Citizen One Painting

Melvin Chee (b. 1974) is a founding partner of creative collective :Phunkstudio. With 3 other partners, They came together in 1994 to form :phunk studio, a creative collective based in Singapore. Described as "The Champion of Singapore's Graphic Scene" (Creative Review, UK), "Asia's hottest agency" (Computer Arts, UK) and "iconic representatives of the new wave of young Asian creators" (Get it Louder, China). Phunk is Asia’s leading art and design collective. They have propagated a visual signature that seamlessly blends and reinterprets their diverse influences such as traditional Chinese craft and folklore, Hong Kong pulp fiction, Japanese manga and otaku subculture, Western popular culture, art and design movements into a singular creative thought that reflects their multi-cultural identity, background and environment. The concept of "universality" in the age of modern globalization is a constant theme in our works. Constantly challenge the conventional notion and definition of the “artist” and “commercial design studio” by constantly blurring the boundaries between both, mixing Neo Pop Art ideology with Post-Modernist design sensibilities. Their cross-disciplinary approach is best described as "an aesthetic collective consciousness" focused on experimenting with new approaches to visual expressions. Their expansive scope of projects spans across art, design, publishing, fashion, music, film and interactive.  Collaborated and worked with international brands such as Nike, Nokia, MTV, Daimler Chrysler, Comme des Garcon, Levis, Tiger Beer and Salem. Their works are featured in many international publications and awarded in various design award shows. Having exhibited and lectured extensively around the world. Represented Singapore at the Gwangju Design Biennale 2005 and the London Design Festival 2006. The Singapore History Museum hosted our 10 year retrospective exhibition 'A Decade of Decadence' in 2005 :phunk was named the Designers of the year at the President’s Design Award 2007, Singapore’s highest accolade for designers. The President’s Design Award is Singapore’s most prestigious award for its designers and designs.