EVENTS
NIM Students Experience ‘Akar Akar’ – An Immersive Journey Through Art, Memory, and Identity
Students from the School of Arts, Science & Technology enjoyed a front-row experience during their visit to Akar Akar, the evocative solo exhibition by contemporary artist and NIM lecturer Andy Yang. Accompanied by lecturers Andy Yang and Ray Chia, the students delved into the diverse media and techniques showcased in each painting and sculpture.
Akar Akar – which translates to “roots” – delves into powerful themes of displacement, cultural memory, and the search for identity, expressed through Andy Yang’s textural, abstract, and figurative compositions. Inspired by nature and sound, the works offered students a unique sensory and emotional experience, sparking meaningful conversations about how art can reflect personal and collective histories. . Akar Akar is a part of Singapore Gallery Month (SGM) 2025 at the Olal’art Gallery. The exhibition is presented by Intersections Gallery
Andy shared insights into the methods and creative processes behind his works, while also discussing the challenges and considerations involved in curating an exhibition, which are practical and invaluable advice for aspiring artists.
The students expressed excitement about engaging directly with the artist’s work and look forward to exploring how such experiences can inform their own creative and cultural perspectives. The students brought the artworks to life with their interpretations, highlighting the beauty of art’s subjectivity. Some saw the splash of orange as resembling goldfish, while others felt as if one of the statues symbolized a heart, with its form evoking roots emerging from the earth.
Through opportunities like this, NIM continues to encourage students to embrace art as a bridge between culture, creativity, and self-discovery.
