Urban: Backyard 《都市：後院》 – Recent Works of Lim Jia Qi

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"Born in 1997, Lim Jia Qi is a contemporary Singaporean artist whose work explores the seemingly ordinary spaces of urban life, with a particular focus on the Singaporean lifestyle. From public housing estates to the interiors of homes, as well as the representation of nature within the urban environment, Jia Qi is captivated by the poetry found in these spaces.

 

The Space Between is the third solo exhibition that showcases Jia Qi’s latest exploration of the juxtaposition between nature and the built environment. It is rooted in her observations of Singapore’s cultivated urban greenery, reflecting the unique relationship that intertwines organic life with the architectural landscape.

 

This exhibition showcases her nuanced perspectives of space, from the tangible structure of urban environments to the fleeting presence of shadows that occupy it. While her earlier works focused more on the physical elements of urban spaces, Jia Qi’s recent pieces take on a more poetic and romantic approach. With the capturing not just of the objects, but also of light, shadows, and subtle impressions. Trees, once the main subjects, are now shown as silhouettes, soft shapes cast across pastel-coloured walls,creating a gentle, almost lyrical mood that reflects on change and memory. This shift from depicting solid objects to evoking atmosphere adds depth to her ongoing exploration of how we see and experience space. The Space Between is no longer just about physical gaps or structures; it also explores emotional and sensory spaces, where shapes dissolve into feelings, leaving the audience with more imagination.

 

With Jia Qi’s background in printmaking, she utilises carved woodblock panels as both medium and message. Her method merges carved wood with layers of painting and print, allowing each panel to become both a matrix and a canvas. This hybrid technique mirrors the very subject she examines, the blurring of boundaries between natural and man-made, tradition and innovation. In this way, Jia Qi reinterprets fragments of the urban landscape as contemplative spaces, drawing attention to what is often unseen or unnoticed.

 

The Space Between invites viewers to reconsider the aesthetic and ideological spaces we occupy, spaces shaped not only by our constructions but also by our choices in greening them. Jia Qi’s work provokes introspection and inspires viewers to contemplate the intricate tapestry of life woven within the urban environment. Her pieces serve as a medium for reflecting upon the subtle yet profound connections that define our existence within these spaces."

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- Helina Chan, Managing Director at iPRECIATION