In The Privilege of Being, Chewy Yap invites viewers into a space of quiet presence and mindful creation. Known for her textile-based abstractions, Yap draws from both her engineering background and her family’s legacy in dressmaking to develop a practice that balances structure with surrender. Her process begins without a predetermined theme; instead, each work unfolds as an intuitive conversation of cutting, layering, painting, and gilding, where every mark and gesture reflects her attentive engagement with the present moment.

The works in this exhibition embody this rhythm of becoming. Textured collages of cut canvas evoke the dress patterns of her childhood, transformed into layered abstractions that shimmer with movement yet rest in stillness. Through this language of fabric and form, Yap connects personal memory with broader themes of transformation, grounding her abstractions in both heritage and innovation.

At its heart, The Privilege of Being is an exploration of presence. In allowing her paintings to evolve organically—becoming what they wish to be—Yap embraces the grace of simply being: present, alive, attuned. For audiences, the works extend the same invitation. Standing before these canvases becomes more than an aesthetic experience; it is a moment of permission to pause, reflect, and rediscover one’s own inner stillness.

With a practice that continues to draw attention from both curators and collectors, Yap has established herself as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary abstraction. Her pieces are consistently sought after in the art market, prized for their material sensitivity and quiet power. This exhibition marks a pivotal moment in her trajectory, presenting works that will be remembered as essential milestones in her evolving career.

Through this offering, Yap reaffirms the role of art not only as expression, but also as a shared space of mindfulness and renewal. The Privilege of Being celebrates art as a reminder of what it means to exist fully in the now.