EeShaun - Singapore

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF, WHY YOU LOVE WHAT YOU DO & WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO DO IT?
Hi my name is eeshaun, I am an illustrator, graphic designer, artist, and art educator at Republic Polytechnic. I started drawing because I discovered happiness in my own characters, and its fun to look at them and wonder what they’re about. Not much of it makes any sense, but it helps that some people like what I’m doing. The whole process of improvisation is part of my personal reaction to how Singapore is such a planned and organized city. Maybe more of this place should be organic, and less structured. I’m also interested in the use of multiple colors and organic forms in my artwork, and non-sequential narratives among the characters that populate my environment. There are too many lines and sharp edges in our visual landscape.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I have just finished 2 pieces for the new shopping mall - Ion, which will be up sometime next week along orchard road. I’m also working together with the team at FARMWORK to create illustrations for the Singapore Pavilion at the upcoming Venice Biennale. Finally, I’m illustrating a children’s book, written by Farah Bagharib-Kaltz, about a bird who’s afraid of heights.

WHAT'S THE ART & DESIGN SCENE LIKE IN SINGAPORE NOW?
I think the design scene has always been ‘there’, or evolving, or at least more people are getting aware of it - thanks to efforts by Design Singapore, and also the internet – there are lots of design and art blogs which showcase exciting work by international artists. So its fun, and very inspiring to see what people are up to. I’m just glad to be part of it, and I’m trying hard to contribute to what Singaporean design and art could be. A lot of people complain that Singapore lacks an identity. So maybe my role is to try and shape or change that perception.



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WHAT'S POPULAR AND INFLUENTIAL IN SINGAPORE NOW?
I think in terms of art, graffiti, comics and Japanese manga have always had a popular appeal among Singaporeans. I’m not really big on fashion or make up, but I see a lot of people having Amy Winehouse eyes nowadays. I think cosplay is also a big influence on dressing. Maybe it just depends on what people are into – beach, surf culture, rock, emo-punk, or the pussycat dolls.

TELL US ABOUT THE NEAR FUTURE.
I think everyone on the planet would have a facebook, friendster, bebo, myspace or ning account. Hopefully more people become design-aware, and visit more art galleries, performances and festivals. More art education in schools, and design education should start from primary school.

WHAT DO YOU NEED NOW?
Inspiration, and more skills in terms of programming or 3D.

WHAT’S YOUR PHILOSOPHY?
Happiness is key.








CONTACT ARTISTS: AWE5OME

LINKS: www.eeshaun.com