Visual artist Soph O uses art to tackle social issues

“In school, they never taught us how to sell our ideas. We never talked about money. But I had to make a living.”

Photograph: Ahmad Iskandar Photography

By Dewi Nurjuwita | Posted: Monday March 9 2020

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With an ability to make anyone feel at ease, Soph's personality is just as colourful as her works - which you might have seen adorning the alleyways of Kampong Glam or music festivals like Neon Lights. Beyond being aesthetically pleasing, Soph's bold pieces tackle social issues head-on - one mural at a time. 

I went to art school in New Zealand and I was completely lost when I came back to Singapore. In school, they never taught us how to sell our ideas. We never talked about money. But I had to make a living. So I started painting and doing 2-D art because I thought it was an easier way to bridge the gap between people and my work. Prior to that, I was mainly doing installations and 3-D sculptures. 

Photograph: Ahmad Iskandar Photography

I chose to be an artist because I enjoy that solitude and process of making art. But when I paint murals, or when I create like bigger works, I enjoy the company. It can get lonely sometimes.