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. The emphasis on conceptual rigor combined with meticulous craftsmanship laid the groundwork for Lee’s distinctive artistic style—one characterized by layered textures and evocative imagery that speaks to the complexities of human perception.
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 deeply by thinkers like Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Henri Matisse, she strives not just to depict what is seen but how it feels to perceive it, delving into the nuances of emotion and memory within her artworks. This commitment to capturing the “lived world,” as Heidegger termed it, informs every aspect of her creative process—from initial conceptualization to final execution—resulting in pieces that resonate with profound psychological depth. Her artistic explorations are guided by a desire to illuminate the unspoken connections between individuals and their surroundings, mirroring the core tenets of phenomenological thought.
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. These collaborations underscore Lee's belief in the power of art to foster dialogue and inspire contemplation within broader cultural contexts, solidifying her reputation as a respected voice within the contemporary art scene.
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 with sharp detail to delicate clay sculptures embodying emotional resonance—often imbued with subtle gestures—she utilizes materials thoughtfully chosen to convey specific sensations and narratives. Her process involves extensive research into architectural spaces and their impact on human psychology, combined with experimentation with pigments and textures to achieve optimal visual expression. This dedication to mastering her craft ensures that each artwork communicates a powerful message about the human condition.
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. She envisions expanding her creative endeavors into new mediums and collaborations, furthering her commitment to fostering dialogue and inspiring contemplation within broader cultural contexts. Lee’s unwavering dedication to artistic excellence promises to yield further groundbreaking contributions to the field of contemporary art.
