Textile coral art exhibition by Agatha ‘ Agy’
Hues of Loss
A textile art exhibition on the beauty & fragility of coral reefs
Hues of Loss features all-new textile-based works by Singaporean artist Agatha ‘Agy’ Lee. The interactive exhibition was born out of Agy’s fascination with nature and concern for the increasing decline of coral reefs. Using thread, remnant textiles, and the traditional techniques of hand-stitching and free-motion embroidery, Agy brings to life the wonders of and perils experienced by coral today. Concerns about mankind’s rapid pace of consumption today also drive the artist’s use of remnant textiles in a bid to reduce waste in her art-making. Together with visual imagery and infographics from collaborator, Our Singapore Reefs, the exhibition inspires us to consider the conservation of coral reefs as a priority.
To accompany the exhibition, Agy will give an artist talk moderated by textile and community artist Natalia Tan. They will discuss Agy’s craft-centric practices, using craft techniques in art, and dispelling notions that craft isn’t art. In addition, there will be textile workshops and an educational talk by speakers from Our Singapore Reefs on the country’s marine biodiversity.
By blending the visual arts, environmental issues, and technology, Agy strives to encourage audiences to reconsider their perceptions of embroidery as a utilitarian technique and discover how it can be incorporated into a visual art form.
This event is organised by Agy in collaboration with Sam Shu Qin (Our Singapore Reefs) and Kai Kei Cheng (tech consultant). It is supported by National Arts Council Singapore and aNERDgallery. Material support is by Madeira Singapore and Muta.wear.
Exhibition Details
17 - 25 June 2023
Mon - Thurs 12 - 7pm
Fri - Sun 12 - 8pm
aNERDgallery, 29 Perak Road, Singapore
Nearest MRT - Rochor Station, Bugis Station
Free admission
Programme
In conversation with Our Singapore Reefs
Dive into a captivating fireside chat on coral reefs, where our panelists will bring you on an exploration to discover the rich marine biodiversity thriving beneath the waves, as well as the threats they face in Singapore’s waters. Join us as we highlight our efforts to preserve these habitats through citizen science and research, and also how you can contribute to marine conservation.
Artist talk with Agy
Ten years ago, Agatha ‘Agy’ would have thought it odd to use the sewing machine, needle and thread for artistic purposes, yet today she finds herself creating soft sculptures using skills commonly associated with tailoring and clothing repair. In this upcoming session moderated by fellow textile artist Natalia Tan, Agy will delve into her practice and explore the use of craft techniques in art, while challenging the perception that textile art belongs exclusively in the realm of crafts.
Moderated by Natalia Tan
Learn the basics of Broderie Anglaise
Textile artist, Agatha ‘Agy’ Lee, takes you behind the scenes of her textile art exhibition, “Hues of Loss”. In this workshop, she will share the intricacies of broderie anglaise, a technique popularised in the 19th century to create open worked spaces in a variety of shapes and sizes. Agy used this technique together with free motion embroidery to create her delicate soft coral sculptures.
Agy will demonstrate the basics of the Broderie Anglaise technique, followed by a hands-on session with the participants.
Learn to slow down
Textile artist, Agatha ‘Agy’ Lee, used both free motion embroidery and hand stitch to create her delicate soft sculpture corals in the exhibition, “Hues of Loss”. While the resulting stitches have a functional and aesthetic role, the process of using the needle and thread have a calming effect on the artist.
Learn how to stitch in a meditative manner with Agy in this 1.5 hour session.
About the Artist
Agatha ‘Agy’ Lee
Agatha 'Agy' Lee is a textile artist inspired by nature, and draws upon the textures and colours of natural wonders such as coral, wildflowers and moss, to create collages and soft sculptures. She uses free motion embroidery and handstitching, and her works inspire the public to slow down and think about their connection with the natural environment.
Collaborators
Our Singapore Reefs
Our Singapore Reefs (OSR) is a community initiative that was established in May 2017 by a group of divers who love Singapore's coral reefs. The group aims to promote awareness about Singapore's marine biodiversity and provide a platform for academics, businesses, NGOs and agencies to work together for a common cause. This initiative will empower the public with means to conserve and protect Singapore's reefs and encourage them to be active citizens.
For more information visit:
www.facebook.com/oursingaporereefs
www.instagram.com/oursingaporereefs
Sam Shu Qin
Sam is an avid diver, educator and a coral scientist. Sam’s research centers around the restoration of coral reefs in Southeast Asia, particularly in Singapore. Spending countless hours underwater gave Sam the firsthand experience of the detrimental effects of human activities on marine environments, including the issue of marine debris. With a strong desire to raise awareness about marine debris,
Sam co-founded Our Singapore Reefs, a community initiative that connects like-minded marine enthusiasts through diving and educational programmes. Through her training in science communication, Sam hopes to inspire a greater sense of marine stewardship and promote discussions on marine science and conservation through various public engagement activities.
Kai Kei Cheng
As an IT professional with over 20 years of experience in software and hardware design, Cheng Kai Kei has successfully launched many IT solutions. Working experience in IOT includes the development of a digital educational game system with LED lighting system for PMO, 2 robotic systems for stroke patients and a physiotherapy mobile game with wearables for NUS and NUH.