Tell us about trompe-l’oeil.
It is where art is complete only when viewers come into the frame. Trompe-l’oeil means ‘deceive the eye’.
Why 3D?
I wanted to create an art that connects with the viewers.
How do you introduce the 3D aspect to conventionally two-dimensional ‘realism’?
2D art can be made to look 3D through its perspective, dimensions and lighting shades.
3D over 2D?
Each work looks different when seen from different angles. The rewinding of history can in a sense be made possible, which is not as explicit in 2D.
Take us through the experience of viewing one of your paintings.
If you are looking at ‘mama u wanna hate me’, you have Adam handing out a red juicy apple to you, out of the frame. In fact, you are the subject, and the painting is complete when the apple has been handed to you.
Which one is your favourite?
Oscar Awards. The academy has awarded only 2,947 Oscars; I want to present it to everyone.
Any challenges?
Perspective is perhaps the most difficult with 3D work.
What are giclee paintings?
Giclee paintings are used by artists to reproduce their original artwork where anything can be corrected in digital form before imprinting on the canvas.
You’ve also had a career in film design and acting.
I started as a visualiser, then was a wrapper designer with OUP, and also acted in a Tamil Movie, Andhra Mess.
What’s next?
I am working on paintings based on Singapore’s former PM Lee Kuan Yew and on setting up a Monalisa Museum.
