Singapore-based artist Muhammad Nurman Selamat has been making waves in the art scene and it’s not hard to see why. Known under his moniker, Work by NormanArtz, his eye-catching art pieces are currently being exhibited in a variety of galleries locally.
Known for applying his signature vibrant artistry to diverse projects, Nurman continues to push the boundaries of his practice amid the challenges posed by Covid-19. He also ensures that each artwork has a unique spin to it to make it memorable. Notable for his partnership with LivingwithArt Singapore, his limited series of Squid Game paintings, and special-edition pieces for celebrities including actress Carla Dunareanu and DJ Jean Danker, it is only fitting that an exhibition abroad is his next venture.
In addition, his works have been featured in Berita Harian, a drama series in Suria, live radio telecast, and various social media platforms. Despite his successes, Nurman also believes in volunteering. He’s currently a mentor under Mendaki where he shares his art journey with art lovers, art enthusiasts and collectors.
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Hi Nurman, thanks for speaking to us. How was the whole of 2021 for you?
It has been difficult for most self-employed personnel like myself! At least more restrictions have eased off recently and I may pursue my exhibition abroad soon! There were different occasions where my art progression got affected due to the pandemic. My Munich art exhibition in 2020 got postponed till further notice just after I resigned from my previous job to put my focus fully on art. Aside from that, I missed my chance to participate in a yearly art exhibition in New York, France or London this year 2021. I postponed this opportunity to exhibit at a better time. Probably in the next couple of years. Nothing is always bad new – I managed to learn and adapt.
Some of the biggest challenges I have faced since the start of the pandemic is the dilemma and intense pressure of whether to keep myself thriving through this arts line despite getting pushed back. Or to ditch the idea of succeeding as an artist and focus on other common traditional paths to survive. There was a lot of peer pressure where I noticed most of my friends have settled down, alongside their dream jobs or doing well in their career paths. There are some positives that I acquired during the pandemic, such as getting myself into the papers.
Any silver linings despite the pandemic?
Yes, since the pandemic has caused many businesses or plans to be disrupted, I tend to progressively put in effort in my art to make sure it is not greatly affected. I tend to look for ideas like doing more collaborations with celebrities, participation with Mendaki, creating content such as the Squid Game painting series to keep upgrading myself, and also with the intention to get noticed and have my big break!
Despite the struggles and downsides, I still got appointed as a board member in the Variasi Performing Arts, a non-profit arts group that has been around for 20 years. This great appointment is also endorsed by Minister of State for Home Affairs Faishal Ibrahim himself. These global restrictions have given me the desperation to work harder.
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What are you hopeful for this year?
I am hoping to focus on my art passion and work towards better opportunities. I wish to share my art styles with more selected groups of art practitioners and art collectors. Eventually, it will support me to grow as an artist.
Not to forget, to do exhibitions abroad to get the experience I need to climb up!
Your plans for 2022?
I am looking to collaborate with more interior designers, hotel owners, organisations or parties that are known for collecting artworks. I hope that they can include my works in their projects. I am also working to explore more into contemporary abstract, ceiling works and mastering my skill in portraitures. These are definitely something new as opposed to what I have done in past years, and I realise that I need to start doing more.
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