Dana Goh

About

Dana Goh (b. 2001, Singapore) is a multidisciplinary artist, based in London and Singapore, exploring the allure of textiles and cuteness. She endeavours to codify ‘sweetness’—taste, character, or appearance—through a characteristic saccharine and cute aesthetic that simultaneously attracts and conceals deeper emotions.

Central to her exploration is depicting femininity through the duality of a deliberate facade to subdue issues. Goh scrutinizes the distortion of perceptions of personal desires, symbolizing the allure and deception associated with sweetness, cuteness, kindness, and care. Her works delve into the paradoxical nature of these concepts, revealing the complexity and ‘under-the-skin’ infiltration beneath what is traditionally perceived as ‘sweet’ or ‘cute.’

In her practice, Goh employs pastel colours to evoke the soft, subtle power of the cute—a gentle yet commanding influence. These colours, associated with child-like innocence and gentility, serve as a visual metaphor for the duality Goh seeks to express: the tender yet potent force that ‘sweetness’ can exert, masking a deeper narrative. Goh’s practice is inspired by simulation/management games and magic anime. These sources offer an escape from reality, with whimsical worlds filled with cute, magical creatures and fantastical elements. Games like Tamagotchi and Animal Crossing immerse players in environments where they nurture virtual pets or build idyllic communities, reflecting a deeper yearning for control, comfort, and an idealized version of care. In anime, Goh draws inspiration from the enchanting ‘Kira kira’ (something sparkling and glittering). This escapism balances innocence and fantasy, resonating with Goh’s exploration of sweetness and its underlying complexities.

Primarily working with sculptures and installations, Goh uses textiles—mainly tufted rugs—alongside various objects like keychains, ready-made items, and mass-produced devices. The inviting softness of the textiles draws viewers in, inviting them to engage with the work on a sensory level. By engaging with these tactile elements, Goh highlights the physical allure of her materials while reinforcing the conceptual framework of her work. The softness of her textiles symbolizes the subtle power and influence that ‘sweetness’ can wield, an influence often underestimated yet profoundly impactful. Through her art, Goh invites viewers to reconsider their perceptions of sweetness and cuteness, encouraging a deeper understanding of the complexities and dualities beneath these seemingly simple concepts.