Rather than being limited by their chronic illnesses, 18 young individuals have tapped into their experiences and showcased their artistic side at the National Gallery Singapore in an exhibition, Project Dreamcatchers 2024: ‘Fall, Cry, Grow, Smile…We Soar’.
Project Dreamcatchers is an arts in health initiative by the Department of Paediatrics, Khoo Teck Puat – National University Children’s Medical Institute (KTP-NUCMI), National University Hospital (NUH). The project hopes to convey the message that childhood chronic illnesses are not disabling.
Project Dreamcatchers 2024: ‘Fall, Cry, Grow, Smile…We Soar’: Growing as Individuals
Project Dreamcatchers 2024 is anchored upon the theme of growth. It explores the transformative journey that individuals with chronic illnesses embark on.
Beyond physical development, growth also encompasses emotional, psychological and spiritual evolution – a fitting narrative for the Dreamcatchers, many of whom have been participating in the transformative art project for years.
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Amongst the childhood chronic illnesses that the young artists, affectionately termed Dreamcatchers, face include diabetes, a congenital eye condition leading to blindness, spinal conditions, genetic nervous system disorder, kidney transplants and more.
As part of Project Dreamcatchers 2024, they worked with artist-mentors to respond to artworks found at National Gallery Singapore by creating art pieces.
The four artist-mentors who guided the Dreamcatchers were Salim Basalamah, Linnea Ong, Moses Sia and Dr Junie Tang, led by Principal Art Therapist Ms Loo Hwee Hwee.
“We are committed to journeying with our patients every step of the way,” Ms Loo said. “The collaborative efforts of our clinicians, art therapists, medical social workers, and child life therapist ensure a holistic approach to care, and it has been our collective privilege to support these wonderful young individuals.”
Art by the Dreamcatchers: Lives, Hopes and Dream
The artworks on display at Dreamcatchers provide an intimate glimpse into the lives, hopes and aspirations of the young artists. Here are some of the art pieces by the Dreamcatchers on display at National Gallery Singapore.
Phases of Life is by Janice Hor, a kidney transplant patient. She worked with watercolour on paper and with artificial flowers to create a piece that reflects the theme of growth and hope. She was inspired by Tan Choo Kuan’s Deep Forest (1962).
Shhh, don’t tell them what’s inside! by Tham Jia Yan is a a sculpture made using a rattan frame around a gashapon machine. Tham, who has diabetes, was inspired by Salaiman Esa’s The Mystical Reality Reinvented – Hua.
Nur Razila Razali worked with canvas, clay, magnets and plaster to create Don’t worry, my darling. It was inspired by Mella Jaarsma’s I am Ethnic I.
Sofhie Arinie, who has scoliosis, created Change, New Beginnings and the Light using digital drawing, silkscreen printing and ink pen to portray a message of hope. She took inspiration from Sulaiman Esa’s Waiting for Godot IV.
You can also watch a video of a performance by Sherri Lim who has a visual impairment. Titled Running Before The Dark, it is a contemporary dance performance that was staged at the opening launch of the exhibition.
Sherri said, “I hope I can motivate people with disability to chase their dreams.”
This element of resilience is a common thread woven through Project Dreamcatchers 2024.
Pursuing Dreams Beyond Physical Limitations
Dr Mary Varughese, Consultant in the Division of General Ambulatory Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, KTP-NUCMI, NUH, who advises the group said: “Our Dreamcatchers have lived with serious chronic conditions for most of their lives, but they have continually demonstrated what it means to soar above physical limitations, to achieve their dreams and aspirations. Like artists painting on the canvas of life, they inspire us with their resilience and imagination.”
Mr Pang Poi Wong, a pioneer Dreamcatcher and now a youth leader of the group, said, “Dreamcatchers is a place where people showcase the best of themselves – understanding, kind and compassionate,” he shared. “I feel that such a culture is rare, as it reflects the best of humanity. The people here are young, full of great ideas that they want to try, and have a zest for life.”
Project Dreamcatchers 2024: ‘Fall, Cry, Grow, Smile…We Soar’ is now on till 21 July 2024. Visitors can visit Project Dreamcatchers at the City Hall Wing, Level 1, Opposite Keppel Centre for Art Education. Admission is free for all.
