Olal’Art Gallery Set to Debut "Duet" — An Exploration of Identity and Connection

Olal’Art Gallery is set to unveil “Duet,” an evocative new exhibition featuring works by Dutch artist Julia Winter and French artist Armelle Kergall. Following her successful solo exhibition, “OBSERVER,” at Singapore’s The Arts House – Gallery II, Julia Winter returns with a fresh collaboration that broadens her visual narrative on critical global issues — from environmental and political challenges to the intricacies of community and human connection. Winter — a conceptual artist who transforms recycled materials into subversive creations that blend environmental consciousness with layers of historical meaning — is deeply influenced by a global perspective born from her experience living in different countries. She delves into themes of dislocation and identity, focusing on the theme of ‘the other’ amid social and political divides.

At the opening of the “OBSERVER” exhibition, Dutch Ambassador to Singapore, Ms. Anneke Adema, joined to celebrate and share her thoughts on the showcase. In her speech, Ms. Adema expressed her admiration for Julia Winter’s creative vision, particularly for the “Macbeth” series, which she found especially captivating.

Julia Winter’s “Macbeth” series draws inspiration from Shakespeare’s famed play, reflecting themes of power, ambition, and the often devastating cost of political agendas. Through an ironic and introspective lens, she explores the cyclical nature of history, urging viewers to question the patterns of manipulation and conflict. As a world traveler and long-time resident in Asia, Winter’s art beautifully merges Eastern and Western influences. Her experiences with Eastern philosophy and calligraphy have inspired her work’s focus on harmony between humanity and nature. This perspective, grounded in the concept of qi, lends her a unique vantage point for observing the world.

Images above courtesy of Olal’art gallery

Julia Winter’s work, particularly her acclaimed “Double Portrait” series — which debuted in 2023 at Olal’Art Gallery — has captivated audiences with its unique mixed-media approach. Utilising techniques like portraiture on glass and photography, she examined themes of family, gender, and identity, capturing the diversity of people around her. Winter’s creations — including symbolic dolls made from recycled fabrics — celebrate the rich tapestry of relationships within society and the stories that bind us. Her art is a visual dialogue, urging viewers to pause and consider the world from a more nuanced perspective.

Images above courtesy of Olal’art gallery

“Duet” serves as a platform for reflection, pushing the boundaries of societal norms and fostering a space for audiences to contemplate the shared and often challenging aspects of life. Through Winter’s lens, art becomes not just a medium but a powerful call to rethink and reimagine relationships with the people and environments one encounters daily. “Julia Winter’s exhibition aims to show the audience that art goes beyond visual “eye-candy.” It serves as a platform that encourages us to think, rethink, analyse, and ultimately realise deeper truths,” describes Olal’Art Gallery.

For Julia Winter’s solo show “Observer”, performance artist Liz ZHU performs a piece entitled “This suit fit, yet I remain unseen” (as seen photographed above), curated by Olal’art gallery.

Aesthetically, Julia Winter finds inspiration in the works of notable artists such as Jannis Kounellis, Joseph Beuys, Christian Boltanski, Louise Bourgeois, and Annette Messager, among others. As a woman and an artist, Winter brings a compassionate yet unyielding lens to the pressing issues of our time. In her hands, recycled materials, textiles, and photography become more than media; they become a narrative of resilience and empathy, urging audiences to rethink their roles within society.

Her work is a vessel that embodies both strength and compassion, demonstrating that women bring a powerful perspective and an expansive heart to issues facing the world, society, and community. With Armelle Kergall, “Duet” at Olal’Art Gallery, continues this journey — challenging viewers to see beyond surface impressions and encouraging them to foster deeper connections with communities, the environment, and themselves.

With today’s ongoing political and social climate, the exhibition is arguably more apt now than ever in reminding audiences to embrace a broader view of humanity and the relationships that define it. Olal’Art Gallery describes Julia’s work as capturing Singapore’s vibrant community spirit, creating dolls from recycled fabric that reflect the deep connections and diverse identities within society.

“Duet” will run from 15 November 2024 to 5 January 2025 at 27a, Arab Street, Singapore.

To find out more about the upcoming exhibition, head to Olal’Art Gallery’s official website here: www.olalaworks.com and explore their official Instagram account here: olal.art

All photography in this article are courtesy of Eugene Tan

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