Mixed media, 2026
Sheila Chow Hui Niang
Bendemeer Primary School
Sheila explores the sculptural potential of paper pulp through a lens of spontaneous experimentation. Rejecting the traditional rectangular mold, the artist’s early inquiries resulted in organic, “bean-like” forms that challenged the conventional flatness of the medium. What began as an abstract study evolved into a linguistic system following a submission to the AEDGE open call. This sparked a series where the alphabet serves as a blueprint for material inquiry. Each letter is constructed from materials sharing its initial—such as confetti for ‘C’ or yarn for ‘Y’—creating a sensory link between the symbol and its physical substance. The artist’s process is further shaped by action cards designed by STAR, which provide a framework for manipulating the pulp in unexpected ways. Ultimately, the work is a collaboration with the medium; the artist listens to the inherent properties and colours of the materials, allowing each “bean” to dictate its own identity. Through this playful intersection of language and matter, the alphabet is transformed from a flat character into a tactile, living form.
What surprised you when you allowed yourself to start with play?
When I started with play, I discovered that I am not adept in playing. I sometimes require prompts to help me kickstart the process.
What is one play hack you would like to share to help fellow teacher-artists experiment and create without expectations?
One play hack I would like to share is to try using the action cards designed by STAR.
Click here to view the artists’ process!
Read more about ►EDGE 2026 and the existing artworks.
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