This painting was created for a charity auction at the Singapore National Gallery, with all proceeds going toward supporting the arts. The theme was “Tropicanal”—a celebration of tropical life and vibrance.

As someone who’s been exploring wine more recently, I’ve naturally started including elements of alcohol in my work. But for this piece, I gave it a playful twist. The cupid may look like he’s sipping a fancy cocktail, but it’s actually coconut water in the glass.

Why? Because he’s underage.

And yet—he’s enjoying it in a cool, grown-up way with a cocktail glass and a little red umbrella.

Every detail in this painting—from the lush jungle and tropical fruits to the hornbill feeding him grapes—evokes a tropical paradise. But among all these local elements, one thing stands out: the grape. That little outsider is what inspired the title, “The Odd One Out.”

A red high heel tucked in the corner hints at something unexpected, a subtle tension between innocence and sophistication, childhood and adult life.

“Everyone seems to be running against a liar, but nobody seems to be one. Odd.”

This piece is a lighthearted yet layered reminder that sometimes, being the odd one out just means you’re standing out.