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NELL-LYNN PERERA


SAPPHIRE
ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2023

Nell-Lynn Perera was named the EMERALD ARTIST OF APRIL, the RUBY ARTIST OF AUGUST, the CRYSTAL ARTIST OF OCTOBER and the RUBY ARTIST OF DECEMBER 2023.  These achievements granted her entry into the 3rd Annual ARTISTS OF THE YEAR EVENT where she was then named the
SAPPHIRE ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2023.

She was also named the CRYSTAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2022 in the previous year’s event,
making her the first and only artist thus far to win an ARTIST OF THE YEAR title twice.

You are invited to revisit this prolific, multifaceted and unstoppable artist.   Learn about her inspiration and process in her own words and see her original and enigmatic images produced for a new project which led to the intrepid exploration and inclusion of photography as a second medium in her art practice.

Discover the latest from this outstanding and gifted artist in the following feature and interview which was created in recognition and celebration of her SAPPHIRE ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2023 title.







“My love for flowers and plants began at a young age.  Because money was tight when I was growing up, my sister and I would steal branches sprouting beautiful leaves from our neighbour’s home. Today, being able to afford flowers and leaves sold at florists, my home is more often than not, decorated with them. Besides painting, photography is another passion of mine.  It helped me learn that the simplest of flowers have beauty in them too.  I intend to continue experimenting with this medium as that’s my nature; to continue learning.”
-- NELL-LYNN PERERA




BIOGRAPHY


Nell-Lynn Perera is a self-taught abstract artist and poet. Her artistic process originates from having sound-to-colour Synesthesia (Chromesthesia). Most of her adult working life was in film production where she worked as an art director, production designer and stylist.  Nell-Lynn started painting as she was compelled to do her part when the tsunami hit Japan in 2011.  She calls this an epiphanic moment.

Nell-Lynn has participated in group shows in London (2019), Lisbon (2015) and New York City (2 shows both in 2015 and a 3rd show in 2017) and has won multiple awards and recognitions in international art competitions. Nell-Lynn currently resides in her hometown, Kuala Lumpur, where she’s at work on her second solo show and publishing her second book of prose.





"Untitled #2"
Photography


GR — You are the first and only artist to win an Artist Of The Year title twice - Crystal Artist of 2022 and Sapphire Artist of 2023.  These titles acknowledge and applaud your contribution of outstanding work across two media — painting and photography.  What are your thoughts on this achievement?

NLP — Thank you for this recognition.  I didn't know that I am the first artist.  These titles mean a lot to me especially since the competitions were both, stiff.  I am very pleased in particular with the photography recognition since it was an experiment that I undertook and it was the first time sharing my work.


GR — You showcased your paintings here at Gallery Ring long before your photographs.  Is it safe to assume that photography as an artistic outlet came later for you?  What prompted you to pick up a camera and explore this medium?

NLP — I have always enjoyed photography but never took it seriously enough as an artistic outlet.  I decided to submit my photographs in competitions in recent times as I wanted to see how they'd be judged as the photographs are for my second book which will be published in 2025.


GR — It appears that your transition to photography was smooth and effortless.  Your photographs are equal to your paintings in both technical and artistic quality and flow as a natural continuation in your body of work.  Was this process as seamless and easy as it looks or did you encounter hurdles or obstacles?

NLP — Thank you.  The process was not easy and I faced a few challenges due to the nature of the objects used.


GR — As someone with chromesthesia, music plays a direct and important role in your paintings.  How does your creative process unfold without the music when working on your photographs?  Does the artistic journey you experience when you take photographs differ from when you paint?  Can you compare them?

NLP — I don't know how my creative process would unfold without music as I had still listened to music while I was taking photographs.  I think they both can be compared but since I didn't use much photoshop or any other photography software to manipulate the photographs, it's a much shorter artistic journey for me than when I paint.  It takes me less than an hour for photography while painting takes days.

"Untitled #3"
Photography

"Untitled"
Photography


GR — Flowers seem to serve as a starting point and not an end in your images. You manipulate them as needed to construct and support a greater purpose in your blissful compositions.  What inspires you to push past the standard shot of a flower in a vase or garden?

NLP — Because I dislike predictability, I wanted to explore a different way of photographing flowers that is rarely seen.  I tend to stay away from producing things that are common out of my own boredom of seeing them so often.


GR — Many of your images depict floral subjects caught and contained in an icy grip.  Did your strict upbringing influence this reference to being trapped or is the meaning about trying to preserve something beautiful forever?  Could you explain your intention and what prompted this artistic concept?

NLP — Neither. The floral subjects was for a project I undertook for my second book.  I wanted to photograph something fragile but I wanted them to also convey something else accordingly.  Hence, the ice.  It was a successful project as I got all the photographs I needed for my book within a week's work.


GR — How would you describe your relationship and interaction with the flowers in your photographs?  What makes you select one bloom over another?  Do you consider the chosen flowers as volunteers for that specific project?

NLP — The flowers were all very complying subjects which I was thankful for. Shapes, colours and transparency were the deciding factors of the selected flowers.  Yes, they were helpful volunteers for my book project.

"Untitled #4"
Photography


GR — You say that when you paint, you do not care what others think of the outcome and that this attitude is an act of defiance.  Does this same mentality apply to your photography work as well and how does it express itself here?  Your floral images are far from standard — is this an act of rebellion?

NLP — In this particular case, I did care — I cared about the outcome so I pretended to be a book critic and a reader.  I wanted a book that had so much thought put into everything.  I wanted to include photographs in my book but I not only wanted beautiful, rare photographs of flowers — I wanted them to serve a purpose.  The purpose was to help me in their own way to convey the meaning of the prose they were each selected for.

I have a dislike of approaching new things in ways that they always have been done and seen.  I find that boring and I’d rather not attempt it at all as others are already doing it.  Having said that, there is only so much one can do which is different, so the next best thing is to do it as best as one can so the outcome is outstanding.  Perhaps, that is an act of rebellion as that separates one from the rest.  I like not subjecting myself to the flock mentality.


GR — Could you describe the process you follow when creating your photographs?  What kind of camera and technical equipment do you use?  Do you have training as a photographer or are you self-taught as with your paintings?

NLP — The process has so far been simple — I prepare the subjects and when they are ready, I shoot them.  I used my phone's camera and the only equipment was a six inch, small, light box.  I'm self-taught once again.

"Untitled #5"
Photography

"Untitled #6"
Photography

"Ice"
Photography


GR — It has been wonderful to visit with you again and to witness the continual expansion and development of your art practice.  Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your riveting photographs and congratulations on winning SAPPHIRE ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2023.

NLP — Thank you for this recognition Gallery Ring.  It's a nice feeling to first, intimately, produce the work and then only share it with the rest of the world, and be recognised.
"Untitled #7"
Photography

galleryring@gmail.com
2017
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