explore folktales and oral traditions, femininity, the dark side of human nature and the distortion of the familiar. Looking at these fits just remind us of what Rihanna once said, “She can beat me, but she cannot beat my outfit.” Literally.
Others
Shoko Mihira
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Burnt buds
Ever heard of “burner work”? It’s a glass culture that started in 1970s America, using borosilicate glass (a tempered glass with many colours)—now a technique that Shoko uses in his practice. In his works, you’ll get to witness a cultivation of his experiences in inquisitiveness, extremeness, spirituality, as well as his many years of BMX riding. As said from the man himself, “The monsters I create are modeled on real-life events, complexes, and people I meet.”
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
Belgium
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: 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: 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
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
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
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: 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.
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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: 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
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
Minjee Kang
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Jer Dee
Philippines
THIS MADE US GO: Let me see your body talk
Welcome to a new dance dance revolution. Includes balletic warrior wielding an ancient sword — one of Jer’s groovy characters who are all inspired by a “sense of dynamism, movement, and dance music”. Previously a DJ, his work embodies his experiences in the queer nightlife scene. The party isn’t ending just yet!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Srihari Tote
India
THIS MADE US GO: Looking God
Vivid colours, different poses, amazing angles — Srihari’s illustrations are what we imagine from the POV of a goddess’ IG boyfriend. An aspiring art historian and artist focusing on Indian themes, it’s evident how he knows each and every character along with all their life deets.
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Ram Han
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Deja vu says who
Grounded in the belief that the “nature of memory is the ambiguity between virtual and real life”, Ram Han’s works seek to own the memory of a place of experience that viewers have never had. It’s almost like deja vu but not really. Using digital painting as her main medium, Ram Han is interested in experimental fantasy that is injected into old and new pop/subculture and media.
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Motohiro Hayakawa
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: The clawww
If only the Little Green Men could encounter Motohiro’s lurid monsters, clanking robots and sci-fi heroes in sporting kitsch outfits… we’d like to see that in a Toy Story scene. Having grown up with lots of science fiction and cartoons, Motohiro’s illustrations are action-packed and a world to get immersed in with all it’s poppy colours and quirky characters. We love!
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Nalta
Indonesia
THIS MADE US GO: Asian Disney horror
Ah we saw what you did there with MicKey, Nalta. A visual artist with a digital illustration he describes as ‘Nusantara’, the ancient Javanese term for the Indonesian Archipelago, his style is inspired by Indonesia’s culture. Although his works don’t represent any specific stories, you’ll find deities and recognisable characters weaved into canvases with aged textures.
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Sadiq Mansor
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: If only Adam and Eve didn’t eat those apples
“A place beyond right and wrong, for people to meet in peace” is Sadiq’s intention (or might we add, the only moral code) in his visual gardens. A cinematographer, editor, part-time poet, self-taught illustrator and visual artist, Sadiq creates visuals of mindscapes — “a product of my (his) restless mind.” We feel ya.
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Choi Haeryung
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Head full of happenings
If everyday life was a scene out of Choi’s fantastical reality, you’ll find us dazing off to everything we see. Oh, if only our thoughts were characters we could meet. An artist and illustrator, Choi transforms the daily into daydreams with a calming yet playful touch. Pervaded by melancholy and even ironic images, you won’t be crazy to think that this fantasy world actually feels a little too familiar.
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Wataru Kimura
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Draw me an oopsie daisy
Self-proclaimed clumsiness and acknowledged imperfections of what “being human” is—the key motivation to Wataru’s daily drawings. It’s what has motivated him to turn what he once thought of as mistakes into perfectly expressed characters and narratives. A reminder that imperfection is human perfection, and that anyone can draw!
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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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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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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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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.
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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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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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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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.
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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.
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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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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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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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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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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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Dadu Shin
USA
THIS MADE US GO: Lonely, I’m Mr Lonely
“The world can be pretty, beautiful, and wholesome, but the world is also most definitely unsettling and weird”. We couldn’t agree more with Dadu’s said point of view. To Dadu, the eerie and melancholic touches to his works are a reminder to him that those feelings exist. Art is indeed therapy, whether you’re sad, happy, or even restless.
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Trang Dang
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Oriental daydreams
“Whimsical Japan-esque slice-of-life with a touch of surrealism” is how Trang Dang, a Vietnamese illustrator based in Singapore, describes her style. We couldn’t agree more! In fact, we wish we could just sleep and dream our way into her works of creation. If not, we’d just love to have that bonsai plant with faces all around. Plant parenting 101, anyone?
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Junwoo Park
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: My last two brain cells
“What I must do in life” is more than just a statement but a motto for Junwoo. It’s his motivation as an artist. Sketchy, energetic and disorderly, Junwoo’s illustrations are unhinged — what we all are but never admit to be. He often explores “disorderly or funny forms” which have led him to pave an unpredictable yet enjoyable visual journey for viewers like you and me.
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Beya Panicha
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: When feels take the wheel
“Lively and full of positive energy” is what Beya aims to emote through her digital paintings. It’s all about the ~feels~ as evident in how she doesn’t ascribe to only one specific style. We relate 100% especially when it comes to following your heart and not your head. Don’t let anyone make you feel bad for that!
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Khôi Bảo Phạm
Vietnam
THIS MADE US GO: Museum of Molten Art
Khoi Bao Pham discovered photoshop during his bored high school years and never looked back. His unorthodox landscapes and surreal still life paintings are inspired by the natural colours and faces of his native San Jose.
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Haein Kim
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Coming of Asian
Growing up as a woman colour in Sydney, Haein’s tongue-in-cheek creations are a celebration of individuality. An animation director and illustrator, we absolutely love how she embraces self-love through abstract expressions of facial features and exaggerated proportions in bright colours.
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Saiman Chow
Hong Kong
THIS MADE US GO: “The rats don’t run this city. We do!”
There’s something calming about the chaos present in Saiman’s works. After all, he gets inspiration from his home city — Hong Kong — a buzzing and visually chaotic and vibrant metropolis. Yes, we’re evidently city people. An illustrator, designer, artist, director and animator, Saiman describes his style as “pop, surrealist and psychedelic”. Although, he isn’t afraid to stray away from that and constantly tries to do so. We stan.
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Rakhmat Jaka Perkasa
Indonesia
THIS MADE US GO: Let the good times roll
Wanting to share his valuable insight into Indonesia’s vivid graphic history with the world, South Borneo-based graphic designer and illustrator Rakhmat Jaka founded Grafis Nusantara—a digital archive of vintage Indonesian stickers and labels from the ‘70s to ‘90s. His illustration works are distinctively nostalgic in style, with his eye for candy colours and kitschy aesthetics flourishing in his creations.
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Ichiraku Studio
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: The Misadventures of Tintin
Is it just us or does Ryota Okamura’s comic character remind us of Tintin in an alternative universe? Aka a city boy gone wild to paint the town red. Having graduated from Osaka Designer College, Ryota’s illustrative style is distinctively detailed in an American comic-like retro and vintage way that amplifies his timeless narratives.
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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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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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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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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.
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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.
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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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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Zan
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Hello TMZ
Looking for celebrities in unlikely situations? Zan’s got great potential to start some rumours with his almost lifelike illustrations. Although, he’s honestly just turning his love for things into works of art. That’s what he did with hip-hop, leading him to be connected with ASAP Rocky and creating an artwork for Internet Money.
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Minjee Kang
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Mama silk
Watching how Minjee creates her works of art feels like therapy. Every silk piece is hand painted with love. We love how the characters found within embody not only the traditional but the modern too. Just look at the little hints of capitalism in symbols, accessories, and fits. Paint us like one of your silk gals, anybody?
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Kang Seo-hyun
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: No Dumb-dumbs & Dragons
Welcome to the land of mythical battles, that deal with with socially macho and masculine images. It’s about time! As a woman, Seo-hyun acknowledges the gender exclusion from such areas and creates something greater. Where else can you find battlefields that break boundaries and make everyone the main character?
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Kentaro Okawara
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Cavemen on crack
“A cocktail of humans, creatures, & personified objects interact with each other in intimate and bizarre ways to create a world that can be endearingly engaged by all”. Cheers to that! Through his works, Kentaro encourages all to reconnect to our shared humanity using art as an expression of love and means for connection.
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Tyang Karyel
Philippines
THIS MADE US GO: Funky mom-and-pop
Who says daily essentials have to be boring? Tyang makes it feel brand new, vibrant, and glittery. Growing up in the Philippines, she was always fascinated by erratic prints of street snack packaging which was often overlooked by its functionality. Goodbye utilitarian appearances. Hello candy-coloured palettes!
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Hiromi
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Censorial
Can the cyber world and nature co-exist? For Hiromi, that’s where she blurs the line. In fact, she’s known for it along with her co-aesthetic characteristics. To be more specific, it’s her ability to adapt the aesthetics according to the Japanese way of seeing nature to operate within the cyber context or にじげん (nijigen).
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Claudia Chanhoi
Hong Kong
THIS MADE US GO: Send noods
Boobs or floats? Nipples or frisbees? Don’t worry, their purpose is 0% existential and 100% cheeky. Through these quirky illustrations, Claudia seeks to challenge the taboo on women’s sexuality and their role in society. Plus, she’s evidently excellent at dodging Instagram’s censorship rules. Take that!
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Stevie Shao
USA
THIS MADE US GO: Earth, wind & no fire
Mystical experiences aren’t only found in dreams. Stevie believes they’re found on earth too. Through his works, he captures all that with characters engulfed in pattern, colour, and symbolism. Their origins? The Star Forest where beings are from the earth, water, and heavens. Guess we’ll have to come down to visit.
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Ryota Daimon
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Illumi-graffiti
Psychedelic street is what we’re getting from Ryota’s illustrations. Known for his pop style, you’d be pleased to know that he makes full use of airbrush, brushes, and markers to achieve that look. Apart from creating art on apparel, he also works in gallery exhibitions and live painting at music events. Next time he’s got a gig at a festival or a club, we’d love to be there please!
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Hye Jin
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Happy kitty, sleepy kitty, purr purr purr!
Who are these cats? Are they fiction? Are they fake? Are they us? The answer is no, no, and no. They’re Hye Jin’s cats—all six of them! If that isn’t the most precious thing, we don’t know what is. We also love how he focuses on portraying his pets in the style of the Korean Joseon Dynasty’s folk art. What a tribute to culture, and of course his cats.
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Arwin Hidayat
Indonesia
THIS MADE US GO: What the part
The birds, serpents, and distorted human forms in Arwin’s art world feel familiar yet unfamiliar at the same time. His works juxtapose everyday parts with the explicit, like buildings alongside phalluses. Say what? Oh, how we love the most absurd possibilities of art. For Arwin, a contemporary narrative starts with drawing on mythology, spirituality, and history.
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Shisamu Iwase
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Shibuya meltdown
If your modern day salaryman took a trip back to the Edo period, we think it’ll take place in the illustrated world of Shisamu — a place where Ukiyo-e classical calligraphy elements meet manga and contemporary art. His most representative work? A series of paintings that uses Ukiyo-e as a lens to contrast the Japanese salaryman with their cultural roots.
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Subannakrit Krikum
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Earth, wind & fire
Rocks, minerals, shells, plants, and the earth are what you’ll find in Subannakrit’s miniature paintings. It’s literally made from these elements, using a traditional Thai painting technique that extracts them as powder colours. In each of his paintings, be ready to encounter faith, universal human values, literature, historical, and current events combined in every detail.
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Maya Fuji
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Who is that girl I see
Multiculturalism, multiracialism and multinationalism are what inspires the multifaceted works of Maya. Born in Japan and raised in the California Bay Area, Maya has felt an otherness throughout her life that she narrates and investigates through art. To us, she truly illuminates the journey of self-discovery with her emotively vibrant characters and the environments they’re in.
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Poom Pechavanish
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Societal minions
Poom Pechavanish aka Sauce loves to draw his subconscious mind. His unspoken thoughts paint more than a thousand words about the reality of creating an identity in society. Just like how pop culture is a part of a mechanism that fuels that. So if you’re wondering why some figures look like gods and superheroes but not really, think again as you dig a little deeper.
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Daieny Chin
South Korean
THIS MADE US GO: Who run the world
Daieny isn’t known as a master of symbolism just because. Spot the bananas in their works and you’ll see what we mean. Described to be “mystical and otherworldly yet comforting and relatable at the same time”, Daieny’s colourful paintings are a realm we’d love to live in. It also means getting to meet the women in Daieny’s family i.e. the characters in their work.
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Soph O
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Multi-colour-verse
Between the mundane and extraordinary is where Soph O goes to collect and draw imagery from. After all, her practice revolves around capturing transient moments and everyday stories. We don’t know about you, but Soph’s works make us feel like we’re all a mix of colours in this other world. We’d be orange, red, and a glittery pink. Just because.
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Loc Huynh
USA
THIS MADE US GO: When East lives West
Loc’s biography is written in two visual languages of East Asian and Western kitsch. Through an idiosyncratic vocabulary of images, he reflects his identity of having grown up in a Vietnamese-American household and is currently living in Texas. For Loc, he uses materiality to “reaffirm the material world and invent new ones.”Now that gives a whole new meaning to what it means to be a material girl, Madonna.
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HyeGyeong Choi
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Any hole is a no
You know you’ve made it as an artist when the morality police come knocking. Choi’s painting focuses on the subject of women’s bodies and its violent oppression. Her work raised so many uncomfortable questions that South Korean TV censors were forced to blur basically everything.
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Bjorn Calleja
Philippines
THIS MADE US GO: Just a human bean
Is it just us or do Bjorn’s humanoids remind us of mini-mes in the form of brain cells? A painter and interdisciplinary artist, he plays with the idea of micro and macro-cosms of humans within and against the environments — in an ecological, social and internal sense. The distinctive element of his work is the play of scale as metaphor to how we as humans affect the world at large.
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Boy Kong
USA
THIS MADE US GO: Surreal strays of the streets
Not all mythical creatures live in the skies. Just look at Boy Kong’s creatures— inspired by a mixture of ukiyo-e, surrealism, graffiti art and animal folklore. A self-taught painter, illustrator, muralist and collage artist, he manages to perfectly juxtapose the above mentioned elements with colour and rhythmic application.
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Naon Jeong
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Prettier in paint
Who knew that everyday life could look this quirky, charming and colour popping? That’s what Naon sets out to do, as she transforms simple still-life objects and characters into the most eye-catching pieces in any room. Tbh we’d love to have that makeover, any day. Based in Jeju island, she’s inspired by Korean culture, playful imagery and clean composition.
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Ripple Root
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Painting the city wild
As their name suggests, Ripple Root aka the artist moniker of Liquan Liew and Estella Ng, creates artworks that reflect themes of nature and wildlife. From wall murals to individual pieces, all their creations carry a distinct Southeast Asian ornamentation. Take a closer look at the interwoven patterns and you’ll see what we mean!
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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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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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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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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.
275c
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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Painting
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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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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Painting
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
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Juls
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Pa-pa-pa-patterns
Juls’ irregularly regular patterns are made from a regular routine — a repetitive process of obsession in both the act of drawing and the outcome. Through the exploration of automatic mark-making and pattern design, she seeks to promulgate the multiplicity of abstract conception in her works. All while craving for the beauty of ambiguity and awe of decipherment. We’re fully immersed, and just as obsessed!
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
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
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
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
PABAJA
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Dots that are dotes
Textile designer and illustrator Pavisa is crazy about the Asian culture, and strives to share her interpretations through her own creations. Whether it’s drawn, embroidered, knitted, or weaved, her unwavering passion for the fusion of crafts plays an important role in her creative process.
Flora & Fauna
Flora & Fauna
Whooli Chen
Taiwan
THIS MADE US GO: Bloom scrolling
Whooli’s make-believe worlds are meant to be open for interpretations with it’s intriguing and immersive nature. Surreal and whimsical, her works use a delicate palette and painterly layers that make it unique while transcending time and culture.
Flora & Fauna
Huyu
Taiwan
THIS MADE US GO: Art deco folklore in ukiyo-e times
Influenced by both East and West, Paris-based Huyu takes us on a quest through re-interpreted folklore and mythologies. Working in both analog and digital, her creations are detailed and beautifully executed, spanning various styles that are hand-drawn in pencil and ink with digital colouring.
Flora & Fauna
Zhao Na
China
THIS MADE US GO: Fauna fan fiction
Zhao Na takes us on a walk with Pooh Bear to a spin in the milky way, through her works that range from a full-blown psychedelic expression to a satirical concept. Prolific and skillful, her large scale hand-drawings of flora and fauna challenge our perception of fiction and non-fiction.
Flora & Fauna
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Mother Nature’s mythical babies
A sense of lightness and flow is ever-present in JCCHR’s mythical beings. Her creations blend a myriad of painting techniques and hand-drawing skills with digital and traditional methods. Distinctive in both execution and conceptualisation, this has led her to collaborate with brands like Samsung and Vogue.
Jidapa�Chansirisarthaporn
Flora & Fauna
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Folklore fashion, darling
Now here’s a contemporary twist to folklore and myths. Distinctive and illustrious, Yoon’s whimsical creations are filled with tactility in polychromatic harmony; inspired by a childhood filled with generational stories and an obsession with nature. Immersive and going beyond a 2D platform, her work has led her to collaborate with big names like Gucci and Junya Watanabe.
Phannapast�Taychamaythakool
Flora & Fauna
Peony Yip
Hong Kong
THIS MADE US GO: Bloody beautiful!
Scientific drawings of horoscopic insects set in geometric shapes and astro markings, blood red floral springs between dissected fish, scratched palms amongst butterflies and blooming flowers; Peony’s visual poetry is filled with melancholy and hopefulness. Technically skillful and poetically beautiful, her works are peculiar and individual.
Flora & Fauna
Wu Yanrong
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Different strokes for different folks
Armed with a straw soft broom, Yanrong sweeps to paint the textural forms of her subjects on a wall. A contemporary take on the likes of chinese brush paintings, she’s garnered an illustration style distinctive of her own. She works mainly by traditional mediums, capturing the essence of her subjects through the strokes of her expressive brush work.
Flora & Fauna
Pearlyn Sim
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Wild chromatic
With colour pencils and pastels, Pearlyn paints her version of nature in hues of the awaken states. Inspired by the relationship between human psychology and the natural world, her work shows the ethereal beauty of life and peace that we all long for.
Flora & Fauna
Cynthia Bauzon Arre
Philippines
THIS MADE US GO: Botanical believers unite!
Grounded in her aim to advocate forest conservation, Cynthia fuels her passion for illustration into creating awareness for the public through art. Making an impact one drawing at a time, she uses her excellent technical skills to create lovely botanical illustrations.
Flora & Fauna
Raxenne Maniquiz
Philippines
THIS MADE US GO: Covetable conservation
Drawn with deep, painterly strokes and brilliant contrasts, Raxenne’s illustration style of flora and fauna is distinctive in narrative and composition. Her work is vibrant and expressive, and hence undoubtedly well-received with commercial brands for campaigns and design applications.
Flora & Fauna
Namrata Lenka
India
THIS MADE US GO: Midsummer night’s dream
A sense of abundance with an air of mystery lingers in Namrata’s digital paintings. With selective elements repeated and filling the canvas, a soft but bold tone of romance is echoed by the textural brush strokes and colour palette. We’ve never thought of seeing a fruit with a tenderheart.
Collage
Collage
Rui Pu
China
THIS MADE US GO: MS Paint in a Xerox world
Exaggerate, engage and energise — the core of Rui Pu’s works that combines the techniques of illustration and collage. Without any preconceptions and rules, the idea is to be free from any constraints. Hence, resulting in a body of works that are “absurd” and refreshing. Now that’s how you become a trendsetter in a new wave of illustration styles.
Chia-Chi Yu
Taiwan
THIS MADE US GO: Accidental perfection
Appearing yet again on this section, is Chia-Chi who also illustrates collages apart from textural works. She experiments with mixed materials which create unexpected outcomes, and her process in collage work reflects in other styles which accentuate the artist’s voice as a collective.
Collage
Anindya Anugrah
Indonesia
THIS MADE US GO: Monty Python and the food trail
Take us to the paddle pop world! Mashing up medieval and modern world visual puns with historical references, self-taught illustrator Anindya Anugrah fabricates twisted alternate realities for one and all. Her seamless collage artworks are created by combining found imagery and her drawings.
Collage
Comic Art
Woshibai
China
Comic Art
THIS MADE US GO: “Drawing is taking a line for a walk” – Paul Klee
Woshibai’s sphere-head wide-eyed protagonist takes us on little curiosity trips that we take for granted in our everyday lives, and adventures that we daydream about. Working entirely in monochrome, this comic artist and illustrator proves that less is more for any story to be told.
Hari Prast
Indonesia
THIS MADE US GO: Chaos A-OK
Hari’s visual and (very) happening narratives are one to look at, filled with complexity and detail. His prolific portfolio consists of slight varying illustration styles, some to be worn loud and proud. The series he created for his label is one of a kind, that fuses traditional and popular cultural elements executed in a current and applicable format.
Comic Art
Choo
Indonesia
THIS MADE US GO: Softcore dark romantic reverie
Australia-based illustrator Choo creates subtly dark yet wonderful imagery of daily scenes and still-life, that are both metaphorical and figurative. Gory fetish, stabbing lovers, lost vampires, just to name a few. In colour tones limited just enough to set the mood and tone, her detailing is meticulous and her narratives rousing.
Non-Vector
Jonathan Jay Lee
Hong Kong
THIS MADE US GO: In the Mood for Love in the matrix
Scenes of Hong Kong glow in a wide-eyed dreamscape, chaotic and utopic. Jonathan’s work intrigues and hypnotises, as you fall into the depths of his detailing. An award-winning illustrator, he’s collaborated with major brands like Mercedes, Disney Plus, Asics Tiger, and HSBC.
Comic Art
Sungmin Choi
Comic Art
THIS MADE US GO: A-scanner brightly
Taking us through her imaginations with her black and white illustrations textured with effects of digital encoding, Sungmin opens her world of curiosity for human characters for further examination. Distinctive and immersive, going through her art reminds us of a photocopying machine — like how many of us dream the same dreams.
South Korea
Yellowmushmellow
THIS MADE US GO: Dark optimism
Truly seeing magic in everyday things, Aida creatively translates the mundane into an array of visual essays prompted by her spontaneity and unconstricted style of expression. Her attitude for life and creativity is evident in her work, challenging herself with the unlimited possibilities of storytelling.
Comic Art
Singapore
Street Art
Street Art
Yasuto Sasada
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Pen house
Who would have guessed these miniature paintings were created using 0.3mm pens? Not us, but we’re more than pleasantly surprised. Even inspired. Yasuto is a contemporary artist who combines his imagination and techniques to create unique paintings with energy that makes you feel like you’re in the same realm. If we had a choice, we’d stay here for a while.
Street Art
Sheep Chen
China
THIS MADE US GO: Street feng shui
Tradition and culture are parts of life that best capture the spiritual side of our physical existence. This is what Sheep believes in and we couldn’t agree more. It’s even more fascinating that this up-and-coming street artist looks to feng shui and its five elements when planning a mural. His vivid murals might have a psychedelic feel to it yet it makes us feel grounded knowing the process.
Street Art
SONG
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Mural mural on the wall
The hunt for walls has brought Song across the world. After all, it’s not easy for graffiti artists to find a paintable wall that wouldn’t be against the law in Singapore. Whether it’s his home or a place abroad, Song strives for a freedom of expression in every spray-painting escapade he’s on.
Blackzao
Street Art
THIS MADE US GO: Enter the metaphysical
Graffiti artist Blackzao takes street art to the next level — fusing elements of spirituality, typography, and visual abstractions with his distinctive interpretations. In his cohesive style, he brilliantly brings out the psychedelic even in black and white.
Taiwan
Dian
Street Art
THIS MADE US GO: Reincarnated and back on earth
Fly-lady geisha in kimono, wide-eyed-3-eyes permed hair mister in shoulder pads, flamingo warrior saving the beauty, alien worm raising from his grave and many other strange beings — Welcome to Dian’s world. Beautifully crafted with a wood-carved printing effect, Dian hand-paints his otherworldly creatures in situations familiar to us.
China
Jiji Shz
THIS MADE US GO: Hypezombae in pop ukiyo-e
Jiji’s interpretation of pop culture in traditional ukiyo-e is hilarious and hip. Popular fictional characters from different eras meet in a rut of a sea storm, yakuza-samurai Patrick the starfish fighting over bubble tea, undead hypebae frowning over her unpopularity on social media; Jiji ingeniously juxtaposes with and crafts by the unexpected resulting in outlandish yet endearing outcomes.
Street Art
China
Kenji Chai
THIS MADE US GO: Comic book cool
Known for his many renditions of Chaigo-the-dog, Kenji’s distinctive style is in his collage compositions. His childhood spent rummaging through comics, cartoons, and storybooks has undoubtedly influenced his art. Filled with layers of “mischief”, he combines elements of pop culture, fictional censorship, and his positive attitude to street art.
Street Art
Malaysia
Has.J
THIS MADE US GO: Syncopated type trails
With more than a decade of explorations and experimentations, Jufri has garnered himself a recognisable style with illustrative typography in his art. His work exhibits an interplay of organic and geometric shapes, where the layering of elements create dynamism and a signature trailing effect.
Street Art
Singapore
ANTZ
THIS MADE US GO: Intricate chaos
As one of Singapore’s leading artists and mentors, ANTZ has contributed to youth empowerment through his art and community involvement. Fusing traditional culture and aesthetics in a contemporary context, his approach and applications of texturing patterns are distinctive. Overall, his work pushes boundaries and challenges our perceptions of what street and urban�art is.
Street Art
Singapore
JunkHouse
Street Art
THIS MADE US GO: Gosh these geometric geographies
Of platforms including public art, installations, objects, and street art, Junkhouse’s work revolves around our constantly changing environments. Her interest with the cities’ evolution and mutation is reflected in her artistic translations through abstracted geometric forms and figures.
South Korea
Rukkit Satapornvajana
THIS MADE US GO: Contrasting creatures
Known for his bold black-lined geometric subjects filled with contrasting bright colours and patterns, Rukkit’s art works stunningly in 2D and 3D. His style is strikingly memorable, effective, and modern that has led him to collaborate with brands such as Nike, Swatch, Toyota, Tiger Beer, Wonderfruit Festival, etc.
Street Art
Thailand
Anime
Antonio Reinhard
THIS MADE US GO: Parallel anime universe
Influenced by the works of Haruko Ichikawa and Isao Takahata, Antonio’s digital paintings are intricately detailed and reminiscent of vintage anime. His aesthetic breathes flow and reverie in opalescent colours.
Anime
Indonesia
Eunice Cruzabra
Anime
THIS MADE US GO: Take me to a Harajuku rave
Going against all odds and social stigma to do art, Eunice a.k.a. Eunpyon creates to empower and remind her viewers that dreams are achievable. Her digital paintings of “over-accessorised” characters embodies big and courageous personalities — NTS: You can be whoever you want to be.
Philippines
Ayakii
Anime
THIS MADE US GO: Downtime, down tempo
Radiologist by day and illustrator by night, Ayaki spends his after-hours documenting scenes of city, life, food, and imagined worlds. His illustration style is dreamy and mellow which has gained a mass appeal.
Taiwan
SAITEMISS
Anime
THIS MADE US GO: Neon-binary
At a glance, Jhong Yi Ting’s body of work is a collection of exquisite neon pastel headshots of androgynous protagonists. However on closer examination, hints of stories are revealed in panels with symbolic elements and graphic motifs that explore the nuances of gender characterisation and stereotypes.
Taiwan
Banzisu
THIS MADE US GO: The golden hue of ambiguity
Infatuated by the moments of changing light and colours of time passing, Banzisu marks each moment in time with her detailed anime-style illustrations blurring the line between reality and fantasy. An illustrator and animator, she documents the daily scenes of ordinary people and places by painting on her iPad.
Anime
South Korea
Shiho So
THIS MADE US GO: Kawaii-cool
Inspired by Utomaru’s art, Shiho started to draw and found her own visual language along the way. Detailed with a touch of softness in treatment, her works are heavily influenced by her love for the ‘80s animation look and feel.
Anime
Japan
Utomaru
Anime
THIS MADE US GO: Vivid trips are made of these
Wild, charming, and meticulously detailed, Utomaru’s body of work is distinctive and trendsetting. Her fascination with the ‘70s and ‘80s is evident in her illustration style — inspired by American and Japanese comics/animations, vintage movie posters, Betty Boop, and the work of Tadanori Yokoh.
Japan
DenQ
Anime
THIS MADE US GO: Who’s that neon pink prince?
Influenced by the ‘90s Japanese pop culture, DenQ’s illustration style has the anime essence of shoujo art and kodomo reinterpreted through her artistic colour palette and graphic motifs. Fan club groupies, y’all ready?
Japan
Tonn Hsu
Anime
THIS MADE US GO: Adventures in pastel pastures
Putting together her love for drawing and story-writing, Tonn creates comic art using her signature black-lined illustrations filled with a neon pastel colour palette. Her style is expressive and spontaneous.
Taiwan
Architectural
Architectural
Chatchawan
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: “Think Colour!” Gustave Moreau
Light and colour in the eyes of Chatchawan is a sight to see — playful with good vibes all around, as he conveys just the right amount of emotions in his narratives. As an illustrator, his work is a combination of graphic design and architecture — a translation of his observations about everything around him.
Architectural
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Building (colour) blocks
Turning building facades and exterior spaces into minimalist eye-popping colourful graphics is Jaruchai — an architect and graphic designer. His choice of colours and visual translations are modern and abstract, shared through a unique vision.
Jaruchai Kanchanakanho
Mady Marcelino
Architectural
THIS MADE US GO: Next stop – Neko Machi
Mady generously invites us into her labyrinth of translated thoughts and emotions — made of comprehensive black-lined townscapes and interiors; marked by her precise stroke repetitions that are rhythmic and bold. As a design creative, she sees illustrating as an outlet and a form of therapeutic expression.
Philippines
Lettering
Lettering
Charmaine Chen
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Old forever gold
Eat. Sleep. Text. Post. Repeat. Oh, the monotony of the digital age. It’s only strengthened Charmaine’s will to defy this boring routine with her craft, with nostalgic works that are a callback to a time when streets had hand painted signs. A time that she seeks to preserve though her Singapore based and probably pun intended company, ‘Old World Charm’. You go gurl.
Lettering
Kittiligraphy
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Inner demons speaking
Korn’s works might seem to be full of creatures, but they’re actually based on Thai characters. Inspired by Russian calligraffiti artist, Pokras Lampas, Korn blends lettering and graphics to create calligraphy that keeps you guessing. From dark figures with red and black tones to colourful fantastical ones, it wouldn’t be too cliché to say that these pictures are worth a thousand words.
Lettering
Oterawat
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: ABCDEF-OM-G
Creative director of projecttSTUDIO, Terawat Teankaprasith aka Oterawat does more than just lettering. He’s well versed in multiple styles, inclusive of portraiture and flora & fauna. Not to forget his highly detailed and technical illustrations with character designs that are intriguing and otherworldly. Oh, and he’s also designed prints for fashion brands and is the first Thai creator ever to have designed an Hermès scarf. Say whaaaat.
Spun Inthawong
THIS MADE US GO: Growing before my eyes
London-based Spun specialises in hand-painted flora & fauna patterned lettering. Together with her intricate illustrations, her precise penmanship sets her apart in this niche circle.
Lettering
Thailand
Photorealism
Photorealism
Sojung Kim-Mccarthy
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Still life
“What you do when no one else is watching will make you who you are” was all that Sojung needed to hear to pursue her heart’s desire — illustration. We see that passion and emotion in her intricate works, such as a series of postcards inspired by A24 film, Minari. For Sojung, it was her way of “showing my solidarity to diaspora communities”. We fully support!
Photorealism
Amien
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Sur-too-real
Is this the real life or is this just fantasy? Known for his imaginative realism, AMIEN pays homage to the timeless genre of surrealism. His dream-like fantasy universe feels both familiar and unknown at the same time. It’s actually inspired by his experience growing up in a city aka Singapore that’s modern, traditional and oriental all at once.
Monica Lee
THIS MADE US GO: Sir, no, not shot on Ilford
Just look at these supercalifragilisticexpialidocious drawings of animals and human portraitures. Equipped only with charcoal and graphite pencils, Monica creates stunning photo-realistic work with a confession to an addiction to details.
Photorealism
Malaysia
Pixel Art
JaeBum Joo
Pixel Art
THIS MADE US GO: A modern masterpixel
The pixellel world of JaeBum is loaded with an assortment of pixel styles. His rendition of the masters’ paintings stood out most, where he turned the multiple different art movements into one genre — pixel art. Not to forget, the 3D interpretation resembling Lego builds that breathes new perspectives too.
South Korea
Pixel Art
Benjamin Chee
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Tsum tsum or yum yum?
“Char siew” literally means “fork roasted” in cantonese — barbeque skewered pork. We suspect it’s Benjamin’s meat. For why else would he be the brainchild behind “the team made up on an old lady chef, a smuggler, and a robot on a mission to retrieve the missing char siew in space”? Although, Benjamin’s art is more than just animated pixels of “tsum tsum” warriors and adventurers. Just witness his modular dioramas of action-packed mythical battles and comic art. Attackkk!
Kenze Wee
THIS MADE US GO: Pixelate me!
Kenze brilliantly creates futuristic sci-fi worlds set in old technology computer graphics — made from colour, motion, and meticulous planning to convey mood and narratives. In awe of the works of Gerardo Quiroz and Valeriya Sanchillo, it was Kenze’s love for pixel art that led him to create his own versions.
Singapore
Pixel Art
Pixel Jeff
THIS MADE US GO: Insert coin to begin
In a span of almost a decade, the progression made and experimentation done in Jeff’s pixel art is simply arresting. Creating original works, fan art, and collaborative work, his portfolio showcases a wide range of possibilities.
Taiwan
Pixel Art
Character Design
Character Design
Djohan Hanapi
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Snow White and The Seven Dildos
Known for his series of randy princesses, Djohan has a charming way of showing familiar characters in unfamiliar demeanour through clean lines and vibrant colours. Apart from being a full-time illustrator, he’s also the co-founder of Knuckles & Notch, an independent publishing risograph press.
Character Design
Slimy Oddity
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Blob of wisdom
Through a psychedelic and awakened insight into spirituality, philosophy and the human experience, this little red blob hopes to inspire and catalyse inner change for its followers. Also known as the main character of Slimy Oddity, an art collective that spreads love and light through evolving mediums and experience. Their ultimate goal? To transmute timeless wisdom and messages to bring people closer to their ineffable truth, open their hearts and mind to the true essence within.
Character Design
HelloPigu
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: A bao of my eye
HelloPigu is the moniker created by illustrator Brenda Tan, who documents the life of the Longevity Peach Bao
in her everyday adulting occurrences. Challenging the boundaries between art and illustration, PiguBao exists in both the digital and physical worlds from digital drawings to painted canvas, wall murals, and into the metaphysical realm.
Character Design
Tripuck Supawattana
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Savage the Earth
Inspired by social issues, current events, capitalism, urban life, sex and teenagers, Tripuck reflects the frenzy of our world today. A cartoonist and illustrator, he uses satirical visual language to show our planet’s comic tragedies that we can all kinda relate to one way or another. Oh boy, World Boy’s seen them all…
Character Design
Kevin Varian
Indonesia
THIS MADE US GO: Murakami meets Moebius
What happens when Moebius, Japanese manga, and American comics come together? With Kevin aka Cuts, you’ll get to see samurai-geishas, bright-eyed monster bloops, and more characters fully decked out in compositions. A graphic designer and illustrator, Kevin’s works are vividly detailed in a hypnotic visual labyrinth.
Character Design
A kid from yesterday
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Looney Tunes is a mood
Paolo-Sompol Rattanawaree’s pen name is from a track by his favourite band, My Chemical Romance. Seeing himself as ‘a’ kid from yesterday who loves to draw and learn, while he continuously and humbly declares that he is not good at anything. Well, we beg to differ! Just look at his rendition of Looney Tunes inspired by western animations. These guys are his way of communicating thoughts and feelings. Drawing is his form of healing and his art heals us too.
Character Design
Fartboil
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Yoohoo! Woohoo! No boohoo!
Perthsiw aka Fartboil might present a variety of illustration treatments, but the key characteristic of his style that ties it all together is none other than his amorphous subjects. Of vivid colours or pastel hues, Fartboil’s illustrations are always energetic and playful. Be artsy, not fartsy!
Byeolnyange
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Mobster Meow
Byeolnyange loves cats (obviously) and draws only cats—deliberately “lazy” cats, apparently. He effortlessly captures the essence of a cat through the gaze of its eyes, the poise of idleness and silhouettes of its postures. Simple yet impactful linework. Who could resist these chubsters.
Character Design
Vanz Chiang
THIS MADE US GO: Street master muscle hustle
With a strong emphasis on Eastern oriental aesthetics combined with American street style, Vanz creates fictitious characters portrayed with brand products for commercial collaborations. His expressive and detailed work is rich in traditions, yet relatable to popular culture.
Character Design
Taiwan
Jill Arteche
Philippines
THIS MADE US GO: She nose what’s up
Resembling the likes of Yue Minjun’s smiling self-portraits, Jill’s characters are unified by they symbolically strong nose and wavy lips. Her comically grotesque paintings and drawings of interpretations are inspired by the people in her everyday life. As for the essence of pure joy embodied in her work, it’s reflective of the Filipino culture in embracing laughter and using humor as a natural mechanism to life.
Character Design
Mao Mao
THIS MADE US GO: Run naked and free
Memes are Mao Mao’s main inspiration — as evident in his intentions to bring about the joy of all things related to the internet. But what drives the creator of Happy Kawaii Friends and his creations, is none other than his fascination with unlimited connotations. You see what you want to see aye!
Character Design
Taiwan
Walid Rusdianto
THIS MADE US GO: Adventure goggles? Check!
For Walid, making illustrations goes beyond aesthetics where collaboration with others and drawing inspirations from local-contexts create the best artistic experiences. That being said, Walid’s character designs and illustrations are visually appealing and highly detailed. Coupled with his creative approach — it’s a double win.
Character Design
Indonesia
3D
3D
Shavonne Wong
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Metaverse’s Next Top Model
Looking for talents? Shavonne has got models you can cast. As a 3D Virtual Model Creator and NFT Artist, she creates life-like virtual models and places them in surreal environments including the metaverse. Before this, Shavonne was a Fashion and Advertising Photographer for a decade. We see it and we love it.
3D
Ismail Amir
Malaysia
THIS MADE US GO: Game on
Ready Player One? Ismail’s got games to play like no other. From fluffy gameboys to self-shuffling dices… we don’t even know if we can pass the first level. We mean that with awe and respect. Awe as in we might just get a little too distracted to carry on playing. Oh, the wonders of 3D and motion!
3D
Khyati Trehan
India
THIS MADE US GO: CMYK on steroids
Textural, playful, emotive — colours have never looked this good. Inspired by a love for sciences that have a tendency to sneak into her works, Khyati’s colourful worlds are a place we wish we could literally dive into. Based in NYC, her digital 3D works lie somewhere between graphic design and visual art.
3D
Chong Yan Chuah
Malaysia
THIS MADE US GO: Take me away
A secret place, a sweet escape. Anyone else got Natasha Bedingfield’s voice stuck in their heads after looking at Chong Yan’s works? Inspired by the idea of an escape, each of his worlds serve as an extension of real life, or an allegory of his emotional state, rather than a creation of a new reality. Oh, how much we relate.
3D
Joanne Joo
China
THIS MADE US GO: I’m a blobbie girl, in a blobbie world
Narration and imagination are the most powerful creative forces to Joanne — we couldn’t agree more. It should come as no surprise that she’s attracted to “extremely simple stories that carry bright insights or emotions”. One might notice that her characters have no neck, but that’s really their charm. Don’t you dare think otherwise of these cuties.
3D
Nenghuo
China
THIS MADE US GO: Blender man
Art is for all, as exhibited by Nenghuo who makes tutorial videos on YouTube for how to use Blender. We love how he’s open to sharing his creative process with the world, and also how he’s guiding others on finding theirs too. As for his work, it seems to be a mix of what’s human, mystical yet modern at the same time.
3D
Jungmin Ryu
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Happy see happy do
“Happy” is how Jungmin would describe her illustration style, evident in how her creatures certainly walk the talk. Having grown a fascination with rendering and lighting at her first job in Singapore, she started randomly designing 3D stuff like “happy people and a happy vibe” when she moved to Europe. Currently based in Rotterdam, her expertise includes 3D animation, character design and 3D illustration.
3D
Sol Whi Park
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Return of the Terminator!
When the AI-charged super bots finally take over, Sol Whi Park will probably ask:: “What took so long?” The Toronto-and-Seoul-based 3D artist uses cyborgs to imagine a brighter future—one where the human knowledge lives side-by-side with AI technology.
So maybe it’s not all hasta la vista baby after all.
3D
Amirul Afifi
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Shaped up
Simple or abstract? Amirul’s works give us the feel of both intertwined, showcasing an abstract display using simple shapes. Just like how he is an all-in-one design director who specialises in 3D animation and motion design.
3D
Prateek Vatash
India
THIS MADE US GO: Illuminat-me
Oh, how we wish we could see the world through Prateek’s illuminating tones. As a graphic artist and designer, Prateek works primarily with a blend of 3D and 2D media to create vibrant and neon tones. His interests in typography, architecture, interior design and the occult are what inspires him to evoke different moods and hints of nostalgia.
3D
Pictoglaze
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Capital character
Could Pictoglaze’s #36daysoftype be the ABCs for the 21st century? Founded by Nicholas and MeeChain, Pictoglaze is an independent design and creative studio specialising in digital art, motion graphics and animation. The team aims to transform brands’ needs into unique and meaningful experiences.
3D
Jae Yeon Kim
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Splish, splash, splosh
With a background in illustration, Jae Yeon explored 3D animation knowing it’s endless possibilities in creating stuff. Drawing inspiration from the real world and altering it to transform them into 3D animation, Jae Yeon found the freedom to endow her characters with mix-and-match traits that explore fluidity, gender and the body. This world she has created exists in a permanent state of flux, as fantasy and reality mingle into new formations.
3D
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Only render, no surrender
Turning depressing headlines into surreal pictures, Saratta’s illustrations are visual summaries for the country’s most pressing issues. His ‘quick renders’ are created in response to the news, all within the day of current event, crafting a story which can make sense outside of its context. His art acts as a form of protest and he draws inspiration from the likes of Magritte, Bosch and Dixit cards to inform his distinct practice.
Saratta�Chuengsatiansup
3D
Shane Fu
China
THIS MADE US GO: Out-of-home lava lamps
In his attempt to form public art exhibits, Shane blended computer graphics into realistic contexts with a hyperreal style that defies the laws of physics. How he toys with our perception is mind boggling yet aesthetically compelling. Based in NYC, Shane’s a 3D artist and motion designer who takes inspiration from the world around him. His ability to reimagine the quotidian converts unremarkable spaces into dreamscapes without the limitations of reality.
3D
Jun Seo Hahm
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Naked mole-rat-bots
When digital artist Jun Seo was working at an ad agency, he learned of a particular term ‘3B’ which means ‘Baby, Beauty and the Beast”. It was believed to supposedly catch people’s attention. Even after having left the industry, he still channels ‘3B’ into drawing cute, sexy and strange creatures in one image. They might only be on screens now, but Jun Seo intends to use 3D printing, mould-making, and soft robotics to have them soon exist in real life too. Eeep!
3D
Myungsik Jang
THIS MADE US GO: Feel the beat from the tambourine, oh yeah
If these dancing surreal jellies don’t put a smile on your face (or make you jiggle that booty), then what else might joy be? Having left the “real world” to enter the digital one, Myungsik was drawn to where possibilities are boundless without any restrictions of the physical space. His awkward and ambiguous yet flexible dancing jellies are his way of expressing his emotions and translating his desires in this magical realm.
South Korea
3D
Machineast
THIS MADE US GO: Beauty in the eyes of Machineast
Collaboration is key to the output of this creative duo - Fizah Rahim and Rezaliando. Known for their 3D type and digital abstractions, their work feels closer to art than design. We would frame these up in an instant.
Malaysia
André Wee
THIS MADE US GO: New realities, rendered
A prolific creator in both 2D and 3D illustration, André is constantly discovering new methods of engaging with his audience through the use of technology. His openness to experimentations allows him to push the boundaries of storytelling and image execution.
3D
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: ”You can find inspiration in everything (and if you can’t, look again)” — Paul Smith
Founders of creative consultancy BÜRO UFHO (an acronym for euphoria), Yana and Jun’s aim to create meaningful and informative work that elicits sheer delight. Drawing inspiration and ideas from the most varied sources, has led to a portfolio of refreshing and wide-ranging work.
3D
Yana & Jun
Singapore
3D
Phua Juan Yong
THIS MADE US GO: Juan, 0, 0, Juan, Juan, 0, Juan, 0, 0, 0, Juan, 0, Juan
Is it hand painted or digitally created? Juan’s fascination with replicating the qualities of traditional paintings through digital has led him to explore not just the outcome but the process and approach of traditional artists. Incorporate the process of sculpting and modelling, allows natural strokes to be present in his digital world.
Singapore
3D
Vicki Dang
THIS MADE US GO: Ex Machina’s holiday pics
Inspired by shōjo mangas, Nick Knight’s surreal-alien-floral visions and Kim Laughton’s cinematic-futuristic creations, Vicki has created an otherworldly universe, all her own. Her futuristic world is balanced by a sense of serenity and poeticism that gets you wanting to go deeper.
Vietnam
THIS MADE US GO: Spiritual souls in the cosmos
Massive galactic builds inspired by totems, planets and other heavenly bodies. Being an illustrator, animation and motion designer all rolled into one, allows Ivan to input highly detailed tactility and information into his creations. Empowering these extremely vivid artworks to be shown in many different forms.
3D
Ivan Despi
Philippines
Collage
Collage
Fxaq27
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: To meme or not to meme
Based in Sydney, Phurichaya Panyasombat aka Fxaq27 or Ack is a multimedia designer who specialises in digital collage. With distinctively striking colour schemes and carefully curated narratives, his works are indeed an embodiment of the phrase “The devil is in the details”. There’s always something good when you take a closer look.
Collage
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Baroque Satay Club
With a background in Communications and New Media and Asian Art Histories, Hafiz takes on the advertising world in the day while creating his own renaissance by night. Many know him by his moniker “The Next Most Famous Artist”, and of course his bizarre compositions that are meticulously crafted and ingeniously humorous. An absolute mood!
Hafiiz Karim
Collage
New World Plaza
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: An Old New World~
Obsessed with the awkwardness of how the East interprets Western styles in all forms of media and accidental geniuses created through a cultural lost in translation, New World Plaza celebrates everything Asian. It first started as an Instagram account, and is known for remixing and re-contextualising familiar vintage visuals through print and video art. Nostalgic yet timeless, this is not just a trend but a way of life.
Raintree Chan
Taiwan
THIS MADE US GO: Dada me, Dada you
Of fantastic creatures in a boundless universe, Raintree’s work is limitless and truly exquisite in image play. With an extensive and evolving portfolio of aesthetically bizarre and intriguing collage works, he effortlessly takes us through dimensions of time and space.
Collage
Pariwat Anantachina
Thailand
Collage
THIS MADE US GO: Is this tropical Trantor
A.k.a. Mr Big, Pariwat’s photo collages of the world’s major cities is widely published. He’s a master of composition who turns clutter into a facade of grandeur, giving what was once familiar brand new perspectives. Next stop, Diaspar.
Yosuke Hasegawa
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Money makes the merry go round
Origami artist Yosuke’s work is all about the money, money, money. Nope, not its monetary value but its historical store of value. His madness with banknotes challenges our observation skills and imagination. With an obsession with details, he offers new perspectives and narratives in his expansive (and expensive) portfolio of money artworks.
Collage
People
People
THIS MADE US GO: Visual intel
Want to know Korea better? Kanghyuk can be your guide into its various facets. Especially the underground subculture scenes of art, design, fashion, and queer communities. After all, he’s known to be a unique driving force for reconstructing images outside the narrative of a picture. That’s mad skill.
Kanghyuk Lee
South Korea
People
Keerthana Kunnath
India
THIS MADE US GO: Shoot the patriarchy
Shedding the “shackles of social expectations” isn’t just for Keerthana alone but for every girl and woman in her hometown. This is evident in her photos that challenge both the patriarchy and heteronormativity we’re all too familiar with. The everyday mundane settings of her subjects show how everyone has their own spark, if only they had the space to be themselves.
People
Ni Ouyang
China
THIS MADE US GO: Intrusive thoughts
If we were to put a face to our intrusive thoughts, it’ll definitely be like the one on a building as seen in Ouyang’s works. Born in Shanghai and currently living in New York, Ouyang often crafts environmental narrative-style images and mingles the factual contents with the fictional drama. An absolute mood turned into a highly relatable masterpiece.
People
Cho Gi-Seok
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Natural state
Freely crossing the line between art and commerce, it’s no surprise how Cho consistently creates original work that pushes the boundaries. Apart from being a photographer known for his surrealist images, Cho also has his own streetwear brand KUSIKOHC. Same same but different, both pursuits inspire each other for him. Now, that’s the best combination for creativity.
People
Nelson Chong
Malaysia
THIS MADE US GO: Sneaky snip snip
Long hair, tidy hair, fluffy hair or jigsaw hair—no matter what grows on your head, Nelson Chong can turn it into a statement piece. The KL-based photographer is known for his wide range of hair-and-photography styles. He probably has more techniques in his playbook than you have strands on your scalp.
People
Nguyễn Anh Hào
Vietnam
THIS MADE US GO: Rawrrr
What does Mark Zuckerberg and Nguyễn have in common? Ans: They’re both college dropouts. However, Nyugen left school for an entirely different reason. He escaped a life in the corporate cookie-cutter cubicles to seek freedom through photography. His rebellious style is highly surreal, with unlikely characters and light which shines in all directions.
People
Juliana Tan
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: In my element
No two or more people are the same, as perfectly captured in Juliana’s portraits. Trained as a filmmaker, Juliana creates mise-en-scene to convey the narratives of her images through an eclectic mix of light, colour and composition. It’s evident that her passion lies in portraiture and picture essays.
People
Jin Jia Ji
China
THIS MADE US GO: ‘Cause you’ll be in my heart
With soft hues and a sharp eye, fashion photographer Jin captures an intimacy that opens up the wider sense of human connections. To him, a frame never captures only a moment in time but opens up into a bigger story of culture, people and nature. Based in London and China, Jin’s currently working on a personal piece “Chinese People” to discover cultural definitions of humans and personalities.
People
Min Hyun-woo
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Picture me a celebrity
Empowered by his own self-portrait, Min Hyun-woo is inspired to make people feel “like someone famous” in their own photographs. Although, his approach is not just about capturing the final result of his subjects. Rather, he seeks to give all his focus and attention at every moment in their time spent together. With his artistic intuition to capture obscure emotions liberated by nature in his subjects, Min feels as free and capable.
People
Adi Putra
Indonesia
THIS MADE US GO: “Dream a little dream of me” — Doris Day
Tokyo-based Adi Putra is a visual artist with a stylistic imagery that’s dreamy, ethereal and nostalgic. He works mainly with film and photography. In an attempt to create a realm that exists simultaneously in reality and imagination, he draws inspiration from life’s challenges and victories.
People
Lily Chen
Taiwan
THIS MADE US GO: Chasing dat glow
With varied approaches in her photography, Lily’s goal is one and the same — to communicate. Self-confessed to not being good with words, Lily conveys her feelings best through photography. We definitely see that with the dreamy and fleeting vibes in her works, that blur the lines between fantasy and reality.
People
Izumi Miyazaki
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: LMAO — laughing my anger off
How far can one take in the digital manipulation and juxtaposition of images? How wild can a self-portrait photograph be? Izumi’s works prove the limitless possibilities, blurring the line between reality and irrationalities. Her extraordinary creations of her(self), is an attempt to “portray sadness and anger as something nice and funny”. Filled with strange and visceral compositions, Izumi’s creations encapsulate joy and melancholy all in one.
Sean Lee
THIS MADE US GO: Bonnie and Clyde
Driven by an interest in impermanence of the human condition, Sean approaches his craft as a medium for considering the performative nature of our lives. He is a photographic artist who tells stories through intimate encounters with varying persons of interest and family members.
Singapore
People
Yatender
THIS MADE US GO: Saturated Saturdays
For Yatender, photography is the playground in which she becomes a child again, fully immersed in a moment. Nothing from the outside world matters, as she becomes a reverent observer of bodies and landscapes. Shooting in film allows her to closely parallel flawed perceptions and the caprice of time and memory.
Vietnam
People
Hailun Ma
THIS MADE US GO: Wild wild East
Hailun’s signature style is informed by her Chinese roots and conventions of Western art portraiture. Born and raised in Urumqi, capital of China’s northwestern Xinjiang region, she uses a fashion photography approach, to sprinkle a little magic into topics and themes she wants to introduce to a larger audience.
China
People
Manbo Key
THIS MADE US GO: Queer is sheer delight
Mando’s work in a triumphant celebration of Taipei’s underground queer scene. The resilient queer joy of his work shines brightly through a painterly vividness. A very special documentation of this unique era of Taiwan’s history.
Taiwan
People
Rie Yamada
THIS MADE US GO: Family or fa-me-ly
A modern day Cindy Sherman, Rie explores her own self-identity by creating alternate versions of herself. Whether it’s intruding onto family portraits, and replacing every individual with herself, or attending marriage hunting parties, she breaks new ground in discovering what it means to be family.
Japan
People
Sydney Sie
THIS MADE US GO: Half girl, half gone
Drawing you in with her surreal, dream-like photography, Sydney blurs the line between the imagination and reality. Using pastel colours and playful illustrations, her work exudes a curious feminine energy. She believes photography should do much more than be a mere documentation of reality. We can see why!
Taiwan
People
Art
Art
Chiron Duong
Vietnam
THIS MADE US GO: Culture in shutter
With a background in Landscape Architecture, Chiron’s interest in photography started when he understood that both practices are about shapes, light, proportions and colours. Since then, he strives to capture traditional Vietnamese culture with a contemporary eye through his images that are far from cliché. All this to provoke and evoke the mysticism and folklore with the fusion of Western culture, condensed into an instant without a beginning or an end.
Art
Jingran Zhang
China
THIS MADE US GO: Verse jumping alpha-Zhang
It is only in Jingran’s world where Chinese modern and traditional perspectives collide; where cyberpunk, vaporwave and folk elements unite. Driven by a desire to create intriguing and confusing imagery with as many perspectives as possible, Jingran’s biggest motivations are curiosity and rebellion. As for the inspirations behind his works, they come from many aspects of life. Although, most of his pictures contain religious elements and metaphors. Almost feels like Everything Everywhere All At Once.
THIS MADE US GO: Talking heads
Faceless, dehumanised personas are characteristic of Chengzhou’s work. He explores the alienation of people and the homogenisation of culture as a whole. His creations leave you with a feeling on enlightenment, and marginalisation at the same time.
China
Art
Zhou Chengzhou
THIS MADE US GO: See no evil, here no evil
Using chameleon-like methods to immerse himself in environments, it’s no wonder how artist Liu Bolin became known to be “The Invisible Man”. Through his intricate works of art, he explores critical issues and controversies around the globe as an avid observer of contemporary society and the urban environment.
China
Art
Liu Bolin
THIS MADE US GO: Alice in industrial land
For visual artist Jeeyoung, it’s all about creating the these very specific scenes she she imagines in her head. Her stage sets and installations are all physically self-constructed, drawn and painted. These sculpture-installations bring to life the psychological dramas and stories from her own life.
Jeeyoung Lee
South Korea
Art
Art
Kefan Weng
THIS MADE US GO: Peace of mind under construction
For digital artist Kefan, reality and truth is all about one’s perception. These surreal narratives created through image manipulation, result in these beautiful baffling worlds that leave us wanting more.
China
Documentary
Documentary
Photography
Documentary
THIS MADE US GO: An eye for life
From vet to self-taught photographer, Etang has an eye for capturing unique perspectives. Most of his works are a peek into underground cultural scenes amplified by his “far-range attention towards details of daily life”. If only we could be his shadow following him around. We mean that in the least creepy way.
Etang Chen
Taiwan
Documentary
Photography
Documentary
Dương Gia Hiếu
Vietnam
THIS MADE US GO: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
For Hiếu, it seems to be that beauty lies in its imperfection. The photography and multidisciplinary artist looks for connections between the main subject and its surroundings. In composing, he usually focuses on topics that he has observed closely or is looking for answers to. Is that how he gives each of his subjects, no matter how ordinary, their main character moment? Us next plz.
Documentary
Photography
Documentary
Tavepong Pratoomwong
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
Everything is perspective. Tbh, life’s a lot easier (and a lot more interesting) that way. Take it from photographer Tavepong’s pictorial evidence. We love how he plays with the subjects in his photo more than he does with camera angles. It’s like a whole new world that we wish to live in. Funny thing is we already do, so it’s just up to us to have fun with our way of looking at things.
Documentary
Photography
Documentary
Juan Qi An
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Near, far, wherever you are
A newly found hobby — skateboarding — was what got Qi An to pick up a camera. However, it was not long after that his initial intention led him to document everything else happening on the streets too. With casually poetic imagery, it’s evident how he captures life through a sense of wanderlust accompanied by a “curious, or even nosy undertone”.
Documentary
Feng Li
China
THIS MADE US GO: Welcome to the urban junk-gle
A street and fashion photographer who was trained in Chinese medicine, Feng Li is an unexpected juxtaposition. It’s evident through his works too. His photographs capture tongue-in-cheek humour, bright textures and colours — all yielding a sense of absurdity and uncanny with the urban landscape. Within a single frame, he effortlessly composes uneasy yet balanced narratives of the humorous and the sinister. Now flash and freeze!
Photography
Documentary
Kanrapee Chokpaiboon
THIS MADE US GO: Dali and the devil’s eggs
Kanrapee injects his love for sci-fi films, extraterrestrial beings and spirituality into his work. He dramatises reality through a mix of surrealism, quirk and dark humour. Leading the charge with a new futuristic humourous form of documentary-street photography.
Thailand
Documentary
THIS MADE US GO: Distance makes the mind wonder
A Chinese-Dutch photographer, Xiaoxiao’s work seeks to understand her mixed heritage identity, and the larger world she lives in. There’s a mystical, elusive and alienating quality to her work, that gets you to question the intersection of east and west.
Xiaoxiao xu
China
Documentary
THIS MADE US GO: Day in a daydream
Awashed in a rainbow of soft pastel hues, Nguan presents the day-to-day moments of Singaporeans in dreamy detail. He describes his photographs to be about big city yearning, ordinary fantasies and emotional globalisation.
Nguan
Singapore
Documentary
Innovation
Anya Muangkote
Thailand
Innovation
THIS MADE US GO: One man’s trash is another man’s treasure
With a multidisciplinary approach, Anya designs for circularity with the aim of making sustainability appealing. She hopes to empower people to challenge current environmental issues, with the goal of radical change for all.
Coding
Coding
Kitasenju Design
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Make reality beta
Kitasenju Design’s works are an ode to our relationship with the metaverse. It almost feels like a reflection of our own imagination sometimes, caught inbetween the physical and digital realm. A creative coder, Kitasenju Design researches and develops new (or weird) graphics in interactive media. We’re here for it!
Coding
oOps.50656
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: oOpsie we might stay here forever
“Everything alive makes a sound” is the central belief to the work of oOps.5056. An audiovisual composer and new media art collective, “oOps”is the acronym of (organic-Operators) that connects human-nature-science-technology organically. Produced through real-time sensory abstract experiences and humanities moments that we want to linger in… for just a little longer.
Yehwan Song
South Korea
Coding
THIS MADE US GO: Breaking Web
Artist and designer Yehwan is all about questioning the conventions of standardised design and user interface. She experiments and challenges the notion of user-friendliness guidelines and ethos. Choosing diversity over consistency and variety over efficiency. Doesn’t that make it all the more interesting?
Aka Chang
Taiwan
Coding
THIS MADE US GO: Bathe me in light
Working with lasers, light projections, creative coding and generative art, Aka creates light designs that deconstruct space. Ranging from personal art installations to collaborative creations with musicians and performers, his audio-visual experiences are an immersive experience to behold.
Rhizomatiks
Japan
Coding
THIS MADE US GO: Zip zap me outta here
You can’t quite quantify the realms in which Rhizomatiks play in. Crossing various disciplines from art to entertainment to urban development, from real to digital worlds. Their work pushing the boundaries of technology and artistic expression to dreamy heights..
Set
Tina Fung
Singapore
Set
THIS MADE US GO: Iridescent spacial warrior
Co-founder of Space Objekt, Tina Fung is a multidisciplinary artist and designer specialising in set design & spatial experiences. Her work is collaborative and interactive, and she seeks to make art shareable and accessible to all. She's worked with global brands like Gucci, Sephora, Adidas, and Aesop.
Cheng Tsung Feng
Taiwan
Set
THIS MADE US GO: Bamboo-zled by your beauty
Cheng Tsung Feng has an immense fascination for tradition and the natural world. Describing himself as an old soul, his design philosophy is to learn from and apply traditional materials in the modern context. Unrestrained by scale nor function, he explores and experiments the application of handcrafted methods from traditional materials into large-scale installation arts and sculptures.
Serendipity Studio
Taiwan
Set
THIS MADE US GO: So beautiful we’re misty eyed
An experimental design house that creates with the notion of serendipity at the heart of the design process. Their body of work and their collaborations are intriguingly varied, remarkable beautiful and distinct in their unexpectedness.
Graphic Design
Graphic Design
Can Yang
China
THIS MADE US GO: Neobridging a post (im)material world
London-based interdisciplinary designer Can Yang’s practice is all about post-modernism philosophies and post-structuralist approaches. All this to rediscover the functionality of 2D images. Through form-making and deconstruction of text, Can experiments in both the digital space and media with physical materials to address new forms of art. That aside, he also does heavy research with image-led outputs that include sound installations and online or IRL workshops.
Graphic Design
Ikuho Tamura
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Abracadagraphs
Filled with graphic experimentations using basic shapes, Ikuho takes them to multiple dimensions with the play of formations and colours. He’s got an eye for creating refreshing hypnotic compositions that are energetic and explosive like jeng jeng jeng! We’re definitely watching these shapes.
Graphic Design
Hagihara Takuya
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Glitch is the new glitter
Erratic but exceptional, by blending familiarity with innovation, Hagihara’s creations are hypnotically trippy. Best known for his glitchy abstract patterns, he thrives to explore new techniques, creative methods, and processes that he’s not good at. Inspired from daily life, his ability to create visually arresting compositions is simply incredible.
Wang Zhi Hong
Taiwan
Graphic Design
THIS MADE US GO: The main characters of any book
Typography is the main focus in Zhi Hong’s practice across all cultural and commercial work. His typographic and design approach to the chinese and japanese characters is avant garde and experimental. Undoubtedly refreshing and inspiring in his distinctive ways to pushing the boundaries of graphic design.
Typography
Typography
Jazlyn Fung
Hong Kong
THIS MADE US GO: The emotional type
Inspired from her experiences and unconventional places, along with her natural ability to craft typefaces beautifully — Jazlyn’s creations are truly one of a kind. It seems like what started off as an experiment has now become a focus in her practice, as an independent type designer with a background in branding and environmental graphics. Definitely one to look out for!
Textile/Fashion
Textile/Fashion
Fanrui Sun
China
THIS MADE US GO: Digicore
Move over Gorpcore, we’re past outdoor recreation and into what makes you feel like you’re out of this world. Yes, that’s how we feel about the clothes of new-age fashion designer Fanrui. Captivating audiences with her digital creations and divergent thinking, she seeks to find the boundaries of the future of fashion expression. Also, we’d wear these sci-fi-like fits any day.
Textile/Fashion
Feyfey Yufei Liu
China
THIS MADE US GO: Balenciaga traffic cone
In a world where women dress for men, Feyfey creates clothes for women who dress for no one—not even themselves. Her anti-fashion fashion collection is a giant inflatable middle finger to anyone who wants women to meekly behave and conform.
Textile/Fashion
Yabai Yabai
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Embedded in endorphins
In hopes to bring joy and colour into everyone’s everyday lives, textile studio Yabai Yabai hands sews vibrant prints that you can wear or hold. It’s like a hug. Most of their items are mostly made with natural materials, and you’ll find a series of prints and items with each Yabai Yabai design collection.
Textile/Fashion
THIS MADE US GO: The fairy diaries
Xin Hwang’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.
Hsin Hwang
Taiwan
Product
Product
Seungjin Yang
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Chairing is caring
Seungjin takes balloon sculpting to a whole new level. His balloon chairs are the definition of form meets function meets fun in the most unexpected way. The chairs themselves are no illusion. You can sit on them without fear of ever falling on your ass. The secret? Epoxy coats the balloons over and over until their shape is solidified and sit-ready.
Product
Top30studio
China
THIS MADE US GO: Ride my pimp
The traffic in Asia is pretty wild. But if a speeding Bangkok Tuk-tuk is your definition of exotic, you’re probably not ready for the Top30’s doggie-style mannequin scooters. A sound system is included. Seatbelts optional.
Multimedia
Multimedia
Ziyang Wu
China
THIS MADE US GO: Data-da!
“Post-internet micro-alienation” is how Ziyang would describe his works, and we see that in his ability to deep dive into “contemporary technology, digital power structures, popular culture, the dynamics between identity and community, as well as the alienation of an individual’s spirit and body.” Ziyang’s starting point? Data and research collection. Who would have thought!
Multimedia
Yunchul Kim
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: What’s the matter
Yunchul’s works feel like scenes out of a sci-fi horror movie but way prettier. No one gets killed here. No gore either. Dynamically integrating science, technology, music, philosophy and poetry into his practice, Yunchul unravels a whole new universe. All of which you’d be able to experience in various ways — installations, sound, texts and other media.
Multimedia
Thana Seangsorn
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: Into the trippy-verse
The best way to take LSD without taking LSD is to
check out Thana’s trance-inducing psychedelic art. The Bangkok-based motion designer styles himself a ‘visionary artist’ and ‘visual therapist’. His mind-bending graphics, spectral colours and hypnotic sequences are guaranteed to keep you guessin’ and trippin’
Multimedia
Ryoichi Kurokawa
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Wait where are we
Who knew you could compose time? Well, you just haven’t met Ryoichi yet. Using field recordings and digitally-generated structures, he reconstructs it architecturally as audiovisual masterpieces. His work takes on multiple forms such as installation works, recordings and concert pieces. Viewing his works on our desktop already leaves us in awe. Can you imagine seeing it in real life?
Multimedia
Nuntinee Tansrisakul
Thailand
THIS MADE US GO: God’s POV
New York-based algorithmic composer and visual artist, Nuntinee, focuses on the ambiguity between perception and cognition. In her creations, she uses computational techniques to create sound compositions, time-based visuals, live performance scores and photographic prints. Kinda feels like humans are just the ant colony of the universe. Maybe we are.
Multimedia
Jo Ho
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Tripping on meta
The places where the views of “machine as tool” and “machine as creator” are being challenged is where you’ll find Jo at. Working with both the digital and physical realms, her recent works explore the perceptions of digital media today and its tangibility in the world of rapid content production. All this to promulgate “digital corporeality” by presenting digital works in alternative formats, to dispute the misconception of its immateriality.
Multimedia
Brandon Tay
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Born to be wiiiiiild
Emerging between the fields of installation and moving images, lies multimedia artist Brandon with the craziest creations. Drawing parallels between culture, technology and politics, his work depicts how similar principles in these disparate domains inform each other.
Hibanana Studio
China
Multimedia
THIS MADE US GO: New mediums on tempo-le grounds
New York-based Liu Chang and Miao Jing are the brainchildren behind visual arts studio, Hibanana. Playing at the intersection of art and technology, their work focuses on audiovisual installations, moving image for non traditional surfaces, projection mapping & live visuals. Combining fine art techniques and emerging technologies, they provide user experience through stimulation and participation.
Michael Lim
Animation
Animation
Ayumu Arisaka
Japan
THIS MADE US GO: Bodies made of 70% whack
Ayumu’s characters bursting into items makes no sense but at the same time seems right. Aren’t we all just products of our own consumption? As one third of an illustration and animation collective called ‘Saigo No Shudan’, Ayumu brings cloudy and soft aesthetics to the bizarre works. Her artistic process usually begins with Manga before she lets it go off in unpredictable directions. Shouldn’t that be the way to live?
Animation
Calleen Koh
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: R-rated Pixar
Calleen’s quirky characters, thoughtful plots and compelling themes shown in her alluring films makes us hungry for more. An animated film director and artist, Calleen is driven by an interest in exploring facets of societal problems through the lens of contemporary media and sex in her animated films. We already can’t wait for what she has in store next!
Animation
Manabu Himeda
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Everyday all-time hits
Tbh, Manabu’s songs make us want to belt it all out at karaoke and maybe that’s what we’re supposed to feel. After all, Manabu’s temporary admiration for a “song brother” was what led him to dabble in producing his own songs and animations. That includes writing lyrics, humming songs, singing and performing. We can’t help but want to grab a mike and sing our hearts out with his catchy melodies and simple yet hard-hitting lyrics.
Animation
Shiyi Li
China
THIS MADE US GO: Preferred mode of tranceport
Using colour to express intuitive feelings around sound and its connection to imagery, Shiyi creates work that has always been closely related to music. A director, animator and illustrator based in the UK, she’s known for her ethereal and surreal visual style of dreamy colours and poetic narratives. As for the stories found within her works, it speaks about the intersection of life, culture and family values.
Animation
Toyoya Li
China
THIS MADE US GO: my he8rt-bits for you
Turning life’s smallest things and his quiet introspections into 8-bit pixel scenarios, Toyoya creates delightfully eccentric works that are filled with the humour of everyday life. Armed with a background in interactive design and animation, he fully immerses himself in the world of pixels and promulgates his artwork by applying it across different mediums. For Toyoya, collaborating with others is key to self-growth. We couldn’t agree more!
Animation
Qianhui Yu
China
THIS MADE US GO: Dalí and the doodles
Qianhui’s surreal, expressive, textural “sugar-coated” and “candy-coloured playful characters” are a language in itself. Based in London, she’s an animation director and illustrator who specialises in character and background design. Her goal is to have a multidisciplinary approach, as she further develops and pushes her current style and character designs even more. This gal is one to watch!
Animation
Gyuri Cloe Lee
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Every hit is a trip
Gyuri’s eccentric and polychromatic animations make us want to hop onto these trippy loops. As the founder of Petting Zoo Studio that was set up for animation and video art commissions, Gyuri makes the details of each illustration marking and treatment her own signature. From Bob Marley with seaweed locks to a long-legged pufferfish, her creations have a distinctive hand-drawn tactility to them. Along with her techniques in transitions, Gyuri strives to make one feel like they’re in “a long fever dream”.
Animation
Hani
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Mentally we’re here
There’s something calming about Hani’s illustrated abodes. Might be the doggie cuddles. Or how everything is blue, green, and glowing. Now that’s something for home inspo — if anyone’s looking. Apart from the zen vibes it gives us, we love the curated colour palettes and modern details in Hani’s illustrations.
Animation
Michael Lim
Malaysia
THIS MADE US GO: G-dawg on a spacewalk
With a diverse visual vocabulary in graphic design and exceptional animation skills, Michael aka Space Dawg creates works of various aesthetic styles made to fit the brief. His main source of inspiration? Everyday life. Looking to his surroundings, Michael imagines his “daily life as a movie”, taking on different perspectives and translating them into animation using different treatments and techniques. It’s always an adventure if you make yourself the main character.
Nayon Cho
South Korea
Animation
THIS MADE US GO: Is sexuality is a social construct..?
Combining traditional and contemporary animation techniques of hand-drawn cel and post digital compositing, along with crafted sound design, Nayon’s works are investigative and intriguing. Exploring the themes of sociology and sexuality, her narratives are intended to be open ended and pondered upon.
433
Typography
Naufalrel Pandu
Indonesia
Coding
THIS MADE US GO: Alphabet amusement park
Motion designer Naufalrel’s main focus is in kinetic typography. His portfolio is ever-expanding with his moving-type experiments in abstract and contextual settings. One to look out for!
Ting-An Ho
Taiwan
THIS MADE US GO: New ways of reading
Art director and graphic designer Ting-An is the brainchild behind motion type project, an online compilation offering insights into chinese motion graphics helping design students to understand and evaluate based on oriental characters and the design approach.
Typography
436
Stop-motion
Taili Wu
Taiwan
THIS MADE US GO: Where the wild things are
New York-based multi talented creator (and animal detective!) Taili works with stop-motion, illustration and ceramics, all in the name of love for making creatures and puppets. Taili’s objective in her creations is to spark imagination and curiosity with a sense of humor — which is clearly evident in her works.
Stop-motion
Siqi Song
China
THIS MADE US GO: The warm and fuzzies
California-based director and animator Siqi is best known for her short film Sister which received and Oscar nomination in 2020. The films she wrote and directed have screened internationally at numerous film festivals including Sundance, SXSW, Annecy, Ottawa, and more. Her work is beautifully crafted and the quirkiness in her characters and storytelling sets her apart.
Stop-motion
439
Film
Film
Bart Seng Wen Long
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: U seksi thang
What do fetish objects, gimps, anime, and queerness all have in common? For Bart, it’s a combination across “the throes of emotional intensity”. The result? A body of work that is “sexy, kawaii and uncanny” all at once. His art is said to be a refreshing break in contemporary art. We couldn’t agree more.
Teom Chen
Taiwan
THIS MADE US GO: Maximum stimulation
When someone talks to Teom about art, he simply responds that all he has is naked impulse. As a film director and simulation artist, Teom is interested in experimenting with new technologies and to create new content is his metabolic process. As for his source of inspiration, it’s a diary that has become more and more unreal the more he’s spent time alone which has become a text separate from himself.
Film
Axl Le
THIS MADE US GO: Morbid awakenings
Axl is a digital artists and short firm director from Shanghai who’s based in Oslo, Norway. He has been creating photo and video series with stunning futuristic aesthetics and intricate plots since 2016.
Film
China
Yuen Hsieh
Taiwan
THIS MADE US GO: Chemical gē gē
Yuen Hsieh is a filmmaker/visual artists and DJ based in London and Shanghai. Inspired by sci-fi films and video games, he strives to create his own possible futuristic worlds that stimulates the imagination of the viewer. Through hypnotic images and immersive stories, this leaves anyone watching to feel like they’re a part of a parallel reality where science fiction is more present than any routine.
Film
445
Ambient
Ambient
Kin Leonn
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Main character OST
Listening to Kin makes us feel like we’re going through a healing metamorphosis, anyone else? With his ability to transport us “from ambient bliss to beat-music odyssey”, it’s no wonder he’s known as the “ambient boy from Singapore”. His techniques are “a constant state of evolution, introducing different sounds, techniques and possibilities without ever compromising on composition or atmosphere”.
Zul Mahmod
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Sound sculptures in my ears
Known as one of Singapore’s leading sound artists, Zulkifle Mahmod actually comes from a sculptural background which he has explored further through this medium of sound composition — field recordings, sensors, automation and electronics. His work integrates 3D forms with ‘sound construction’ and ‘ sound scapes’ that are searching, experimental and nuanced.
Ambient
Intriguant
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Shock me like an electric eel
Intriguant is an electronic music producer/DJ who creates textural sounds and rhythmic patterns through the concept of granular synthesis that aims to stimulate and experiment with authentic aural perceptions. His sounds are inspired by the human perceptions of environments that resonates to him through its multiple sensory layers, allowing physicality to merge with spirituality.
Ambient
Li Yilei
China
THIS MADE US GO: Human parts on shuffle
Li Yilei is a Chinese conceptual artist based in London who works in the fields of sound art and performance art. Their works stem from a desire to create a way of listening that is available for all senses. Hearing aside.
Ambient
450
Electronic
Electronic
Frinla
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Finding emo
Sometimes, names don’t have to be thaaat deep. Take ‘Frinla’ as an example. Axel Serik chose this completely random word to represent his music alter-ego cos it simply sounded nice. Although, his melodic tunes packs a lot more meaning in a different way. From machine noises to string instruments, he’s known for mixing sculptured harmonics as a way to form emotional connections with his listeners.
Sonia Calico
Taiwan
THIS MADE US GO: Big boss lady synergy
Sonia is an electronic music producer and DJ from Taipei who is always striving to find new music, never constrained by any genres as evident in her work. She draws on various styles of urban club music around the world from breakbeat, trap, future bass, b-more, footwork, grime etc then blends them with Asian references in an homage to her inspirations.
Electronic
Electric Planet Five
South Korea
THIS MADE US GO: Cinematic seoul orchestra
A one-man show based in Seoul, Electric Planet Five strives to purse a sense of space and cinematic sound through melodic electronica and piano music.
Electronic
Temple Rat
China
THIS MADE US GO: Techno folks
Inspired by her passion for the electronic music scene of Chengdu’s hyped underground, Temple Rat’s work is a fusion of traditional Chinese folk music and minimalist techno tunes. She usually begins her sets with the Erhu as a way to create a sense of space before bringing in electronic beats that carry listeners on a unique, emotional journey.
Electronic
455
Others
Others
Blynd (spot)
Singapore
THIS MADE US GO: Lofi life
At the end of the day, it’s all about ambience. That’s what we’re feeling with Blyndspots’s chill tunes. After all, Blyndspot is an “alter ego/coping mechanism” and we can hear it through the beats. Although, they also have another side as an avant garde hip-hop duo. Tbh we couldn’t relate more. Yes, we have only two moods.
FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS�Anak is a creative and branding practice born from a calling to design a better world than the one we inherited. Based in Asia, we constantly draw inspiration from the cultures and incredible forms of storytelling that surround us – whether performed, painted, sung, or shadow-played, the diversity of form, emotion, and craft is unmatched.