Khairullah Rahim

Born 1987 in Singapore

Khairullah Rahim is a multimedia artist working across painting, assemblage, video and photography. His practice is concerned with the stories and experiences of marginalised communities whose identities do not subscribe within societal normativity. Incorporating everyday and found objects from spaces in which these specific communities inhabit, his works allude to the veiled and lived experiences of his varied subjects.

"Some days I wake up not having any idea what day it is. As an artist in Singapore, navigating myself through this pandemic situation has been a daunting experience. Almost everything is in a state of limbo. While the lockdown, or what we call it here as the Circuit Breaker, has been eased, it will be done in several phases. Essential services are now allowed to resume and reopen with safe distancing measures implemented. Not the arts.

Strangely in spite of everything, I have observed and noticed myself thinking and responding to this current situation in quite an optimistic manner I must say. Ideas of collaboration that has been planted since years ago are finally being discussed and moving forward, albeit only possible by working from home. People from various disciplines are coming together, garnering strength in numbers rather than acting alone as modes of working and creating are also being challenged and shifting.

But deep inside, I know I am tremendously worried and anxious."

Khairullah Rahim
Singapore. June 9, 2020