Art is very personal; it moves, it inspires, it provokes, it questions and it should never be defined.

I aim to provide more of a critical outlook. But I do enjoy digging sensitive areas.

Singaporeans young and old, heartlanders and city drones, changing landscapes, conversations, personal experiences and loved ones inspire me in many ways. There’s always something to spark off a great idea.

My influences stem a lot from Singaporean aesthetics, from Peranakan tiles to notices at bus stops and hawker signs. Sometimes, elements I am unfamiliar with pop up in my work; possibly a result of both conscious and subconscious accumulation of imageries.

There is way too much shit around.

I find the ironies and complexities existent in everyday life funny. And people who “like” campaigns on Facebook but don’t do anything in real life.

My childhood was great. I am lucky to feel nostalgic about styrofoam birds and planes, never having enough stationery from the neighbourhood book shop, little cases of arson at tiled playgrounds every lantern festival with kids from the block, cheap custard puffs and butter cream cake with a Ninja Turtle on it.

As a child, I wanted to be a dinosaur. A stegosaurus, to be specific.

I collect memories and dust.

I was truly happy when I saw the amount of support for my work, right after I got out of the lock up. I cannot be more grateful and moved, seeing all those black circles appearing all over Facebook. Can’t forget, won’t forget.

An alternative view on things that we find trivial, but yet reminds us that there is a larger truth that we can choose to seek turns me on. Twisted minds and forlorn hearts that pine for no reason—things like that.

My routine is pretty boring actually. I wake up, skip food, head to the studio, complain about the heat in the studio and finally get some work done at 9pm.

Sometimes I head to pool, the beach, or I get on my bike to chill out.

My idea of life has changed very much since my stint as a factory worker some years back, where life was just about having one job and one career in this one lifetime.

After learning that life is too short, I’ve learnt to live life for what it is. I think we were put on this earth to fend for ourselves, to learn to be human or inhuman. To open up an alternate universe of possibilities and make sense of deja vu.

I live to love, learn, and inspire.

If you have love, maybe you can have money. Money is a bonus. Mo’ money, mo’ problems.

What moves you most as an artist?
The idea of manifestation: Art has an immense power to cultivate a thought. That’s probably the best aspect which drives us, to be able to create something which we haven’t experienced yet.

Should there be a demarcation between high and low art? Or as the Fluxus movement said, is everyone an artist and art is for everyone?
As far as art makes sense, it’s all good. The power of creating something comes with great responsibility. With the changing notions of society, the demarcation has blurred by now, and we don’t feel the need of marginalise a practice and categorize it further.

What is your favourite medium of expression?
We are obsessed with the idea of traditional way of painting but also with playing with the senses, and interactive devices. The idea of blurring together and mixing old and new excites us, and probably it comes very naturally to us.

What projects that you’d like to work on which you haven’t had a chance to yet?
We would love to create a film. It would be an extension of our current body of work, and we have been writing and researching for a couple of months.

Tell us more about a regular day that you go through.
Daily rituals bring anxiety! Concerning our to-do list, we can’t wait to get to the studio to create and continue our knitting.

What is the role of art today?
It has always been about reciprocating ideas.

Windows of Opportunity exhibition runs through May 25 at Art Plural Gallery.

How has the group’s sound evolved over the years?
We’ve moved from noisy to less noisy to clean and back.

Who are your biggest influences?
Our influences change over time so it's hard to say. Right now it's early Soft Machine.

Which collaborations have been the most exciting?
It was very interesting and exciting to write music for Marie Antoinette. In the end Sofia Coppola used songs that we had already released but first we made a couple exclusively for the film. Even though they weren't used, which I don't mind at all, the process of writing those songs with a film in mind was fantastic.

What's the biggest paycheck you've ever received?
It must have been Marie Antoinette. I don't remember exactly how much it was but I think we got 7,000 euros or something like that. But I didn't spend it all in one go. Even though Sweden is expensive I could quit my job and live off that money for about seven to eight months.

What projects would you guys like to work on that you haven’t had the chance to yet?
Tons of things from writing soundtracks to making films of our own. I'd also like to put out fanzines and photo books, and to release records more frequently.

What do you have to say to your imitators?
We'd say keep it up. We all began as imitators. After a while you find a voice that is your own.

For fame or money?
For real.

The Radio Dept. plays April 23, 8pm at TAB

You know summer’s arrived when the blazing sun slows down your sartorial sensibilities and all you really want to step out of the house in are simple T-shirt and jeans. Thankfully, these groovy Spring/Summer finds compromise neither comfort nor style.

For Men

Dior Homme

The luxury fashion brand’s latest collection “Light” is certainly all that: Materials are as light and luminous as the name of the collection implies. Lightweight wools and Prince of Wales check, silk satin and taffeta, wool and silk knits, techno mesh and nylon canvas—it’s an impressive mix and match of materials that ensures that each piece is immaculately made and utterly wearable in this weather. Silhouettes are precise, soft and elongated for extra comfort while ribbed collar and cuffs, vertical pockets and drawstrings further add to the style quotient. The sleeveless sweaters are also a draw which allows wearers to slip them on and off with effortless ease.

$440 upwards from The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands

Eototo

This new-in-town Japanese brand sets itself apart with an Americana twist to great effect in the form of bold and colorful designs, patterns and prints across a selection of pieces like totes, pouches, lightweight scarves and socks. Punctuated by seriously trendy color- and print-blocking applications throughout pieces like short-sleeve button-downs, T-shirts, trousers, sweaters, cardigans and lightweight outerwear, as well as necklaces and bracelets inspired by Native Americans, it’s an effortlessly chic collection.

$289 upwards from Club 21b, Forum The Shopping Mall

Zilli

For something even more easy and timeless, try French brand Zilli’s Spring/Summer pieces on for size. Their resort-inspired collection is made from exceptional fabrics, coupled with espadrilles and sandals, combined with uber-luxurious beach bags (made from glazed lambskin) that bring the art of idling with elegance to a whole new level. Its cross-strap sandals with waterproof gripped soles are also a hit, while ready-to-wear pieces like shirts are infused with groovy gingham prints.

$700 upwards from The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands

For Women

Alexander Wang

Experimental yet sophisticated, Wang’s Spring/Summer arrivals depict a linear quality that is clean and minimal with floating lines created by translucent fish wire, embroidery and exaggerated eyelets. The juxtaposition of tension and suspension are captured between structure and fluidity is what sets the collection apart, while exotic animal prints also permeate the collection made from a series of extensive embroidery techniques for an overall eye-catching collection. There are also some equally playful sportswear-inspired pieces featuring suspended patches fused with lucent fish wire on shirts and dresses for a visually stunning effect.

$120 upwards from Hilton Singapore

Club Monaco

Inspired by New York and Los Angeles, this collection will capture all the attention that you need on the streets. Contrasting texture combinations like lace with metallic, leather and sheer fabrics ensure that movements are easy while you wear them, while more athlectic-inspired pieces—ranging from side-striped bottoms, color-blocked winbreakers and soft-stuctured sweatshirts—are equally inspired. Elsewhere, lively print blocking in camouflage and floral designs, soft botanical prints and water patterns ensure that this is one of the most on-trend collections for the year

$69 upwards from Ngee Ann City

Stella McCartney

For something more structured yet playful, look no further than Stella McCartney’s latest collection which plays with geometry in fresh and hyper-realistic colors. Elliptical shapes of white, bright orange and black flow on sheer linear dresses, while ultra-fine silk rib knits worn under micro-plisse create a slimming silhouette. Spearmint and paper white gauze knits will also stand out at the workplace, and sleeveless and belted summer tweed jackets in forest green are exactly what the style doctor prescribed for the season.

$360 upwards from Hilton Singapore

Dr. Martens
The coolest store in the house, with an industrial-inspired design reflected throughout its space, staying true to its original, industrial British roots. Its current seasonal collection by Agyness Deyn is fun, with T-shirts emblazoned with eye-catching eyeballs available for just $75 each.

Anysis
Trendy, affordable clothes for women by emerging Japanese designer Kumikyoku Sis. Most of the pieces stocked here are classic and streamlined (think Muji meets Laura Ashley). Suits are $160 upwards while bags and skirts are $100 upwards.

The Emporium
One of the best stores here, carrying a wide range of women’s apparel, accessories, shoes and even artworks and home decor pieces. The layout is spacious and inviting, chockfull of local labels like Trixilini (from $99) and Triologie (from $89), as well as whimsical shoes by Sole2Sole (from $20). The cabinets from Gaia Living ($3,000) are also a top draw(er).

Headline Seoul
An incredible amount of affordable high street clothes for women to be had here—but that’s not a bad thing. Literally hundreds of styles spanning dresses, tops and bottoms at this 1,800 sq. ft. store, brainchild of local fashion entrepreneur Ann Kositchotitana (Front Row). Go crazy with just $29 for a blouse and $129 for a cocktail dress.

Saturday
Local designer Nic Wong’s forward-thinking and contemporary ready-to-wear creations are some of the best in town. His latest Spring/Summer collection comprises dresses with eye-catching draping designs and various separates (from $65) made from a clever mix of merino wool, premium metallic jerseys and polyester.

Daniel Yam
Veteran local designer Daniel Yam’s eponymous store is where you can find both his seasonal collections for men and women. Yam’s limited edition signature dresses (from $199) for ladies are top draw here with their elaborate designs, but the men can also find trendy shirts (from $29) and pants (from $39) which are perfect for the office. A myriad of caps, chains, belts, socks and bags can also be had from just $9. 

Eclecticism + Lauren Jasmine
As its name suggests, find a wide array of notebooks, sunglasses, soap, candles, canvas totes, python clutches, umbrellas and even greeting cards tucked into every corner of this boutique. Highlights include ready-to-wear in-house label Lauren Jasmine’s collaboration with local brand WoonHung (from $24.90) and quirky accessories by Ashlyne’s Jewelry (from $48).

Marks & Spencer
The anchor tenant here features 30,000 sq. ft.’s worth of an almost unlimited range of clothes for both men and women, spanning exclusive labels like ready-to-wear brands Autograph, Limited Collection and Collezione. It is also a one-stop shop for home and beauty, with coveted bath and body products from Ragdale Hall and La Maison de Senteurs among the highlights.

Lafont
For something a little different, check out this indie multi-label boutique which carries little heard of Italian brands like Please and Paolo Casalini as well as France’s Sel Sel and Double Jeu. Please in particular is great for their simple designs with a twist, like the cowboy denim shirt with lace detailing ($120).

Black White + Gray
A penetrating documentary about the tumultuous relationship between art curator Sam Wagstaff and his lover, photographer and all round enfant terrible Robert Mapplethorpe. Black White + Gray provides rare insights into Wagstaff’s immersion in queer culture (resulting in some of the most sexually-explicit photographs that marked its time during the ‘70s). Fans of Patti Smith will also be pleased to know that the film also explores the complex love that Wagstaff shared with the legendary singer before his long-term relationship with Mapplethorpe.
Mar 9, 7:30pm.

Jean-Michel Basquait: A Radiant Child
Centred on a rare interview that director and friend Tamra Davis shot with Jean-Michel Basquiat over 20 years ago, this documentary is both intimate and insightful. With compassion and psychological insight, Davis details the mysteries that surround the charismatic artists, one of the forefathers of both New York’s street and Pop Art scene.
March 9, 10pm: March 12, 8pm.

Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry
Love him or hate him, the controversial Chinese artist still generates buzz wherever he goes. This well-known documentary is a must for those who are passionate about the links between art and politics as director Alsion Klayman gained unprecedented access to Ai Weiwei’s life during her stint as a journalist in China.
March 14-15, 10pm.

The Cool School
One of the best films in the line-up, this rare documentary (written by Kristine McKenna, a keen follower of the ‘50s underground art movement) depicts the rise and fall of Los Angeles’ seminal Ferus Gallery, which, in its time, hosted works by legends like Wallace Berman, Marchel Duchamp, Ed Ruscha and Andy Warhol. It’s a well-documented flick with insightful interviews with founding members Walter Hopps and Irving Blum, as well as actor-photographer Dennis Hopper and Dean Stockwell.  
March 15, 7:30pm.

Art-in-Film Festival at Dusk 2013 is on through March 16. Tanjong Beach Club. To buy tickets and for full line-up, log on to their website.

What was your childhood like?
I was blessed with a beautiful, idyllic childhood ... growing up in Quebec with lots of sun and music in the air, always. Even when my mum and aunt were performing and touring together, they’ve never once put the children aside. With the same amount of time they spent on touring, they made sure they made up for it by spending equal amount time with us.

You have a daughter now with Lorca Cohen (daughter of singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen) and you’re legally married to partner Jörn Weisbrodt. Will you be adopting the same philosophy to fatherhood?
Well, it’s still too early to tell. My son is currently two-years-old, and he spends a lot of time with mom who basically stays most of the time in one place (laughs) while I’m the one doing all the travelling and performing. But yeah, we’ll see. I hope to.

How do you find your balance then?
Balance is important, but i do feel that as an artist you also tend to seek a certain imbalance and a dark side. Sometimes to find that balance you need to rock that boat a little. But I’ve always been a positive person. Sure when I was younger I did lots of naughty things like doing drugs and being promiscuous, but I’ve always exuded a positive energy. You can hear it in my songs ... even in moments of darkness there are silver linings of hope ... I am always going towards the light. I’ve always leaned that way.

So do you sleep well?
I sleep very well, actually (laughs). I’ve been eating well too. Too well, in fact.

So what’s most important to you now?
My health. I still consider myself young as I’m not yet 40, and to see my mum’s health disappear right in front of my eyes [McGarrigle died of cancer in 2010] was very tough. I also think that it’s important to have a sense of humor.

What about love?
Love is important, but I also feel that justice comes a close second, especially in this day and age with these monolithic corporations taking over and social and religious issues are in such a state. As a child, I had never imagined that one day I’d live to see gay men being prosecuted. Justice is the answer.

What can we expect from your debut performance here?
It’d be a cross-section of my life’s repertoire in the tradition of a troubadour. I never do the same show twice.

Famous last words?
Right now I’ve really got to get to the loo, so in the tradition of Oscar Wilde, I’d say “It’s either the poo goes, or I go.”

Rufus Wainwright performs at Timbre Rock & Roots 2013 on March 21, 7:15pm at Fort Canning Green.