As I entered the gallery at Art Outreach and I was greeted by a delicate mobile of glass-like orbs, translucent plastic shapes reminiscent of leaves or feathers, and found organic materials such as twigs and branches. Gently moving with the air, the orbs caught the light and scattered small rainbows across the room, instantly transporting me into a dreamscape. Cyanotypes mimicking these refracted reflections adorned the walls, expanding the visual field like shadows of memory.
Further inside, an immersive installation of suspended plastic and glass bottles hovered mid-air like raindrops frozen in time. When torchlights were shone on them, the movement of light cast ripples on the surfaces below, echoing the sensation of watching raindrops fall into still water. It gave me a moment of calm and quiet wonder – like returning to a forgotten childhood memory.
A video installation and a set of printed transparencies on a nearby wall continued the exploration of light and reflection. Visitors were encouraged to interact by using torches to project abstract patterns onto the ceiling. I was reminded of nights as a child, lying in bed with a flashlight, creating stories and imaginary creatures that danced across the ceiling.
These works are the result of a collaborative exhibition titled Touching the Ether, created by four young artists, Cherlyn Lee, Eunice Lim, Yu, and Loong Zu’er, graduates of the Visual Arts Class of 2024 from the School of the Arts (SOTA), Singapore. Working without a formal mentor for the first time, they embraced full curatorial freedom and took the opportunity to apply their training in an independent setting.
What’s most striking is how, at only 19 years old, these artists demonstrate a surprising depth and maturity in both concept and execution. Unlike many young artists who are still finding their voice and often replicate the styles of well-known names, Cherlyn, Eunice, Yu, and Loong Zu’er present works that are refreshingly original, raw, and rooted in personal and collective experimentation. Their artistic voices feel authentic, not imitative – imbued with sincerity, curiosity, and thoughtful reflection.
Their concept stemmed from an exploration of how intangible elements like light, sound, and water can be perceived subjectively through human senses. Influenced by Guy Debord’s method of the dérive—a spontaneous, intuitive wandering through urban landscapes – they developed works inspired by their walks around Gillman Barracks, responding emotionally rather than geographically. This process is documented on the “process wall” at the back of the gallery, which functions as an emotional and symbolic map.
“In my practice, I’m very much interested in the effects of space on the human experience,” shared Eunice Lim. “Connecting seemingly unrelated images, textures and ideas excites me. Working alongside the others helped expand this territory beyond my own.”
The artists experimented with a range of media – found objects, sound recordings, generative coding, and printmaking – blurring the boundaries between organic and mechanical systems, and inviting viewers to reflect on their relationship with nature.
I was curious to know what paths each of the four artists would take following Touching the Ether. Yu will pursue illustration at Camberwell College of Arts (UAL), Zu’er will study animation at NTU ADM, Eunice will continue her fine arts practice at LASALLE College of the Arts, and Cherlyn will major in biological sciences and psychology at NTU to deepen her understanding of the body and mind in relation to art.
Their reflections on the collaboration are deeply resonant:
“This show is unlike any experience I’ve had working with other visual artists,” Yu said. “It’s given me a new understanding of creative synergy.”
“To create is also to embrace the privilege of critique, the exhilaration of bouncing off one another’s ideas,” said Cherlyn, who previously preferred working in solitude.
Zu’er reflected, “The works exist just as they are: experiments and attempts. Their imperfections allow them to breathe and be honest, and I hope to carry that same empathy, curiosity and experimentation into my future.”
Touching the Ether is a poetic, multi-sensory experience that invites viewers to slow down and reawaken their childhood wonder. It is also a powerful reminder of the importance of play, presence, and collective dreaming in art-making.
Exhibition Details
TOUCHING THE ETHER
By Cherlyn Lee, Eunice Lim, Yu, and Loong Zu’er
15 June – 22 June 2025
Art Outreach Singapore – HEARTH Project
5 Lock Road, #01-06, Gillman Barracks, Singapore 108933
🕒 Opening Hours: 11am – 7pm (Closed on Mondays)
🔗 www.artoutreachsingapore.org/hearth-project/touching-the-ether
All images courtesy of the artists: Cherlyn Lee, Eunice Lim, Yu, and Loong Zu’er.
