Countering unfavourable stereotypes associated with traditionalist, opinionated and nagging aunties and providing alternate futures for women who impose limitations on themselves, repress their desires and hold back from chasing their dreams, Singaporean AI artist and designer Niceaunties elevates these often overlooked figures who play pivotal roles in community and family life in many Asian cultures.
Her artwork captures the spirit of these older women, who embody resilience, wisdom, and vibrancy. They propose multi-layered parallel realities in which they rebel against societal norms, let go of all inhibitions, take risks, and follow their interests with boundless energy.
However, these aren’t real-life aunties or ordinary experiences. Instead, Niceaunties has created an over-the-top, fictional Auntie-verse run and built by wild and wacky aunties straight out of her imagination — with plenty of help from AI.
Aunties go for spa days wrapped in sushi; balance improbable and unwieldy hairdos thanks to superstrength hair spray; save orangutans from the destruction of their habitats due to palm oil production; navigate a world overrun with plastic waste where birds and fish have turned into plastic; and socialise and enjoy city life viewed through high-rise building crosssections. Whatever these exuberant aunties get up to, they fearlessly assert their larger-than-life personalities.
EMPOWERING WITH SURREALISM
A tribute to women’s strength and individuality, Niceaunties is not just the artist’s moniker but also an art project about joyful ageing, beauty, personal freedom, and fun. “I wanted to challenge myself by bringing an alternative, light-hearted perspective, showing the endearing and ‘cute’ side of aunties,” she says.
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Denne historien er fra August 2024-utgaven av The PEAK Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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SECRET FUN
Behind imposing angular structures lies a portal to the family's very own clubhouse, complete with a pool and basketball court.
RATTAN REIMAGINED
From chance discovery to mastery, Ng Si Ying’s journey into rattan weaving bridges tradition and modernity with every piece she creates.
AN APPETITE FOR ADVENTURE
Forget the pampering body wraps and hot stone massages. Andrew Leci discovers that adventure is the best path to a spiritual awakening.
PARADISE, PRESERVED
Luxury and purpose are embraced at this idyllic retreat tucked away in Indonesia’s Anambas Archipelago.
GRAPES OF CHANGE
The time is ripe to explore the burgeoning potential of Asia's wine regions, where innovative winemakers are cultivating distinct flavours and putting their mark on the global wine scene.
VESSELS OF THE HEART
Daisuke Shibuya, head sommelier at one-Michelin-starred Terra, shares his penchant for collecting cups and glasses, and how his eclectic collection mirrors his approach to wine.
ONE OF ONE
At the by-appointment-only Rolls-Royce Private Office Seoul, where clients can commission bespoke, one-of-a-kind Rolls-Royce creations, nothing is too complex or unattainable.
WATCH HIS WORLD
Radiologist and self-professed watch addict Dominic Liew, who began collecting at 15, shares what makes him tick.
PERFECTION PERSONIFIED
Swiss master artisan Agnes Paul-Depasse, who makes straw, feather, and silk thread marquetry dials for Hermes, reveals eight fascinating truths about such rare historical crafts.
FACES OF CHANGE
These days, it's not unusual for watch brands to have exclusive boutiques.
