Melanie Gooi

Melanie Gooi is a Singapore-based artist who began her creative journey later in life, honouring a decades-long forgotten interest in becoming an artist. Since starting her artistic practice, it has unexpectedly evolved into a healing journey of self-discovery, bringing a new sense of aliveness. During art-making sessions, she often feels transported into another world, which brings about an uplifting, calm energy.

Primarily self-taught and continuously experimenting, Melanie has participated in both group and solo exhibitions. She recently held solo showcases at Peace Centre and Sainou Space in Singapore. In addition, she is a trained somatic movement facilitator and currently conducts movement and embodied dance classes, women's sharing circles, and vision board workshops.

Artist Statement

I believe the curative power of art arises from its ability to bring awareness to one’s inner world and shed light on hidden emotions. To instill a sense of tranquil contemplation in my art practice and work, I constantly experiment with ways to bring these qualities into tangible forms. Visually, my inspirations come in shapes, marks, and colors, which I use to convey human emotion abstractly. Lately, my practice has shifted to incorporate embodied movements into my marks. Since discovering embodied dance, a free-form dance expression, intuitive movements have begun influencing how I move across space and use materials to create my art.

I also experiment with creating movement through kinetic mobiles, which allow the gentle interplay of light and motion to generate an atmosphere of calm and rest.

Besides engaging in visual art, I facilitate somatic movements. Conducting movement and embodied dance classes has allowed me to empower others to reconnect with themselves, release tension, and cultivate deeper awareness.

Contact

www.melaniegooi.com
melaniegooiart@gmail.com
@melaniegooi.art

Interview

What inspires your art practice and keeps you motivated?
Currently, I'm inspired by embodied movement and mark-making, where I connect physical motion with the process of creating. This grounding practice brings both healing and calm, making my art something I feel deeply drawn to for my own well-being. It seems to be something I need to do for myself.

How does your mission as an artist influence the work you create?
My own healing practice shapes my work, as I aim to convey a sense of inner freedom and peace. Through my art, I hope to inspire others to embark on their own journeys of healing, and hopefully, they can experience the profound inner freedom that healing brings.

Can you share a key part of your creative process that helps you stay focused?
Dancing and moving to music is often a part of my creative ritual, helping me transition into a space of focus and presence. This movement practice enables me to express emotions and energy directly into my art, creating an authentic connection between body, rhythm, and the marks I make on canvas.

What mindset tip do you rely on to overcome challenges in your art career?
I strive to keep an open mind and heart, and I’ve learned to be mindful of my thoughts, especially the negative ones. Healing practices and self-awareness have helped me recognize when I'm overthinking so I can shift my thoughts early on. I use techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and movement to refocus my energy on positivity, which keeps me grounded and resilient.

How do you hope your art impacts the world or your community?
I aim for my work to bring calm and ease to the spaces it occupies, inviting viewers to slow down and look within. My hope is that this gentle experience encourages self-reflection, as I believe meaningful change within communities and the world starts from the personal inner journey.