Mary Bernadette Lee: Exploring Phenomenology Through Art
Mary Bernadette Lee, known professionally as mrydette, is a Singaporean artist whose practice embodies a profound phenomenological exploration of the relationship between human experience and its environment—a quest to understand how our bodies perceive and interact with the world around us. Born in Singapore in 1985, Lee’s artistic journey began to unfold around 2014, fueled by an unwavering fascination for architecture and place as catalysts for psychological states like Self, Identity and Home. This isn't simply about representing what is seen; it’s a deliberate effort to distill the essence of lived experience into tangible forms—a process that utilizes 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. The curriculum fostered a holistic understanding of artmaking, prioritizing critical thinking alongside technical skills—a foundation that would prove invaluable to her subsequent artistic endeavors. Notably, NTU’s program emphasized the importance of engaging with philosophical concepts alongside mastering artistic techniques, mirroring Lee's commitment to intellectual rigor and creative experimentation.
A Phenomenological Lens: Kirchnerism & Matisse
At the core of Lee’s artistic vision lies phenomenology—a philosophical tradition championed by thinkers like Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Henri Matisse that asserts subjective experience as fundamental to knowledge. Influenced deeply by these artists, Lee strives not merely to depict visual appearances but to convey how it *feels* to perceive them. She delves into the subtleties of emotion and memory within her artworks, mirroring Matisse’s exploration of color and light as conduits for conveying mood and sensation—a stylistic approach that distinguishes her work from more purely representational styles. This perspective recognizes that art can illuminate hidden dimensions of consciousness and foster connections between individuals and their surroundings.
Notable Exhibitions & Collaborations: Capturing Urban Landscapes
Since 2014, Lee’s artistic creations have graced several prestigious venues across Singapore—most notably solo exhibitions at the Singapore Art Museum and The Substation—where her distinctive style captivated audiences with layered textures and evocative imagery. These exhibitions showcased her ability to translate complex psychological concepts into visually arresting compositions. Furthermore, collaborative projects with institutions like National Gallery Singapore and Apple Singapore demonstrated Lee’s dedication to engaging broader communities through immersive experiences—a testament to her belief in the transformative power of artmaking as a means of fostering dialogue and understanding. Her artwork "Wanderland" exemplifies this vision – an exploration of urban spaces infused with personal reflection and imbued with a palpable sense of nostalgia.
Medium & Technique: Linocut Prints & Sculptural Explorations
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—often rendered in muted palettes reminiscent of Kirchner's expressive style—to delicate clay sculptures embodying emotional resonance—a testament to Matisse’s masterful use of color—she utilizes materials thoughtfully chosen to convey specific sensations and narratives. This meticulous attention to detail underscores Lee’s belief that artistic expression requires both technical proficiency and a profound sensitivity to the human condition.
Current Focus & Future Aspirations: NAFA Lecturer & Artistic Legacy
Currently an adjunct lecturer at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), Lee continues to refine her artistic practice while mentoring aspiring artists—a role she embraces with passion and dedication. 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 desire to inspire future generations of creatives. Mary Bernadette Lee’s legacy rests on her unwavering commitment to capturing the essence of human experience through art – an endeavor that promises to yield further captivating insights into the complexities of consciousness and perception.
