Free Spirited

Can you please introduce yourself?
Hi, my name is Mustaghfir. I’m 25 years old. I’m a recent fine arts graduate and I’m currently working part-time as a florist and art handler.

Given that you’re currently working in various positions, do you have a long-term full-time goal in mind?
I think I’m still in the process of figuring things out. Living in Singapore, there’s a certain financial expectation that everyone has, but at the same time, I don’t want to miss the chance to explore everything—especially after graduating. It feels like the perfect time to give myself the space to breathe and try different things before settling down. The journey might seem exciting, but it can also feel a bit pressuring at times. Still, I’m just learning to trust the process.

How has your fine art background informed your other works like floristry?
I think it’s quite similar in the sense that both involve a sculptural element. When it comes to the technical aspects of floral arrangements, it’s not too different from the approach I take in art. But as a creative, I find it easier to adapt to different spaces, blending my soft and hard skills depending on what’s needed. In fine art, we were trained to be resourceful and work with various mediums, which I think translates well into what I’m doing now, whether it’s floristry or art handling. So for me, it’s all about being resourceful and open to learning new things.

Is there a particular career trajectory that you’re aiming for?
I don’t know, I’m still dabbling with the idea of being a full-time freelance creative because I think it’s quite nice to kind of organise your life in accordance to seasons rather than having a very dictated structured routine, which I feel I can be quite limiting or repetitive. So I feel like when you become a freelancer, you can kind of pace things out. Although the expense of it is stability and income, but it’s a give and take.

Tell us about an artist or piece of media that has inspired you recently.
I just came from an artwork installation, and my friend Jialei has a piece featured in the Listening Biennale. Though I worked on installing various pieces—many of which were quite eye-catching and experimental—her work really stood out to me. It had a gentle, calming, and welcoming presence. I really admire how thoughtful she is in presenting her work. She’s very mindful of the space she occupies and how her work contributes to it. It doesn’t come across as ego-driven at all, which art sometimes tends to be.

Given that it’s a listening biennale, I also appreciated that she included a seating area—a beautiful Chinese-style wooden stool with mother-of-pearl inlay. It was such a thoughtful touch that really added to the experience.

Speaking of art, are you currently working on anything of your own?
Currently, my life is the creative project I’m working on (laughs). I mean, if someone is generous enough to fund my art practice, then I’ll probably be making shows, but otherwise…I’ll be out here grinding. But in all seriousness, something will eventually come out, just taking my time with it!

Looking forward to it! Lastly, what’s a lesson that you’ve learned this year?
It’s been a year since I’ve graduated and I’ve found myself reflecting a lot on my relationship with time, money, and personal connections. In the pursuit of financial stability and a steady career, I’ve unconsciously started to value time mainly in terms of money, sometimes at the expense of appreciating my relationships with others. This has really made me pause and rethink how I assign value to different parts of my life. It’s pushed me to approach things more creatively and intentionally.

Living in a fast-paced, capitalistic society—especially with the rising cost of living—it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters. But despite the challenges, I’m learning to see things from a new perspective and to be more grateful for what I do have.