As part of NBAS’ commitment to celebrating outstanding Norwegian and Singaporean creatives, we are delighted to feature Singaporean artist Jillian Cheong and share her inspiring work with our community.
Jillian’s artworks are characterised by their evocative use of colour and light. Exploring themes of hope, journey and identity, her work invites viewers to discover beauty in the everyday.
From Biology Teacher to Full-Time Artist
Drawing on her background in Life Sciences and her former career as an A-Level Biology teacher, Jillian brings a deep appreciation for nature into every piece she creates.
Jillian’s journey into full-time art was shaped by a desire to live more intentionally and spend more time with her family. After the birth of her third child, she stepped away from teaching to focus on motherhood while pursuing her creative passion.
A significant turning point came in 2022 when she developed Long Covid. The experience forced her to slow down and re-examine how she measured success, while prompting deep reflection on identity, purpose and self-worth.
Reflecting on this chapter of her life, Jillian shares:
“Through this journey, I learned to celebrate each moment and to value each individual for who they are, not what they do.”
Inspired by Nature and Faith
Nature is at the heart of Jillian’s artistic practice. From Singapore’s native wildlife to the quiet presence of alley cats in urban landscapes, she finds inspiration in often-overlooked moments.
Her personal experiences, poetry and faith also shape her work, resulting in paintings that encourage reflection, hope and a renewed appreciation for life’s simple beauty.
Creating Beauty Through Sustainability
Working primarily in acrylic, Jillian also incorporates fabric collage to add texture and depth to selected artworks. She limits her choice of fabric to leftover sewing scraps, finding joy in repurposing what was left behind to create something new.
Connecting Through Art
Through her paintings, Jillian hopes to create moments of connection, encouraging people to pause, reflect and rediscover beauty in the world around them.
Jillian currently exhibits with Sound of Art and LivingwithArt Singapore.
To explore more of her work or connect with Jillian, visit her channels:
- Website: Jillian Cheong Art Official Site
- Facebook: Jillian Cheong Art
- Instagram: Jillian Cheong Art