What does it mean to be me? on becoming, the latest installation by n:ow arts, turns this question into a multisensory experience that envelops and unsettles in equal measure. Inside NUS Libraries’ 360imx immersive room, audiences are surrounded by moving images, layered soundscapes, shifting scents, and embodied gestures that mirror the fluidity of self. It is not about decoding “art” in the traditional sense — but about pausing, reflecting, and noticing what stirs within you. The work reminds us that identity is never fixed, but always in motion, always on the onset of ‘becoming’.
n:ow arts is a collective of five NUS students who came together with a shared desire to create and experiment beyond conventional theatre. Since 2024, they have been artists-in-residence with third space, an OSA-CFA arts platform that nurtures collaborative and experimental work in the University. on becoming marks their second major project in this residency, created with fellow student artists and guided by acclaimed practitioners Brian Gothong Tan and Syafiq Halid. Selected sessions feature a live performer, adding an intimate layer of honesty and vulnerability.
OSA sat down with n:ow arts to hear how this work came to life and why it matters to students today.
OSA: on becoming is your second showcase as part of third space. What can one expect at the showcase?
n:ow arts: on becoming is a fresh experience to the arts. Through storytelling using multimedia, sound, scent and performance, we will transform the 360imx room into a multisensory installation, providing students an exciting glance to the experimental possibilities of the arts on campus.
OSA: The work talks about questioning “who we are” and “who we want to be.” How do you hope students will feel or think differently after seeing it?
n:ow arts: This work highlights that our identities are not fixed, but constantly evolving. It explores how we navigate self-identity and embrace ourselves within a society shaped by rigid norms. It invites many possibilities for connection — whether students resonate with the stories, discover new perspectives, or simply pause to reflect. We hope they carry the question “What does it mean to be me?” long after experiencing the work, and leave assured that they are not alone in this journey.
"on becoming" Director, Evangel Wong (third from left), introducing the work to invited guests before a preview of the work.
OSA: This show is in a 360-degree screen room, a first-of-its-kind in a Singapore university. What’s the best thing about creating art in this space?
n:ow arts: We were drawn to the room for its immersive 360 degree visual projection and sound system, excited by what we could achieve. Yet creating our work here has challenged us in unexpected ways, as it is our first time working with this form. We had to balance learning the technical requirements — from producing videos that fit the room’s dimensions to shaping the audience’s experience — with making art we are proud of. The uniqueness of the space allowed us to stretch our creativity.
Live performer, Lim Jia Ying, rehearsing for the live performance in the space.
OSA: You worked with fellow NUS students and industry mentors to bring sight, sound, scent, and touch into this artwork. How did the different skills and perspectives come together to shape the final piece?
n:ow arts: The diversity of our student collaborators — with their different artistic backgrounds, technical skills, and lived experiences — is what makes this project special. We supported one another through learning curves, explored the theme together, and shaped the final piece through our combined efforts. Alongside this, we were fortunate to work with mentors who not only taught us technical skills, particularly in sound design and multimedia, but also guided us through the creative process. Their professional insight and support greatly enriched the work.
Sound artist and mentor, Syafiq Halid (first from right), interacting with student artists.
OSA: Some viewings feature a live perfomer. How does the performer add depth or additional meaning to the artwork?
n:ow arts: The viewing with a live performer in the space adds an extra layer of complexity and nuance to the experience, offering other perspectives to the stories and another layer of embodied truth, as told through the performer’s body. The live performer becomes a vessel for emotions and a grounding force in the space, allowing possibilities for connection. There are three different performers across the run, with one featured at each session. Each will engage with the space in their own way, meaning every performance will be different — shaped by how each artist responds to the work, how they move, and the additional stories and layers they express through their movements.
OSA: Since starting your third space residency, what’s the biggest thing you’ve learned about creating art for a student community?
n:ow arts: Since our residency, we have evolved not just as artists, but as people — both individually and as a team. We have developed resilience and strength shaped by the challenges of producing and creating these works, while balancing the high workload from multiple projects. Because every piece we make is original, conceptualised, and created either within the team or with collaborators, this process has instilled discipline and a deeper dedication to our craft. With each project, we get more meticulous with our artistic intentions, constantly trying to broaden our understanding of each topic. This is just the beginning of our journey — watch us grow!
The team, comprising 11 student artists, guided by mentors Syafiq Halid (last row, first from left) and Brian Gothong Tan (last row, second from left) and third space OSA staff advisor, River Chua (last row, third from right).
OSA: For students thinking about joining third space or starting their own projects, what advice would you offer?
n:ow arts: Don’t wait until you feel “ready” to create. Create as you learn, as you grow, and as you refine. As students, we have countless safety nets ready to catch us, so while the stakes are low, reach for the sky. Just do it — take the first step, keep going, and keep growing.
"on becoming" is a free showcase available from 1-6 Sep, with some shows open to public, click here to learn more.
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