BIOGRAPHY

Being brought up as a Roman Catholic, Joel Yuen's early exposure to Christian imagery has deeply influenced his approach to art making. The concepts, often referencing western art history, form the basis for an exploration of issues relating to death and the meaning of life.

The art often takes on a physical and intuitive process, where his hands are instrumental to creating forms ranging from abstract to realistic figurative sculptures. This approach generates a meditative and solitary experience, where ideas and inspiraton are progressively materialised into creations of his inner vision.

After winning the 27th UOB Painting Of The Year Award, Yuen continues to pursue visual art full time.

SELECT EXHIBITIONS

2009, 6 - 16 Aug
Symbiosis: Bone - Cement - Technology (Solo Exhibition)
Jendela Gallery, Esplanade Mall, Singapore

2009, 8 - 20 Sep
Eyes Wide Open
Annexe Gallery, Malaysia

2008, 4 - 14 Dec
PhotoSynthesis
Gallery 2902, Singapore

2008, 8 - 31 Oct
Singapore International Photography Festival (SIPF)

2008, 12 Jul - 2 Aug
27th UOB Painting Of The Year Exhibition
Jendela Gallery, Esplanade Mall, Singapore

SELECT AWARDS / HONOURS

UOB Painting Of The Year Award, Singapore:

2008, Anatomical Fantasies of Meat, Part Two, 27th UOB Painting Of The Year

International Photography Awards, USA:

2009, Symbiosis: Bone - Cement - Technology, Fine Art: Still Life, Honourable Mention
2008, Lonely Supper, Special: Special Effects, 3rd Place

The Crowbar Awards, Singapore:

2009, Written Voices, Fashion and Portrait Photography, Silver
2008, Anatomical Fantasies of Meat, Part One, Best of Photography
2008, Anatomical Fantasies of Meat, Part One, Experimental / Conceptual Photography, Gold
2008, Foreign Workers of Singapore, Fashion and Portrait Photography, Bronze
2008, My Last Judgment, Experimental / Conceptual Photography, Bronze

EDUCATION

2006 - 2010
Nanyang Technological University, School of Art, Design & Media, Singapore
(BFA) in Photography and Digital Imaging

Jun 2007 - Aug 2007
National Arts Council, Internship, Singapore
Managed the Singapore Pavilion in The 52nd Venice Biennale International Art Exhibition

2001 - 2004
Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore
Diploma in Interactive Media Design, Honours List