Dana Goh (b. 2001, Singapore) is a multidisciplinary artist based in London and Singapore, whose work explores ethereal qualities and the allure of dreamy femininity. Goh seeks to encapsulate the delicate beauty and emotional depth associated with these elements, crafting a visual language that intertwines gentleness with subtle yet powerful profound power.

 

Central to her exploration is depicting femininity through the duality of a deliberate facade to subdue issues. Goh delves into the interplay between surface charm and underlying complexity using ‘softness’ as both a metaphor and a medium to reveal the layered emotions beneath an aesthetically pleasing facade. Her work scrutinizes the allure and deception that such visual sweetness can convey, probing the hidden depths within what appears gentle, tender, and innocent.

 

In her artistic practice, Goh employs a palette of soft pastel hues, which evoke the delicate radiance of prettiness - a light that is both soothing and evocative, evoking a sense of warmth and nostalgia. These colours, often associated with innocence and vulnerability, serve as a visual metaphor for the duality Goh seeks to express: the gentle yet commanding influence of softness, which can conceal more profound, sometimes unsettling, narratives.

 

Goh’s inspiration is rooted in simulation/management games and shoujo manga, where worlds filled with soft light and magical realism offer an escape from reality. Goh is drawn to the luminous, sparkling qualities - often referred to as ‘Kira Kira’ - that balance innocence with fantasy, perfectly resonating with her explorations.

 

Primarily working with sculptures and installations, Goh incorporates textiles alongside objects like keychains, ready-made items, and mass-produced devices. The softness of her materials invites tactile engagement, allowing viewers to physically interact with the subtle glow and allure of her work. Goh invites viewers to reconsider their perceptions of beauty, softness, and light, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the emotional and visual dualities within these seemingly gentle aesthetics.

 

Goh is a recent graduate of the Royal College of Art (2024). Her works have been showcased globally, with exhibitions in London, New York, Vienna, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Liverpool, Shanghai, Singapore, and South Korea. Notably, she has been shortlisted for VAO UK & International Emerging Artist Award (Young Artist) and is a selected artist for the Emerging Woman Artist Award Art prize.