Comic artist Rachel Pang does not shy away from tough topics while creating art. The 25-year-old makes comic strips about current affairs as well as various social issues such as racism and sexual assault.
“I read up on topics to have enough information, but when I create comics, I always anchor them in my own perspective and emotions because that’s how we experience the world,” says Pang, whose Instagram page has amassed about 13,000 followers since it was started in August 2018.
Pang is among a growing number of young, self-taught artists who are using their craft to coax discussion about social issues and raise funds to help those in need.
Undergraduate Zannatun Noor, 22, who posts her illustrations and creations such as earrings and postcards on her Instagram account has used the platform to speak out against racism.
She has also collated quotes that reflect her and her friends’ struggles as members of a minority race. Her 4 June post with those quotes garnered more than 29,000 likes.
Besides advocacy, some artists have been using their skills to raise funds for those in need.
Twenty-year-old Dorcas Tang champions the conservation of natural areas and biodiversity.
She has used art on her Instagram account to raise funds for wildlife and rescue efforts in the wake of the Australia bushfire crisis earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Kiera See donates up to 20% of her earnings from art sales. Her Instagram account is peppered with photos of artworks inspired by Japanese elements and characters from Japanese animation house Studio Ghibli. The funds go to the Singapore Red Cross and COVID-19 relief efforts such as The Courage Fund.
She also raised $1,700 in June for organisations related to the Black Lives Matter movement, by creating artworks for clients who each donated at least $35 to charities of their choice.
A group of four artists raised about $390 in May for migrant workers here. The funds were donated to Project Providence, which supports the needs of foreigners such as migrant workers living outside dormitories, and the COVID-19 Migrant Support Coalition.
Founded by graphic designer Jean Kuah, the group raised funds by selling stickers and art products depicting characters carrying out tasks done by migrant workers.
Read more here.
Source: The Straits Times, 18 August 2020