1.
ARTIST STATEMENT
RIPPLE ROOT is the artist moniker of Liquan Liew and Estella Ng.
They make collaborative, carefree works reflecting themes of
nature and wildlife.
In their work is a distinct Southeast Asian ornamentation, seen in the dense, interwoven patterns that borrow from arabesque tiles and textiles. Folkloric elements, based upon naive renderings of birds and various wildlife are given a modern twist.
2.
SHOWS
2015: Strong Currents Will Paddle
2016: Wild Fruit
2016: THE TIDE IS OUR GUIDE: SINGAPORE & LONDON
We delve into primitivism, with naive renderings and folkloric scenes that are descriptive and speak of ancient tales. This series pays homage to ancient Southeast Asian traditions of Batik and traditional textile weaving. The first installment was held at The Fishtank, then we boarded a plane, took the show to Hundred Years Gallery in Shoreditch, East London. A first for Ripple Root!
2017: SPEAK OF THE VESSEL
Commissioned by the Peranakan Museum for Singapore Night Festival 2017, this is RR’s inaugural attempt at the use of glow-in-the-dark paints and black light. Vessels are brought to life, whispering Baba-Nyonya secrets and revealing traditions past. A spirited cavern that lures you in, inspired by the museum’s Permanent Collection.
2017: THE FURTHEST COAST: THE AMERICAN CLUB, SINGAPORE
The Furthest Coast is Ripple Root’s fourth showcase. Specially curated for The American Club, the pieces speak of being out in open water- such is the nature of life, full of ghastly great unknowns. A reminder to never lose faith, but with renewed optimism make steady transitions towards new shores and greater destinations.
2017: EXHIBITED AT DONGDAEMUN DESIGN PLAZA under GALLERY LVS. Seoul, Korea.
2018: SWAMP ISLAND POETRY: SINGAPORE & MELBOURNE
SWAMP-ISLAND-POETRY addresses the rhythms of the everyday, stemmed from the duo’s first inspiration for their art- the Mangrove Swamp, the dwelling place of mudskippers, local birds and flowers. Held at K+ Gallery (Scotts Square) in Singapore and Brunswick Street Gallery in Fitzroy, Melbourne.
2019: I THINK THIS MUST FEEL LIKE PARADISE: SYDNEY
“I think this must feel like Paradise” is a collection of paintings on longing, being free and the search for joy. Inspired by beach houses, they are painted on wood, displaying expanses of ripe colour and landscape.
2019: RAFFLES, PINEAPPLES AND THE SWAMP At Yang Gallery, Hilton Singapore
A series of painting inspired by the Singapore bicentennial, charting our nation’s growth from Swamp to Civilisation. Exhibition opening sponsored by Club 21, we have selected paintings paying homage to the Batik patterns of Issey Miyake and Dries Van Noten AW19 collections. Celebrate a bit of history with fresh, contemporary vision.
2019: ‘See You at the Satay Club’
was auctioned off at Sotheby’s first online Modern & Contemporary Southeast Asian Art Auction.
2020: INAUGURAL PRINTMAKER’S ASSEMBLY ORGANIZED BY STPI
Our triptych of original silkscreen pieces were specially selected by Singapore Tyler Print Institute. ‘Approaching the Unknown’, ‘Riding Through the Abyss’ and ‘Paradise Found’ spotlights the early settlers, or anyone currently on their own personal journey, no matter how big or small the undertaking. This is a reminder that the struggle is worth it (relevant to the unprecedented year of 2020!)
2021: ‘Where Land Meets Sea’
Public showcase presented in collaboration with Singapore Tourism Board and Art Outreach Singapore, located in Malay Heritage Centre.
2022: ‘Sunny Island Trading Post’
‘Sunny Island Trading Post’ auctioned off at National Gallery Singapore’s 2022 benefit, via Phillips Auction house.
2023: NATIVE NESTERS
NATIVE NESTERS is their tenth solo showcase, marking nine years of working together. Playing up the idea of nesting, the paintings feature native flora and fauna, with migrating birds integrating with local animals, folkloric symbols given a contemporary, whimsical twist. The paintings are joyful, dreamlike and nostalgic. A celebration of what makes a home. Accompanying the show is the launch of our 120-page retrospective book.
3.
CONTACT INFO
