Arterly Obsessed, an esteemed Art Studio nestled in the heart of Singapore, was conceived by Keith and Yixiu, two visionary friends who share an unwavering devotion to the world of art, design and education. With a combined wealth of 20 years of invaluable industry experience, our Art Obsessors hail from renowned art institutions in both the United Kingdom (Cambridge University) and the United States (Pratt Institute). Their impressive journey has seen them not only excel in the fine art and design realms but also shine as educators across diverse educational settings, spanning from Primary to Tertiary institutions and from local (SOTA) to international (UWCSEA) schools. They have expertly guided students through the rigors of O-level, N-level, and IB art examinations.
At Arterly Obsessed, our mission is clear: to cultivate a serene and welcoming haven where all individuals can revel in the joy of artistry. Additionally, we are fervent advocates for the flourishing local arts scene, steadfastly committed to fostering and supporting its growth.
Watch the video below to learn a little more about AO’s humble beginnings.
WHO WE ARE
MEET OUR
CO-FOUNDERS
GUO YIXIU
Yixiu is a distinguished figure in the realms of art education and visual arts, renowned for her innovative approach and prolific creative output. With a multifaceted educational background and a wealth of professional experiences, Yixiu has significantly contributed to the development of art education in Singapore and garnered international recognition for her artistic endeavors.
Yixiu's journey in the arts began during her time in the Art Elective Programme at Nanyang Junior College, where her passion for creative expression flourished. Building upon this foundation, she pursued a degree in photography and digital imaging from Nanyang Technological University (NTU), honing her technical skills and artistic vision.
Continuing her academic pursuits, Yixiu furthered her studies at the prestigious University of Cambridge, obtaining a Masters in Arts Creativity and Education. Complementing her academic achievements, she acquired a postgraduate diploma in education from the National Institute of Education (NIE), solidifying her expertise in pedagogy and curriculum development.
Yixiu's dedication to the field of art education led her to assume pivotal roles within the Ministry of Education (MOE) Arts Education Branch, where she served as a curriculum designer for primary school drawing. Her exemplary contributions were recognized with the prestigious MOE teaching scholarship, affirming her commitment to nurturing young artistic talents.
For the past decade, Yixiu has been instrumental in shaping the artistic journeys of students across various educational settings. She has taught "O" and "A" level art in mainstream schools and International Baccalaureate (IB) art at the School of the Arts (SOTA), showcasing her versatility in catering to diverse learning needs.
At SOTA, Yixiu's influence extends beyond the classroom. She played a key role in the integrative learning framework committee, spearheading interdisciplinary initiatives to enrich the curriculum. Additionally, as a member of SOTA's talent academy, she contributed her expertise in selecting promising students who demonstrated exceptional artistic potential.
Yixiu's impact transcends the realms of education, as evidenced by her remarkable achievements as a visual artist. She garnered accolades such as the UOB Painting of the Year representation category award in 2008, showcasing her prowess in traditional mediums. Furthermore, Yixiu made history as the youngest artist to exhibit at the prestigious Singapore Biennale in 2013, cementing her status as a trailblazer in the contemporary art scene.
In 2013, Yixiu's artistic excellence was further underscored when she clinched first place in the International Photography Awards in the Fine Art Collage category, attesting to her mastery of digital mediums and innovative storytelling techniques.
Yixiu's journey exemplifies the transformative power of art education and the boundless possibilities inherent in creative exploration. Through her unwavering dedication to both teaching and artistic practice, she hopes to inspire future generations of artists and educators.
KEITH ANG
Keith stands as a dynamic figure within the spheres of art education and visual arts, celebrated for his diverse skill set and impactful contributions to both education and the creative industry. With a rich tapestry of experiences spanning education, design, and artistic endeavours, Keith embodies a multifaceted approach to artistic expression and pedagogy.
His journey in the arts began during his formative years, where he was part of the Art Elective Programme and inaugural batch of the Integrated Programme students at National Junior College. Recognised for his exceptional talent, Keith was among the four scholars selected for the Art Elective Programme, laying the foundation for his future endeavours in the arts.
Keith's commitment to fostering artistic talent led him to pursue a career in art education, supported by the prestigious MOE teaching scholarship. He obtained his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in painting from the esteemed Pratt Institute in New York, graduating with highest honors. Keith furthered his academic qualifications with a postgraduate diploma in education from the National Institute of Education (NIE), refining his pedagogical skills for the classroom.
Throughout his career, Keith has made significant contributions to various educational institutions, teaching art and O levels in mainstream schools and later transitioning to instructing International Baccalaureate (IB) and visual art at the School of the Arts (SOTA). His dedication to nurturing young artistic talents is evidenced by his involvement in organising and leading SOTA's annual primary 6 art competition and overseeing the Junior Academy programme. He has also taught Visual Art at the UWCSEA Dover campus, giving him experience working with teachers and students in an international school setting.
At SOTA, Keith played a pivotal role in shaping the curriculum, crafting the foundation drawing curriculum and ensuring students received a comprehensive artistic education. His leadership extended beyond the classroom as he contributed to the talent academy team, identifying and interviewing prospective SOTA students based on their artistic potential.
Keith's versatility extends beyond the realm of education, as he has amassed a wealth of experience in the creative industry. He served as a senior manager at the Ministry of Education (MOE) HQ Design Office, where he spearheaded various campaigns, including notable efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the creation of the Soaper 5 and the viral video "Bye Bye Virus." He also staffed for the Ministers for Education (Ong Ye Kung and Lawrence Wong) and was a photographer, videographer and content producer for them.
In addition to his roles in education and government service, Keith has made significant strides as a freelance illustrator and designer, collaborating with a diverse array of clients, including National Gallery Singapore, Prudential, and the Singapore Tourism Board. His creative vision is reflected in his mural installations, notably at Tiong Bahru MRT station and the VIP suites of the 2023 Singapore F1 Grand Prix event.
Keith's journey exemplifies the seamless integration of education, artistry, and creativity. He hopes that his unwavering dedication to both nurturing young talents and pushing the boundaries of creative expression will leave an indelible mark on Singapore's cultural landscape.