Artist Natasha Hassan wants to create a space for brown creatives in Singapore

Artist and designer Natasha Hassan is tired of being the diversity hire. "I've been in situations where a company was called out for not hiring brown artists, and immediately I get a call from the same company, asking if I can work with them," she says. In many ways, she feels like black and brown artists in Singapore are "like footnotes that they forgot to include."

"I felt it took me longer to be recognised as an artist compared to my Chinese peers," she says. "Connections do play a role – it was quite difficult for me to get my foot in the door."

That's why Natasha set up Archipelagirl, an online space and database for black and brown artists to showcase their work. "I realised that within my own industry, there just wasn't that sort of platform for people who looked like me," she says. "And I wanted to provide that accessibility, that platform for people who've never had the space to do that."

Beyond just providing an avenue for artists to court prospective clients and foster collaborations, Archipelagirl also aims to highlight the stories and issues that the black and brown communities in Singapore face. Recent issues that were discussed include the People's Association saga (in which they took a woman's wedding photo and used it as a Hari Raya- themed cut-out) and the need to speak about issues like race "without the threat of police reports."

"Ultimately, I wish that people would just value us for our work, regardless of what we look like," says Natasha. "But for now, places like Archipelagirl are necessary."

Where did you get the idea for Archipelagirl from?

I've always wanted to create a database for creatives in Singapore – especially for people who look like me. The Black Lives Matter movement last year was that push; it was just overwhelming, and it made everyone, including myself, have their own reflections about their own communities.
I saw in the United Kingdom, black creatives were making databases for their own communities, and I felt that within Singapore, within my own industry, there wasn't that sort of platform available.
Archipelagirl wants to provide accessibility for creatives who have never had the space to do it. At the same time, it helps others to be more aware of the experiences that the black and brown community in Singapore face.

Do you think that, in a way, only deepens the sense that black and brown artists are 'token' hires?

I did think of it that way. But then I realised, why not capitalise on it? I've been in situations where companies were called out for not hiring brown artists, and then I immediately get a call from them. It definitely feels uncomfortable to be the diversity token. But I don't mind the coins, because it's a start.

Still, I wish it wouldn't be the case, that I can just be seen as an artist, and that my work is valued regardless of what I look like. But there needs to be a starting point. It is controversial, but for now, I believe that places like Archipelagirl are necessary.

Archipelagirl also provides commentary on issues that affect the black and brown community in Singapore. Why was that important for you to do?

It relates to both me and my co-founder so much. When we see another brown person being threatened by a larger authority, we feel like, in some way, it has happened to us before.

Growing up, my race has always been used as a punchline – like, 'Oh, you're Indian.' Or comments and jokes about the colour of my skin. Just microaggressions that many of us have grown up with, things that we have let slide – but now, we know that we can't just let it be.

Photography JOEL LOW
Styling GREGORY WOO
All Jewellery TIFFANY & CO.

PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT Eddie Teo
STYLING ASSISTANT Rin Azhar
HAIR Peter Lee using WELLA PROFESSIONALS
MAKEUP Sha Shamsi using HERMÈS BEAUTY