Shen Jiaqi Singaporean, b. 1989

Shen Jiaqi’s practice examines themes of individual existence amidst perennial changes of the urban environment, and the culmination of routines within established boundaries. Drawing from the collective subconscious of yearning for a safe respite within the franticness of the city, her works evoke interpretations towards familiar yet fictional suggestions of spaces. Unpacking the effects that the transitory nature of urban spaces have on city-dwelling individuals, she prompts the audience with subjects and colours that are reminiscent of a state of transience between time and current reality.

Born in Singapore in 1989, Shen studied painting at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in 2010, and Visual Art and Drama education at the National Institute of Education in 2015. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Fine Arts at LASALLE College of the Arts. Her works have been part of public showcases including Plural Art Magazine’s Our Heartlands, and National Arts council’s Streets of Hope. Ever-Were, her third solo exhibition, was held at Cuturi Gallery in 2021, and Comfort Zones at Coda Culture in 2020. On 2021, she received a Highly Commended award in the 2021 UOB Painting of the Year, Emerging Artist category for her work titled ‘Sometimes, we just need to make good things happen’.