Written by: Qurratul Ain Sanjida

28 June 2023

We rang the doorbell. A wonderful smiling face opened up the door, it was Siti, Yusoff’s biggest fan and also his partner.

When we entered, we were in awe! A beautiful little girl peaked from Yusoff’s painting of his 3-year-old niece’s photo, who is now 40 years old. In his eyes, in his strokes, it was evident that Art to him was passion, and mindfulness while it also was his vocation.

Our Artist Yusoff:

In the realm of art, there are stories, waiting to be discovered, stories that touch our hearts and ignite our imaginations. One such story is that of Yusoff, an emerging artist who has embarked on a remarkable journey of self-discovery and creative expression. From his humble beginnings to his current participation in the #MeetArts Art in Action exhibition, Yusoff's vibrant paintings have the power to captivate and inspire.

Yusoff is a fine art artist who was trained during his time as an inmate, at Visual Arts Hub of Singapore Prison Service. As an artist specialising in oil painting, Yusoff has since taken part in four editions of the Yellow Ribbon art exhibition as an inmate which enabled him to hone his skills under the guidance of Singapore Art Museum curators. Moving ahead, Yusoff aspires to be a full-time artist and create works that will go towards meaningful causes for the community. This year, he is delighted to have been involved in art projects during his stay in High Point, as well as the current community service project. Besides taking part in multiple exhibitions, another one of Yusoff’s mentionable artwork is a Wall Mural Commissioned work at High Point, 2023 (Mural was dedicated to Ms Denise Phua). You can also see Yusoff’s drawing of Koi Fish on the pathway near Kembagan MRT (Commissioned by LTA). We feel proud to have this emerging artist presenting his works to us in this wonderful congregation of aesthetics.

A Blossoming Passion:

Yusoff's artistic journey began during his formative years, as he developed a fascination for painting. Influenced by his older brother, who was also an artist, Yusoff's interest in art grew steadily. While his brother preferred black and white portraits, Yusoff was drawn to colors, believing that they could illuminate the world and breathe life into his creations. Despite initial resistance from his parents, who believed that art couldn't sustain a livelihood, Yusoff's unwavering love for the craft fueled his determination to pursue it.

Overcoming Challenges:

Yusoff's path to becoming a full-time artist was not without obstacles. Before finding his passion, he worked as a spray painter, honing his skills in design. The recognition of his talent by his boss led to a recommendation that Yusoff establish his own art business. However, his plan to focus on art was derailed by his harmful company and drug abuse which resulted in his incarceration. During his time in the prison, he was repeatedly recognised for his talent participating in multiple projects arranged by Yellow Ribbon. He understood how to convert all of his darkness of the past into beautiful colours through a blank canvas. He reimagined his life through art, it was his second chance to make everything better, and he has done it. He found his passion, he embraced it, and after prison his life is so much better, so colourful.

Discovering Artistic Identity:

As an artist, finding one's unique style is crucial for self-expression and artistic growth. Yusoff acknowledges the importance of having a mentor while also striving to develop his own trademark. He draws inspiration from influential artists like Vincent Van Gogh, who embodied the essence of artistry and the pursuit of meaningful expression. With each brushstroke, Yusoff seeks to communicate messages that resonate with society, challenging viewers to contemplate the deeper meaning behind his works.

The Impact of Art:

Art, in its various forms, holds significant importance within society. Yusoff recognizes the role that art plays in stimulating thought and provoking emotions. Through his creations, he aspires to engage viewers and ignite conversations about the nature and purpose of art itself. He acknowledges that not everyone will connect with his art, but when his work is appreciated and understood, it brings him immense satisfaction.

The Art in Action Carnival:

Yusoff's participation in the Art in Action Carnival is an exciting milestone in his artistic journey. This large-scale event provides a platform for him to showcase his work alongside other talented artists. His 2 artworks were showcased: "Mother's Love" and "Gardens by the Bay."

"Mother's Love" is a heartfelt depiction of a bird feeding its baby, surrounded by a circle of orchids. The painting symbolizes the universal bond between a mother and her child, transcending species and cultures. The circular spotlight is Yusoff’s memory of his bond with his mother, him being the baby bird. The variety of orchids represents the diverse forms of love that exist in the world, yet all share the same depth and tenderness found in a mother's love. The aggressive brushstrokes used to give texture to the centerpiece are an imitation of Yusoff’s favorite artist, Vincent Van Gogh, in order to show Yusoff’s expertise by bringing out the most affectionate side of human nature through an aggressive painting approach.

In "Gardens by the Bay," Yusoff captures the vibrancy and beauty of Singapore's iconic SuperTrees. The painting bursts with color, reflecting the captivating light shows that transform the garden into a living work of art. With this piece, Yusoff aims to evoke the feeling of wonder and appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds us while also expressing love for his dear motherland.

Remember Yusoff:

Yusoff's artistic journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of passion and resilience. His paintings, filled with vibrant colors and textures, come alive with hidden meanings and messages that touch the hearts of viewers. One interesting thing to make you smile today. Yusoff has recently met his soulmate, Siti. They are getting married soon and they now have a little family together with an amazing son. We are elated to see how much love from your loved ones and finding your passion can change you for the best version of yourself; Yusoff is the best testament. We are glad to be a part of his happy journey. Through his participation in the Art in Action Carnival, Yusoff invites us to embark on an adventure to explore every artwork as captivating stories, their colors as powerful expressions, and textures as intricate emotions.

Visit us at www.meetarts.org or contact [email protected] to purchase Yusoff’s artworks.