About The Artist

Born in Singapore in 1979, Jays Phua is a contemporary painter whose artistic journey is deeply rooted in the vibrant landscapes of his birthplace. Specializing in abstract expressionism, Phua masterfully blends acrylic paints, markers, and spray paints on canvas. His work serves as a dynamic exploration of the uninhibited world of a child's imagination, brought to life through vivid colors and unstructured lines. Diagnosed with ADHD, Phua has turned what some might see as a challenge into a source of strength. Through discipline and creativity, he has learned to harness his unique perspective and energy, channeling it into his art to excel in ways that inspire others. In February 2023, Phua hosted a solo exhibition titled **"Finding Focus in Distraction"** at Gallery 1819, inviting viewers into an intimate journey through his art. With bold strokes, bright colors, and poignant textures, his works reflect his life experiences and a constant search for deeper meaning. This yearning for truth became tangible when Phua liberated himself from the clutches of drugs and disillusion, finding solace and joy in painting as a means of expressing his innermost desires. In 2021, Phua's exhibition, **"Brilliant Legacy,"** marked a significant milestone, followed by another solo exhibition in 2023. His versatility as a contemporary painter is further highlighted by his participation in the 2023 group exhibition, **"Classroom,"** at Nonage Gallery in Singapore. Phua's art transcends traditional exhibition spaces, coming to life in various immersive contexts. His live painting event in 2023, **"All Eyes on Me,"** at Roberta's Pizza, Marina Bay Sands, presented by Wasuka Art, exemplifies his commitment to creating impactful art experiences. Additionally, his collaboration with Roche Babois in 2023, featured in **Tatler Homes**, showcases his ability to integrate artistic vision into interior design. A recent milestone in Phua's career includes the selection of his piece **"I see NYC from Singapore"** for a group show at Agora/White Space Gallery in Chelsea, NYC, this October, following a competitive NYC contest with nearly 400 participating artists. He is also thrilled to announce his representation by **Artio Gallery**, with upcoming exhibitions scheduled for **"Interconnecting Lines"** in New York City in October 2024, the **Museu Europeu d'Art Modern (MEAM)** in Barcelona, Spain, also in October 2024, as well as participation in **Red Dot Miami** and the **San Diego Art Fair** in December 2024. These accolades highlight his growing prominence in the contemporary art scene. Phua's works are highly sought after by collectors from around the world, including South Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia, China, Germany, and the US. His art is a chronicle of life phases, from the pursuit of success to burnout and a triumphant comeback through art. Like a phoenix from the ashes, Phua is basking in the glory of a new dawn of possibilities and is undoubtedly a vibrant force pushing Singapore’s art scene further into the international stage.