Gardens by the Bay may be just a tourist landmark for many people, but to autistic artist Nicole Koo, it is a source of inspiration for her paintings. She visits the garden two or three times a week to capture the beauty of her favourite flowers on canvas. “Art is a comfort to me. I find peace and tranquillity in the process of painting, relieving my anxiety. Every time I go to Gardens by the Bay, I don’t pay attention to the crowds because I’m just focused on the flowers in front of me.”

Nicole (32 years old) has been fond of painting since she was a child, and has developed a practice around watercolour. She visits the studios of non-profit organisation ART:DIS 3-4 times a week to paint. “People may get bored visiting the garden so frequently. But for me, every time is a new experience in this beautiful environment. It’s a good opportunity to get inspired and to also exercise,” she laughs. “I can walk 10,000 steps every time I visit.”

Since 2007, Nicole has completed more than 100 paintings, mostly around floral and fauna subjects. “The orchid fascinates me the most because I like its bright colours and shapes. The orchid is also my late mother’s favourite flower. Every time I draw it, I feel as if my mother is still by my side,” she shared.

In February 2024, Nicole was commissioned by Gardens by the Bay to design a 4.2-meter-long and 1.5-meter-tall batik mural. This is the largest work she has attempted since she started painting. “This project is quite challenging for me, but it’s also a great learning opportunity,” she added.

The batik mural was completed by Nicole in collaboration with other social service agencies, with beneficiaries from the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped, Fei Yue, Salvation Army and Helping Hands also participating in the colouring of the batik work. The mural was unveiled for the first time on 22 February 2024 at Gardens by the Bay’s Community Reunion Dinner, and will be on display at the Active Garden.

Read the original article in mandarin here