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How Asian Motifs Inspires Tobyato’s Digital Art And Murals
Sukhbir Cheema

Written by Sukhbir Cheema

How Asian Motifs Inspires Tobyato’s Digital Art And Murals

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If you travel to Singapore and encounter colourful murals with Asian motifs and elements, chances are they were created by Tobyato.

The Illustrator and visual artist is renowned for his bold and striking art, often inspired by traditional Chinese motifs and playful influences.

We recently spoke to Tobyato to better how his journey as a full-time street artist began and why is he in love with Asian motifs.

 

Tobyato's art installation - ‘Two Countries, One Table’ at PASSPORT TO FEAST_ SG At The Yard
Tobyato’s art installation ‘Two Countries, One Table’ at PASSPORT TO FEAST SG At The Yard, Malaysia. His artworks can be viewed until September 18, 2022. Image supplied by Tobyato.

Hey there, Tobyato! Can you share with us how your journey with the arts and subsequent involvement in mural work began?

Hello! Thank you for having me for this interview and allowing me to share my story.

I always enjoyed drawing ever since I was a kid, but I had quite a late start to pursuing arts properly.

I only made the decision to pursue arts at 21 years old after studying science all the way until university. Because of my later start, I told myself I’d have to work extra hard to catch up to my peers, and I did freelance projects outside of school to “train” myself.

That led me to slowly draw bigger things for bigger projects and clients. From public walls to brand collaborations with ASICS and G-SHOCK etc, I just haven’t stopped since!

 

Tobyator ASIC
Tobyato has collaborated with renowned brands such as ASICS. Image supplied by Tobyato.

The majority of your art takes inspiration from Asian motifs and elements. What drew you to include them in your art?

I am very inspired by my own Asian heritage, as I was exposed to it while growing up.

Aside from the visual appeal of the aesthetics of tradition, I strongly believe that creating art inspired by these motifs is one way to preserve the conversation of culture and tradition before it’s too late.

 

Tobyato G-Shock NDP watch
A G-Shock NDP watch featuring Tobyato’s art. Image supplied by Tobyato.

Where do you typically get your inspiration to create your art?

Aside from getting inspired by Asian motifs, I am also very inspired by nature and animals. So once in a while, I go on hikes around the different parks in Singapore to soak in nature to reset, and get inspired.

 

Tobyato x 8M x Artling_26
Tobyato’s art often featured Asian inspired motifs. Image supplied by Tobyato.

Out of all Asian motifs and elements, which one is your favourite and why are you fond of it?

Personally, I really love how animals are represented in Asian motifs, in terms of the style and the meaning/concept behind each animal/creature. They often have their own unique symbolism and aren’t only there for visual aesthetics.

 

Tobyato x UT Uniqlo
Tobyato also collaborated with Uniqlo. Image supplied by Tobyato.

What are some tips you can share with full-time artists who wish to collaborate with art-friendly brands to either stay financially sustainable or grow their portfolio of experience?

I think one thing that really worked for me thus far would be to be open to new things, new mediums, and meeting new people, and that will eventually lead to doing new projects as well.

And more importantly, understand and accept that this journey as a full-time artist will always be a work in progress, and it’s a constant state of figuring things out and adapting as we go along.

 

Tobyato x Shake Shack profile shot
Image supplied by Tobyato.

Where can people traveling to Singapore find your art?

I have a few publicly accessible artworks/murals! There’s a shophouse mural along Duxton hill at 38 Tanjong Pagar road. I painted a blue mural on the floor of the somerset.

 

Follow Tobyato. Submit your press releases, short stories, poems, essays, reviews, and more here.

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Cover image supplied by Tobyato.

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