Alive without breath – Keng Lye

By Dejiki on February 7, 2015 in Art+Culture, Photos

It’s almost alive. Hyper-realistic art by Singaporean artist Keng Lye are exhibited for the first time at the new K+ curatorial space. See the world suspended in time in Keng Lye’s exquisite sculpture-painting creations.

Alive without Breath – Keng Lye’s first solo exhibition – is exhibited at K+, Kinetic Singapore’s new curatorial space at the third level of Scotts Square. It’s a pop-up space that will be around until 31 August 2015 – so that’s another reason to check out Scotts Square (apart from Hermès and Wild Honey there).

Painted layer by layer on clear resin, the technique was pioneered by Riusuke Fukahori, a Japanese artist known for the three-dimensional goldfish paintings in Japanese sake cups and pails.

Keng Lye’s work push the medium further – literally – by breaking free of the surface.

Either way, I’m sure we’ve all seen works by both artists on the internet. But seeing them up close is an experience.

The subjects of the art – goldfish, terrapins and octopuses – and its containers are ordinary. However, the very nature of the medium hides tensions, among a wealth of patience and skill in the creation, as one contemplates in the visual illusions. The pedestrian sights are suspended in time. Are they commonplace? Yes, in certain, lost moments. When was the last time you saw that bowl? Or when keeping terrapins was a thing?

K+ gallery - keng lye: Alive without breath / Chair / Takeaway Fish

If you enjoy watching fish swim, then at least two pieces here will be arresting. The one with the twig, especially, because the illusion of depth is simply amazing.

Perhaps the most stunning piece is the Blue Beauty, which is a painting of a betta (fighting fish) in a clear container. Viewable at any angle.

The exhibition also reveals how certain works were made, such as the terrapin shells, which were cut from what appears to be the plastic wrapping of Kinder Joy.

K+ gallery - keng lye: Alive without breath / Tortoises / One Is A Lonely Number

While the works are perennial, the exhibition is not one that goes on forever. These exquisite pieces, which look far more alive in person, will only be displayed at K+ from now till 14 February. Don’t miss it.