Born in Singapore in 2002, Vanessa Liem grew up in a household shaped by strong, resourceful women. This dynamic would later inform her bold and introspective approach to art. From an early age, she gravitated toward visual storytelling as a way to explore complex emotions, power structures, and the quiet struggles of identity. Her journey into the world of contemporary art has been anything but ordinary. She is known not just for her exceptional talent, but for the social consciousness that pulses through every piece she creates.
Vanessa’s formative years were influenced by Singapore’s fast-paced, achievement-oriented culture and the emotional undercurrents of growing up as a young woman navigating societal expectations. Educated at the School of the Arts (SOTA), she honed her skills through the rigorous International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme in Visual Arts. It was here that she began to develop a signature style that is visceral, emotionally raw, and unapologetically feminist. Her breakthrough came in 2019 when she won the Gold Award in the UOB Painting of the Year (Emerging Artist category), placing her firmly on Singapore’s contemporary art radar before the age of 20.
But Vanessa’s work goes far beyond technique. Her art dives deep into themes of vulnerability, identity, and female agency. Often portraying women in moments of fear, confrontation, or deep introspection, Vanessa reclaims narratives typically controlled by the male gaze. “Reclaiming agency is complex,” she says. “There’s pain, fear, confusion, doubt, excitement. I like to depict confrontational women, but also fearful women.” Her work doesn’t just demand attention. It invites understanding and empathy, sparking conversation around gender roles, body politics, and societal repression.
Her passion for women’s empowerment isn’t limited to the canvas. At just 26, she took on a leading role at AWARE Singapore, the country’s leading gender equality organization. There, she organized workshops, developed public engagement activities, and created platforms for underrepresented voices, including transgender women and young female creatives. Her ability to seamlessly weave activism into her artistic and professional life marks her as a rare and powerful force of change.
The road hasn’t always been smooth. Like many young female artists challenging traditional norms, Vanessa has faced skepticism, emotional exhaustion, and the struggle to maintain authenticity in a commercial art world. Yet, through it all, she has remained grounded in her mission. She is determined to give voice to the silent battles many women fight and to foster a space where vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
Today, Vanessa Liem stands at the intersection of art, advocacy, and empowerment. Her legacy is still unfolding, but even now, it is clear. She is reshaping what it means to be a woman, an artist, and a changemaker in Singapore. Through her raw honesty and unwavering vision, Vanessa continues to inspire a generation to look inward, speak out, and create a more just and inclusive world—one brushstroke at a time.