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Entitled Brilliant Legacy, Singapore artist Jays Phua celebrates the beauty of diamonds through his solo exhibition at Gallery 1819
Diamonds are formed under pressure; these carbon atoms bond together through intense conditions beneath the Earth's surface to become beautiful gems that are both highly desirable and durable.
Singapore artist Jays Phua found an unusual affinity with the precious stone. Much like a diamond in the rough, his childhood years were affected by his severe attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis. Upon entering the workforce, Phua found early success in property investments, but his professional achievements had an impact on his lifestyle, which led to his mental and emotional health spiralling out of control.
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After an extensive process of soul-searching, the self-taught local artist found a new sense of purpose in art at the age of 38. His creative pursuits became a means of expressing his emotions and served as a healing and calming medium where he could discover his true calling for art; Phua eventually left his successful career in real estate to pursue his passion for painting. “Art gave me healing, unbridled joy, and a sense of awakening,” he says.
Working almost exclusively in acrylic, Phua's paintings are currently being proudly displayed in the homes of art aficionados locally and abroad; these include collectors from Hong Kong, Malaysia, China, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Germany, and the US.
