'In Her Eyes' show lets art capture stories about life experiences, womanhood

One half of Elly Nor Suria's 'Self-Fishes Series' (diptych) (mixed media, 2021). Photo: The Star/Ong Soon Hin

There is a painting at the gallery that shows a woman in batik finery, going about her chores early one morning. Two children trail after her, frolicking among the freshly-washed laundry fluttering in the breeze. This is one of Kam Woei Yann’s Once Upon A Time series, where women and children are the main subjects. The artist draws on her Peranakan heritage and showcases a love for traditional textiles and its intricate designs in these works.

This series celebrates femininity through various aspects - heritage, family, kinship, friendship and the little everyday things. If a woman takes on many different roles in her life, then this series by Kam gives a glimpse into the many different hats she wears.