Artist Bio
Madhvee Deb is a Singapore-based Indian multidisciplinary artist. Working across photography, video, and mixed media, she is drawn to what is held onto, what is let go of, and what disappears without ever being fully seen.
Raised in India, her early worldview was shaped by tradition and social dynamics. From 1998, that perspective broadened as she navigated life on multiple continents and encountered diverse cultures; each showing rawness and resilience of individuality and belonging. Settled in Singapore since 2009, she continues to evolve her practice, drawing on these experiences.
Her work is informed by a foundation in Sanskrit and ancient Indian philosophy, as well as Stoic principles and frameworks of perception and existence. She interprets these through a secular, introspective lens..
Her entry into fine arts came through photography, a medium she encountered later in life that is now central to her practice. She formalised her training at Lasalle College of the Arts, Singapore, and holds an MAFA from Goldsmiths, University of London.
Deb is a recipient of the George Town Festival Grant. She has held solo exhibitions at the George Town Festival (Malaysia), in Sweden, and in India, with her work further represented in group shows across France, the USA, Singapore, and Malaysia. Most recently, she exhibited at the Serendipity Arts Festival (2025). Her perspective has led to speaking invitations from platforms such as the Alliance Française de Singapour and the Milan Image Art & Design Fair.
A body of her work is represented by Gallery 079 Stories, India, with further works held in private collections across Malaysia, the UK, the USA, and Sweden.
Artist Statement
I work with photography, video, and mixed media to explore what is held onto, what is let go of, and what disappears without ever being fully seen. What draws me to a subject is usually something that resists easy visibility. Inspiration stems from personal experiences, literature, social interactions, and the broader cultural landscape.
Sonder is a word I return to often: the awareness that every person passing carries a world as complex and unresolved as one's own. It is what keeps me curious about other lives and honest about the limits of my understanding of them. My work does not claim to speak for anyone; it invites interpretations and reflection while encouraging personal connection.
I came to fine art later in life, through photography. That timing matters. I arrived with a set of experiences and questions already formed, and photography gave me a language for them rather than the other way around. Over time, the practice expanded to include other materials and processes, not out of restlessness but because certain subjects demanded it. I let the subject matter find its own form, ensuring that each project finds its most authentic yet coherent voice.
Once an idea forms, I explore it through both historical and contemporary lenses. Layering is central to my process, whether through ideas, materials, or physical elements: it is how the work holds contradiction without resolving it.. Each piece evolves through trial, error, and critical reflection.
My work is informed by ancient Indian philosophy and Stoic principles, and by what both traditions offer regarding perception and existence. I approach both through a secular and introspective lens. What interests me is the discipline of looking closely, sitting with difficulty, and resisting the urge to resolve what should remain open.
I want the work to create space for the viewer to pause, to feel something shift slightly, and to leave with a question they did not arrive with. That, for me, is what art can do that other forms of address cannot.
Curriculum Vitae
EDUCATION
2014 Master of Fine Arts — Goldsmiths, University of London via LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore
1997 B.A. (Hons) — St. Xavier's College, Ahmedabad, India
2025 - 2026 Professional Development, Professional Artist Association. One-to-one mentoring programme focused on professional practice.
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE & MENTORSHIP
2026 - Present Volunteer Workshop Facilitator, National Library Board Singapore. Delivering beginner cyanotype workshops across multiple library branches.
2024 - 2025 Professional Mentor & Portfolio Reviewer, Independent Practice. Provided structured guidance and technical reviews for emerging photographers and arts professionals.
2025: Lead Mentor, Studio 3FOLD, India. Led portfolio review sessions and mentored students on conceptual development.
2019–2021: Co-founder, Crossing Borders: A Global Exhibition Collective. Orchestrated international collaborations exploring migration
2018: Co-founder, Penang Monthly Art Meet Up. Established a community framework for artistic exchange and collaboration.
GALLERY REPRESENTATION
2025 - Present Imperfect Perfection series represented by Gallery 079 Stories, India
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
2025 As Tranquil as Can Be (group), Serendipity Arts Festival, India — Curated by Vidya Shivadas
2025 Digital Waste: The Sweet Smell of Burning (solo), Ahmedabad, India
2025 60/60: Singapore in Focus (group), Instinc, Singapore
2024 A Testament to Loss (group), Too Tired Project (online) — Curated by Maria Barham-Black
2023 Of Spaces in Between (group), Hin Bus Depot / ZHAN Art Space, Georgetown & Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — Dual-site augmented reality
2021 Crossing Borders: A Global Exhibition Exploring Themes of Migration (group), Galleri Soho, Konstrundan City Vernissage, Vasteras, Sweden
2019 Digital Waste: The Sweet Smell of Burning (solo), Galleri Soho, Vasteras, Sweden
2019 Affordable Art Fair Singapore (group), Gallery Studio-ID, Singapore — Featured Spotlight Artist
2019 The 8" by 6" Project (group), Malaysia — Travelling exhibition
2019 Konstrundan City Vernissage (group), Galleri Soho, Vasteras, Sweden
2019 You Are All Invited (group), China House Penang, Malaysia
2018 Digital Waste: The Sweet Smell of Burning (solo), OME at Artspace — Georgetown Festival, Penang, Malaysia
2016 Plus Est En Vous (group), ION Orchard, Singapore
2015 Metamorphosis: Singapour En France (group), FRAC Des Pays De La Loire, Nantes, France — Curated by Laurence Gateau
2014 Consciousness (group), Art Stage Singapore, Singapore
2014 Landings / Ready As I'll Ever Be (group), Institute of Contemporary Arts Singapore, Singapore — Curated by Adeline Kueh & Ian Woo
2014 Wait for me, on the other side (group), Eminent Plaza, Singapore — Curated by Khai Hori, David Chew & Naomi Wang
2014 Huis Clos (group), LASALLE Winstead, Singapore — Curated by Françoise Huguier
2013 Superfiction: Open Studio (group), LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore
RESIDENCIES, GRANTS & AWARDS
2025 Artist Residency — Art Ichol, India
2021 Artist Residency — NPE Singapore (cancelled due to COVID-19)
2018 George Town Festival Grant — New Work Development & Exhibition
2014 Nominated — Prudential Young Artists Award
SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY & TALKS
2019 Feature: "Digital Waste: The Sweet Smell of Burning" — Penang Monthly
2018 "Turning Digital Waste into Art" — The Star Online, Jeremy Tan
2018 "Digital Waste: An Exploration of Human Dependence" — Malay Mail, Opalyn Mok
2014 Straits Times Singapore — Feature, Ready As I'll Ever Be
2014 Artist Talk — MIA&D International Photography and Design Art Fair, Singapore
2013 Photozoom Magazine — Featured Photographer, Asia
2013 Panelist: "Portraits between Reality and Fiction" — with François Huguier, Gilles Massot, Charles Lim, Edwin Koo
SELECTED COLLECTIONS
Works held in private collections, Malaysia, UK, USA and Sweden.