Scholar｜Michelle Zhuo Mingxuan: Bridging Art, Culture, and Social Impact

The Liu Shiming Art Foundation is thrilled to welcome Michelle Zhuo Mingxuan, an Anthropology undergraduate at the National University of Singapore (NUS), as a Liu Shiming Scholar. With a deep passion for Southeast Asian art and community-focused projects, Michelle’s work is guided by a dedication to cultural preservation and social change, reflecting Liu Shiming’s legacy of connecting art with the lives of everyday people.

Michelle’s current endeavors exemplify this ethos. In her recent community engagement project in Bandung, Indonesia, she collaborated with local leaders to address the social and environmental impacts of industrial pollution. Through a children’s storybook inspired by local folktales, Michelle’s team aims to foster awareness among young residents, highlighting local issues and empowering the community to reimagine their surroundings. This project will culminate in an exhibition and storybook distribution, engaging community members in the power of narrative as a tool for change.

Suwanasam (partial) (2024). Acrylic and gold foil on wood. Courtesy of the artist.

A committed art enthusiast, Michelle is also exploring traditional Southeast Asian crafts such as illuminated scripts and lacquerware. Her artistic approach blends meticulous detail with cultural symbolism, often drawing on regional traditions to inform her visual storytelling. The Liu Shiming Scholarship enables Michelle to continue her exploration of art as a catalyst for social action, allowing her to expand her fieldwork and deepen her understanding of art’s role in cultural preservation and community resilience.

Michelle’s interdisciplinary background and commitment to art and anthropology embody the spirit of Liu Shiming’s work. She aspires to pursue a career that intersects art, conservation, and social impact, contributing to Southeast Asia’s cultural heritage and fostering meaningful connections within and beyond her community.