Cat D, Third Place: “Her Lionhearted Bloom” by Lim Xing Jie
The title, “Her Lionhearted Bloom” encapsulates dual meanings, with “Her” referring to both Agnes Joaquim and Singapore as a nation. Joaquim’s passion for gardening and science birthed the Vanda Miss Joaquim, Singapore’s national flower, symbolising the nation’s resilience and multicultural heritage. This achievement set the stage for Singapore as a global hub for orchid breeding and horticulture. My artwork features Agnes Joaquim gazing down at her creation as a light shines onto them. I depicted Joaquim’s shadow as a lion to embody the determination and courage she displayed in her groundbreaking work as a horticulturist when women had fewer opportunities to shine. The colors of the Singapore flag, with its iconic crescent and stars, are incorporated as tribute to Agnes Joaquim’s pivotal role in shaping Singapore’s legacy. Her passion and innovation deeply resonated with me as an artist, inspiring me to boldly push boundaries and immerse myself into my craft.