Mary Bernadette Lee: Exploring Phenomenology Through Art
Mary Bernadette Lee, known professionally as mrydette, is a Singaporean artist whose practice centers on a profound phenomenological exploration of the relationship between human experience and its environment. Born in 1985, Lee’s artistic journey began in earnest around 2014, driven by an unwavering fascination with how our bodies interact with architecture and place—concepts she considers crucial to understanding psychological states like Self, Identity and Home. This approach isn't merely observational; it actively seeks to capture the essence of lived experience, translating intangible sensations into tangible forms through mediums ranging from painting and illustration to linocut prints and sculptural explorations.
- Early Influences & Education: Lee’s artistic sensibilities were nurtured during her undergraduate studies at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication with Honors. Her curriculum emphasized critical thinking alongside technical skills, fostering a holistic understanding of artmaking and its role within broader cultural contexts.
- A Phenomenological Lens: At the core of Lee’s artistic vision lies phenomenology—a philosophical tradition that prioritizes subjective experience as fundamental to knowledge. Influenced by thinkers like Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Henri Matisse, she strives to depict not just what is seen but how it feels to perceive it, delving into the nuances of emotion and memory within her artworks.
- Notable Exhibitions & Collaborations: Since 2014, Lee’s work has graced several prestigious venues across Singapore. Solo exhibitions at the Singapore Art Museum and The Substation showcased her distinctive style—characterized by layered textures and evocative imagery—while collaborative projects with institutions like National Gallery Singapore and Apple Singapore demonstrated her commitment to engaging audiences through immersive experiences.
- Medium & Technique: Lee’s artistic repertoire encompasses a diverse array of mediums, reflecting her desire to investigate the interplay between traditional and contemporary techniques. From meticulously crafted linocut prints capturing urban landscapes to delicate clay sculptures embodying emotional resonance, she utilizes materials thoughtfully chosen to convey specific sensations and narratives.
- Current Focus & Future Aspirations: Currently an adjunct lecturer at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), Lee continues to refine her artistic practice while mentoring aspiring artists. Her ongoing explorations delve into themes of memory, displacement, and the transformative power of place—continuing a trajectory rooted in phenomenological inquiry and driven by a passion for communicating profound human emotions through art.
Her work has been featured prominently on platforms like The Artling where her profile highlights her dedication to capturing the essence of experience. Specifically, “Wanderland” exemplifies her artistic vision—a captivating exploration of urban spaces infused with personal reflection and imbued with a palpable sense of nostalgia. This piece underscores Lee’s belief that art possesses the capacity to illuminate hidden dimensions of consciousness and foster connections between individuals and their surroundings.
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