Artist Bio
Madhvee Deb is a Singapore-based Indian multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans photography, video, and mixed media. Her work explores identity, memory, and adaptation: the tension between the personal and the universal, the seen and the unseen.
Raised in India, her early worldview was shaped by tradition and social dynamics. From 1998 to 2020, 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, her practice continues to evolve, drawing from these experiences.
Her work is informed by a foundation in Sanskrit and ancient Indian philosophy, along with Stoic principles and their frameworks of perception and existence. She interprets these through a secular, introspective lens, which provides her work with its conceptual rigour.
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.
Artist Statement
I work with photography, video, and mixed media to explore themes of identity, memory, impermanence, and social narratives. Inspiration stems from personal experiences as well as literature, social interactions, and the broader cultural landscape.
These life experiences shaped my work and instilled a deep sense of sonder: an awareness of the hidden worlds within others that drives my exploration of personal and universal symbols. Metaphor and layer remain constant. Like a bridge between artist and viewer, it invites interpretations, encourages personal connection and reflection.
Photography in particular has allowed me to develop an artistic sensibility I hadn't previously found. Over time, my practice has evolved beyond purely image-based works, integrating diverse materials and techniques. I let the subject matter dictate the form, ensuring that each project finds its most authentic yet coherent voice.
My creative process is fluid and intuitive. Once an idea forms, I explore it through both historical and contemporary lenses to express it in my own visual language. Layering is central to my process, whether through ideas, materials, or physical elements. It adds depth and complexity to the work. Each piece evolves through trial, error, and critical reflection.
Rooted in the Bhagavad Gita and Stoic philosophy, I centre my practice on the act of creation itself; finding meaning in the process rather than the outcome. My work challenges norms and encourages curiosity. I want to spark interest, create emotional connections, make people pause, engage, and think. For me, art is more than just visuals; it's a way to start conversations, connecting personal stories with larger themes to help us see the world differently.
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
2008 – present Photography Workshops — Ongoing Professional Development
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE & MENTORSHIP
2024–2025: Professional Mentor & Portfolio Reviewer, Independent Practice. Provided structured guidance and technical reviews for emerging photographers and artist.
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.
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
2025 Digital Waste: The Sweet Smell of Burning (solo), Ahmedabad, India
2025 As Tranquil as Can Be (group), Serendipity Arts Festival, India — Curated by Vidya Shivadas
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