Beloved Love

Tell us your field of study. Is this something you want to pursue professionally?
I’m doing a diploma in Communications and Media Management, with an elective in journalism.

In the future, I want to move into graphic design, which is where my interest lies. Actually, one of my dreams is to study art in Japan, but that’s a little ambitious (laughs).

When did this interest in art first begin?
When I was young, I used to watch an animated series called Winx Club. The drawing style and costume design really caught my attention, and since then, I’ve been drawing clothing designs that would come to mind. I was also exposed to different kinds of art growing up as my father is a keen collector.

In 2018, I visited Japan and saw many different clothing styles in Harajuku, which further piqued my interest in fashion.

Share with us a memorable exhibition that you’ve seen recently.
One that comes to mind is Permission to Dream, an immersive art installation at AliWALL Festival 2022 that featured different experiential rooms with intriguing visuals, colours, and sound—it was almost hypnotising.

The exhibitions from this year’s Singapore Art Week have also been really eye-catching, and might just be some of the favourites I’ve seen!

What is one thing you wish was taught in school?
I think it’s very important that the younger generation learns how accept others, in particular members of the LGBTQ community, no matter how they choose to identify themselves and whom they choose to love.

One way schools can open conversations is through their sex education curriculum that currently doesn’t touch on these sensitive issues. That may be why members in the community are hesitant to speak up in fear of judgement.

I’m a Christian myself, but I put religion aside when it comes to topics like these because it’s all about basic human respect and love.

What inspires you in your daily life?
I take inspiration from whatever I see and hear around me, and the people I choose to surround myself with, such as my friends, because they reflect who I am as a person.

Also, YouTubers like Leah Wei and Emma Chamberlain are sources of inspiration as they often preach about self-love and how to live life to the fullest.

A book I’d recommend would be-
The Song of Achilles—it’s one of the books that brought tears to my eyes. It’s really good, and recommended by many others too!

What’s a piece of advice you’d like give others?
Firstly, love yourself. It’s important to recognise who you are as a person before you can secondly, love others.