Visual artist ZERO went from doodling in the classroom to winning the Singapore National Arts Council Young Artist Award in 2013. The founder of RSCLS (pronounced rascals), an urban artists’ collective, tells travel 3Sixtyº what this recognition means to him and why he views his work as social commentary.
Compiled by: Chitra Santhinathan
Images courtesy of Zul Othman
HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN CREATIVE?
As a schoolboy, drawing and doodling was a creative way to escape the boredom of maths and science in the classroom. I relied entirely on my imagination to draw and I think those beginnings allowed me to hone different aspects of the creative process.
WAS THERE A CATALYST THAT LED YOU TO FOLLOW AN ARTISTIC PATH?
My uncle drew really well and was one of my earliest inspirations. Growing up, I would watch him create these awesome portraits. He might have been an artist had he been raised in a different era but the 1980s was all about economic development and he didn’t have the opportunity to pursue his passion. In a way, I’m shining a torch on those long forgotten dreams.
Clashwall, a mural in Singapore
WHY DO YOU CREATE ART?
When I was younger, art was my escape. When I drew, I escaped into my own world and space. Now, I address the concerns of our society through my art.
HOW WOULD YOU LABEL YOUR ART?
An individual’s expression of a collective concern.
Shadow Boxing
WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CREATE?
As an artist, my work is a social commentary. Current issues, both local and global move me to make a statement or an art piece. But when I paint in public spaces with people watching, it is my surroundings that affect my work, from interactions with the audience to the environment.
WHAT ARE THE TECHNIQUES THAT YOU USE IN YOUR WORK?
I mainly use aerosol sprays in my murals and pieces. But I also make sculptures and art installations. I enjoy getting my hands dirty and I want to learn more techniques to widen my repertoire as an artist. I believe that art should be good in both craft and context.
Misty Eyed
HAS YOUR FAMILY BEEN SUPPORTIVE OF YOUR WORK?
Yes, my family is and has always been very supportive. My sister even bought one of my paintings that cost five figures; I’d have given it to her for free! My mum is artistic as well and encouraged me to pursue the arts while my late dad, though a man of few words, helped put me through art school. My wife is also an artist and we support each other.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO ENCOURAGE TALENTED YOUNG PEOPLE TO PURSUE THEIR ARTISTIC PASSION?
Because there are more ways to be successful, many more than the general notions of success subscribed to and propagated by the mainstream.
A collaborative wall mural by ZERO and Singapore-based Filipino urban artist SPAZ
WHAT DOES THE YOUNG ARTIST AWARD MEAN TO YOU?
I’m really grateful for the recognition. It means so much to me especially since my work is not considered mainstream. I represent a very different community of artists and the award recognises our work and gives younger artists something to aspire towards. I believe that as long as one has conviction and works hard, recognition will come whether or not you are seen as ‘different’.
WHY DID YOU START THE RSCLS COLLECTIVE?
To provide like-minded artists a channel for artistic discourse and collaborations. They (the artists) are like family to me.
Stigmata Lembu, artwork on canvas
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON?
I’m flying to Paris soon to paint in the streets of the French capital for the KOSMOPOLITE Festival. Besides that, I’m working on a couple of installations and eight wall murals around Singapore.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE PIECE?
I don’t have a favourite; I’m actually quite detached from my artwork. I’m more into the process. Whatever I’ve created is for everyone else’s enjoyment.
On the Other Side, aerosol painting
DOES THE FUTURE LOOK PROMISING FOR VISUAL ARTISTS IN THIS REGION?
Definitely. The art world is definitely looking towards the East. Indonesian contemporary art will always be my favourite and many Indonesian artists have gained worldwide recognition. It’s the same for other artists within this region as well.
WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WISH TO FOLLOW YOUR FOOTSTEPS?
Be humble, work hard and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. If you need a 10,000-word dissertation to explain your work of ‘art’, then you’re better off becoming an art critic!
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