FORGING THE PATH

SURYANI IS NOT ONLY THE PAIR OF EYES FOR TALENTS BUT ALSO A PAIR OF NURTURING HANDS THAT SET UP SAFE SPACES FOR YOUNG FEMALE ARTISTS, A PROMINENT FIGURE OUR LOCAL ART SCENE NEEDS

-  LORRAINE CHAI

Nestled within the green foliage and tucked away from the feverish haste is CULT, a gallery that houses a collection of noteworthy artworks, mostly pieces by budding and promising artists. It’s no surprise that Suryani Senja Alias, the brain behind CULT, is an ardent supporter who provides our local young artists with a sanctuary to grow and showcase their talent.

It’s a breezy morning and we were graced by a room filled with amazing and intriguing artworks Suryani curated for the gallery, with the scent of morning coffee and fresh pastries lingering around. The sunlight seeped through the leaves, casting soft springtime shadows on her face as she unfolded her personal experience and voiced her outlook on the local art scene, especially for the female cohort — a discussion that is rather solemn. But when her face lit up as soon as she mentioned the up-and-coming female artists she adored, I knew they were in safe hands, something I’m utterly grateful to witness.

I did a little background check and realised that you had a law and investment banking background. How do you go from that to cofounding a gallery?