The Liu Shiming Art Foundation proudly announces its newest scholars at Singapore’s Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA): Kimberly Eikaas and Nidhi Dave. These talented young artists embody Liu Shiming’s legacy of honoring everyday life, personal history, and underrepresented narratives, weaving these influences into their respective artistic practices with a profound sense of purpose.
NAFA Scholarships & Awards Ceremony: Kimberly Eikaas (second), Nidhi Dave (third)
Kimberly Eikaas’s art draws from her multicultural upbringing between Singapore and New Zealand, where she was exposed to a diverse array of cultural narratives. Her work delves into themes of identity and self-perception, capturing the impact of the digital age on personal understanding. Kimberly’s current project, a multidisciplinary self-portrait sculpture made from digitally processed photographs, challenges viewers to consider how technology reshapes the way we see ourselves. Constructing this life-sized piece is an intricate process that combines photography with sculptural form, reflecting her interest in the fusion of the tangible and intangible aspects of identity. For Kimberly, receiving the Liu Shiming Scholarship means she can fully dedicate herself to her studies and creative work, inspired by Liu Shiming’s own dedication to capturing the subtleties of life.
Nidhi Dave, an interdisciplinary artist specializing in ceramics and sculpture, finds resonance in Liu Shiming’s commitment to representing the lives of ordinary people. Nidhi’s art practice is deeply influenced by themes of memory, mortality, and human connection, often seeking to honor the stories of those who may otherwise go unnoticed. Currently, she is working on an installation for a local hospice in Singapore, collaborating with her peers to reanimate forgotten paper materials collected from the hospice. This installation, inspired by the therapeutic practices observed at the hospice, addresses themes of aging, memory, and healing through art. By infusing each piece of reclaimed paper with new life, Nidhi and her group evoke the delicate balance between loss and renewal, creating art that speaks to shared human experiences of vulnerability and resilience. The Liu Shiming Scholarship empowers her to improve her work’s quality, providing the resources to invest in higher-grade materials and further her artistic vision.
“hi!more2” by Nidhi Dave. Courtesy the artist.
“Papermill, Dubai UAE” by Nidhi Dave. Courtesy the artist.
Through the Liu Shiming Scholarship, both Kimberly and Nidhi are afforded the opportunity to expand their practices with the foundation’s support and resources. They are inspired by Liu Shiming’s dedication to honoring cultural heritage and personal history, striving to foster empathy and a greater understanding of underrepresented narratives. Their work, shaped by their unique perspectives and artistic vision, continues Liu Shiming’s tradition of celebrating the beauty of the everyday and the resilience of the human spirit, enriching contemporary art in Singapore and beyond.
For more information about the Liu Shiming Scholarship and the recipients, please visit the Liu Shiming Art Foundation website.
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