The Lunar New Year has always been a time of reflection and renewal for me. This year, though, it was bittersweet because my longtime caregiver plans to return to her home country in a few weeks.
With her departure on the horizon, I scaled back visits to extended family during this festive period. My caregiver’s health has declined after a sudden illness two years ago, and I wanted to ease her workload. Nevertheless, she still prepared our annual steamboat dinner, ensuring that our small gathering at home retained its warmth and familiarity.
Despite the quieter celebrations, the season has brought moments of joy. Two days ago, my girlfriend, Amanda, and I met with my childhood art mentor, Geok Seng Ng. We had reconnected two months earlier, and this time, we discussed Amanda embarking on formal art training under his guidance. Unlike me, Amanda never had structured lessons in visual arts. She has honed her craft as a self-taught artist specializing in digital illustrations and paintings. This new chapter of learning stirred a deep nostalgia in me.
More than 20 years ago, I sat in Ng’s art classes at our family home with my late older brother, Isaac, painting against the backdrop of our garden courtyard. Isaac, who, like me, had Duchenne muscular dystrophy, was an excellent artistic companion. Though Duchenne later robbed us of our ability to create art with our hands, those early years shaped who we became. Meeting Ng again and watching Amanda’s enthusiasm for this new venture felt like closing a circle while opening another.
Last year, Amanda and I co-founded Rebirth Ensemble, an art-making business built on the principle that creativity should be inclusive and accessible. Her first lessons with Ng mark a personal milestone and a shared mission to push the boundaries of what disabled artists can accomplish in Singapore’s mainstream art scene. Through Rebirth Ensemble, we hope to challenge misconceptions, foster collaboration, and redefine artistic excellence on our own terms.
As someone who, as a child, once used his paintings to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (Singapore), it feels profoundly rewarding to me to uplift another disabled artist — one who also happens to be my soulmate. Our art has always had a purpose, and I look forward to seeing how this next chapter unfolds. The creative legacy we build won’t just be our own, but rather one that resonates beyond us.
Note: Muscular Dystrophy News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Muscular Dystrophy News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to muscular dystrophy.