Faris Nakamura (b. 1988, Singapore) is a visual artist based in Singapore and London. He is curious about the tectonics of urban space in relation to its functional uses and architectural design. Although these inquiries come from his experiences as a city-dweller, Faris is deeply interested in the natural world, especially the insect kingdom. He draws links on how the design process of city structures parallels aspects of entomology. In his practice, Faris wishes to showcase the resilience in various species (humans, plants, animals) and their respective adaptations to habitats.
Faris is interested in observing how urban and natural spaces contain liberation and freedom, as well as their opposing attributes of concealment and shame. His artistic practice often refracts the layers of social identity, and questions how we can expand perspectives of architectural and natural history.
Faris graduated with a Bachelor in Fine Arts (First Class Honours) from LASALLE College of the Arts in partnership with Goldsmiths, University of London in 2014. He is the Finalist of the Sovereign Asian Art Prize, 2023 and the Winner of the IMPART Art Prize, 2020. He was awarded the Young Talent Programme Winners’ Solo, 2017/2018, the Grand Winner at the Shitsurai International Art Competition, Kobe Biennale, 2015 and the Winston Oh Travel Award, 2013.
Faris has exhibited in shows both locally and internationally. He has showcased at venues such as Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre (Singapore), Gillman Barracks (Singapore), The Substation (Singapore), ION Art (Singapore), Meta APAC HQ (Singapore), 80 Queen's Road Central (Hong Kong), Richard Koh Fine Art (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), Georgetown Festival (Penang, Malaysia), Ku Bar (Bangkok, Thailand), FASS Art Gallery (Turkey), Kobe Biennale (Japan), and Palazzo Ca’ Zanardi (Venice, Italy).