Biography
Maryam’s art is shaped by her personal and cultural experiences, engaging with themes of familial backgrounds, religion, immaterialism, repressed childhood trauma, sexuality, women’s rights, and behavioral psychology. As a proud, headstrong 21st-century Malay woman, her work aims to provoke critical reflection on outdated and flawed traditions, particularly those that have shaped women’s roles in society. Through performances and visual art, Maryam deconstructs perceptions of womanhood, reimagining and reshaping these narratives with authenticity and boldness.
Maryam Binte Tayeb (b. 2003, Singapore) is a dynamic, multi-disciplinary artist whose practice spans painting, 3D, and 4D mediums. Drawing on her deep-rooted Malay heritage, Maryam’s work is an exploration of the body, social justice, and the complexities of identity through a feminist lens. Through her creative expression, she seeks to challenge and dismantle long-held social and political structures, particularly those that have historically confined women.
In her ongoing journey of self-expression and discovery, Maryam’s practice not only challenges societal norms but also serves as a means to build community. Her art fosters dialogue and invites collective reflection on issues of gender, power, and societal transformation. She envisions her work contributing to the Southeast Asian arts industry, steadily establishing a lasting presence that encourages social change and amplifies marginalized voices.
Maryam’s academic background includes a Diploma in Interaction Design from Nanyang Polytechnic, and she is currently pursuing an Honorary Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art at Nanyang Academy of Fine Art. Her technical expertise is complemented by her experience in the design industry, having worked as a UX/UI designer at KPMG Singapore in 2023. Her achievements include being a finalist in the National Gallery Singapore’s Light to Night 2021 (signage), and she was honored with the ‘Best in Art and Performing Arts’ award in both 2015 and 2016 during her school years.
As Maryam continues to carve her path as an artist, she remains committed to using her platform not only to elevate her voice but also to inspire and connect with others in her community.