A Mathematical Artist
EL Singapore|September 2021
Currently showing at Redsea Gallery in Dempsey Hill are paintings by Taher Jaoui. We learn more about this self-taught artist, including the inspiration he finds in maths and music.
Rebecca Bisset
A Mathematical Artist

A French artist with Tunisian roots, Taher Jaoui studied financial mathematics, engineering, and computer science – he didn’t have a formal education in art. His mother, a maths teacher, familiarised him with the world of formulas when he was a child, and it’s the symbols and signs from these formulas that are now incorporated into some of his compositions.

Tell us about your paintings on display at REDSEA Gallery.

During the process of making my compositions, I like to listen to music, and sometimes I integrate the influence of the songs in my painting process. For example, one of my paintings, You Can’t Make No Mistake, is inspired by the song “Make No Mistake” by Keith Richards. The Ecstasy of Gold refers to a song by Metallica – the beginning of the song is from the movie The Good, The Bad and the Ugly. I really love this movie and I pay homage to it in this painting. I refer to the interaction between the different energies of the characters, something like the cyclical fight between yin and yang.

The Elephant is in the Room was made in 2020, when Donald Trump was in the media a lot. I see Trump as an elephant in a Chinese porcelain shop – and that’s what I’m referring to in the painting!

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM EL SINGAPOREView all
Save your Spine at Work!
Expat Living Singapore

Save your Spine at Work!

Sitting in an air-conditioned office has its benefits in steamy Singapore. But, long, sedentary days can play havoc on our necks and backs. Here, orthopaedic surgeon DR YILUN HUANG talks about spinal issues faced by office workers, and how to treat and prevent them.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Curry, Spice & Everything Nice
Expat Living Singapore

Curry, Spice & Everything Nice

Craving a curry? Whether you're dreaming of a creamy korma or a biryani, the EL team went all in, indulging in everything from buttery parathas to tangy papdi chaat. We explored the best of Singapore's Indian dining scene, and trust us-these spots will spice up your life!

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Is It Really Backed Up in the Cloud?
Expat Living Singapore

Is It Really Backed Up in the Cloud?

SARAH and BO PINEL of Tekkie Help break it to us that cloud storage is not a data backup. Here's why that's the case and how we can rectify the problem.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Finding Eco-Luxury In Fiji
Expat Living Singapore

Finding Eco-Luxury In Fiji

Here's a destination that's often a little bit off the travel radar for people in our region - but definitely shouldn't be!

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Perfect Pearly Whites!
Expat Living Singapore

Perfect Pearly Whites!

Knowing you have white, sparkling teeth beneath your lips is a sure-fire way to make you smile with confidence. If you've noticed your teeth looking more yellow than \"hello\" lately, perhaps it's time for a visit to a dental clinic for a teeth-whitening session.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Festive Fashion Show!
Expat Living Singapore

Festive Fashion Show!

As the year draws to a close, now's a good time to stock up on festive fashion. White Ginger has released a fab new line just in time for party season. Plus, it's hosting a fun multilabel fashion soiree so you can view the looks with tasty bites and a glass of vino in hand!

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
48 Hours in Patong
Expat Living Singapore

48 Hours in Patong

CHERRY LAI checks into the sparkling new M Social Hotel Phuket for a weekender full of food, fun and relaxation.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
Ticket to Thailand
Expat Living Singapore

Ticket to Thailand

Are you physically here but mentally on a beach in Thailand? We've found destinations for two types of holiday-goers: one for someone looking for a place to chill, and another where you can also let loose!

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Laying Out Memories Through Food
Expat Living Singapore

Laying Out Memories Through Food

YASMIN, JESSICA and PEARL are the local co-founders of The Plattering Co. They share their favourite parts of doing business with each other and a few of their hobbies outside work hours.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
A Musical Community
Expat Living Singapore

A Musical Community

The new Pops Chorus and Orchestra at Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM) has students, parents, staff and even the Master involved. SIMON BURBURY tells us more - including where you can catch their performances.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024