Irina Forrester
(b.1969, Moscow.)Working in oils and mixed media, Irina Forrester captures everyday objects and scenes at the point where reality begins to dissolve into abstraction.
“Through my work, I invite viewers to form new memories, revisit familiar places and reconnect with past experiences - creating paintings that are easy to live with.”
Living in a tropical climate has reshaped the artist's subject matter and palette. Aware that her time in Singapore is limited, Irina feels compelled to record as much as she can of what she observes around her on canvas. She offers viewers a different perspective on familiar surroundings - seen through the eyes of an outsider, a guest in this landscape.
Most of Irina’s work is painted from life or, when completed in the studio, developed from sketches made on location. While oil remains her primary medium, she has been actively exploring mixed media as part of her evolving visual language.
Her work has been shown at the Affordable Art Fair in both Singapore and Hong Kong.
Selected Works
49.5 × 49.5cm (unframed)
53 x 53cm (framed)
Mixed media on paper
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On a verge of abstraction, this mixed media work on paper is based on the overall impression and the feel of a quite corner of an overgrown part of the jungle - a few remaining corners of otherwise urban environment of Singapore.
45 × 45cm (unframed)
47 x 47cm (framed)
Oil on canvas
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This still life pairs vibrant orchids with ripe persimmons, balancing elegance and abundance. The flowing brushwork and rich reds, golds, and deep greens evoke prosperity, harmony, and seasonal change. Rooted in observation yet expressive in handling, the composition celebrates colour, vitality, and the quiet refinement of everyday beauty.
49.5 × 49.5cm (unframed)
53 x 53cm (framed)
Mixed media on paper
45 × 45cm (unframed)
47 x 47cm (framed)
Oil on canvas
51 × 51cm (unframed)
43 x 53cm (framed)
Oil on canvas
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Spring Bouquet captures the gentle freshness of the season in a loose, expressive arrangement of white and blue blooms. Soft tonal shifts and textured brushwork create a sense of light and air, while the restrained palette evokes quiet renewal, intimacy, and the fleeting beauty of flowers gathered from life.
45 × 45cm (unframed)
47 x 47cm (framed)
Oil on canvas
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Semi abstract still life with persimmons would appeal to someone who is looking for a modern take on a traditional subject of still life. Persimmons in Chinese culture are a powerful symbol of good fortune, longevity and joy. They are traditionally gifted for good luck.
51 × 51cm (unframed)
43 x 53cm (framed)
Oil on canvas
45 × 45cm (unframed)
47 x 47cm (framed)
Oil on canvas
Selected Exhibitions
2026
Upcoming - Affordable Art Fair, Singapore
Solo show, FIIDAA Art Consultancy. Singapore
2025
Affordable Art Fair, Singapore
American Club, Singapore
2024
Affordable Art Fair, Singapore
From sketch to finished work, Moscow
Int’l Painting and Calligraphy show, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Tokyo
Affordable Art Fair, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong
2023
Affordable Art Fair, Singapore
9th Edition of the ARTGeminiPrize shortlist, Y2ARTS gallery, Singapore
Seeking Wonder, Phnom Pehn, Cambodia
Collections
Irina’s works are held in private collections in the UK, the USA, Canada, Europe, Russia, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Awards/ Shortlists
Jackson's Prize 2026, Extended Longlist entry, February 2026
Finalist of Art Gemini Prize 2023, the 9th Edition
Press & Publications
Women in Arts Network, April 2026
Suboart Magazine, January 2026
Home&Decor SG Magazine, July 2025
Create!Magazine, AQ VI issue, 2025
The Straits Times, September 2025
To enquire about available works, commissions, or institutional loans, please contact us directly. All works are offered with full provenance documentation and a certificate of authenticity.