MANY WAYS HOME | Joi Murugavell
5 May - 20 June 2023
Humour and play are integral in the life and art of Joi Murugavell-- a lesson she learned from her father as an elixir to life’s absurdities. Not afraid to play with materials, Joi integrates pompoms, popsicle sticks along with bits and pieces of fabric to her canvas. Mixed with her humourous one-liners and cute characters, it may seem like her works are simply colourful celebrations of childhood spirit. But a closer inspection reveals a deeper concern with current events, cultural change and finding one’s place in the world.
EXHIBITION SHOT
‘Many Ways Home’, the artist’s first solo show in Singapore, examines the impossibility of living in a society that attaches meaning to everything. The show features large scale paintings, drawings, sculptures, two installations and a few surprises on opening night.
EXHIBITION SHOT
Not limited by the general art form, the artist’s use of acrylic, oil sticks, crayons, spray paint, charcoal, collage and other mix media on the canvas, give life to interesting characters (collectively referred to as Ooglies) through from the combination of overlapping lines in the canvas, ultimately allowing viewers to participate in Joi’s humorous and interesting life episodes, and living a uniquely “Joiful” experience.
Joi Murugavell in her studio
Unborn Chicken Voices, 2023
Acrylic, oil stick, charcoal, spray paint, wax crayon, graphite, collage on canvas
182 x 153 cm
EXHIBITION SHOT
Intimate Hazy Studies In Light (with pauses), 2023
Acrylic, wax crayon, graphite, collage on tambourine
182 x 153 cm
ARTWORK