Louisa Raj

Louisa Raj is a Singaporean artist whose work has been showcased in various galleries across Singapore, including White Space Art Asia, ARTitude Galería, and Wasuka Gallery. Her paintings are held in private collections locally and internationally.Her practice centres on ordinary objects such as rice bags, mahjong tiles, and household items. These are things that are part of daily life and often overlooked. Painting these objects is her way of drawing attention back to them.A two-time finalist in the UOB Painting of the Year competition (2023 and 2024), Louisa’s work continues to gain recognition. In 2025, she was commissioned by the Singapore Tourism Board to create a large-scale mural for the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix Hospitality Suite. Her work has also been featured in CNA, Lian He Zao Bao, MustShareNews, Stomp, NuYou, Grazia etc.She recently presented her debut solo exhibition with Wasuka Gallery.Louisa's work speaks to a broad audience while remaining grounded in Asian cultural contexts. Her practice continues to evolve through focus, experimentation, and close attention to what is often overlooked.

Title : Niigata Koshihikari Japanese Rice
Size : 82cm x 61cm
Medium : Acrylic on canvas, adhesive tape, ribbon
Year : 2025My art practice has always centred on everyday objects, and rice felt like a natural subject because of how deeply it is woven into daily life in Asia.I remember learning a poem about rice in primary school, teaching us not to waste food because every grain comes from someone’s hard work. Over time, I realised it was never just about rice, but about the unseen effort behind the things we consume.For many of us, rice is not a side dish. It is the meal. It carries memories, traditions, and a sense of home.As a city person, my relationship with rice is shaped by supermarkets and
packaging. I’m drawn to their design, shape, and how instantly recognisable they are.This series is a culmination of my practice so far, combining hyperrealism, installation, and sculptures.The larger-than-life scale is meant to slow down looking and ask:
What does rice mean to you? What else have we stopped noticing?

Title : Song He Fragrant Rice
Size : 148cm x 76cm
Medium : Acrylic on canvas, cross-stitch thread, adhesive tape
Year : 2025My art practice has always centred on everyday objects, and rice felt like a natural subject because of how deeply it is woven into daily life in Asia.I remember learning a poem about rice in primary school, teaching us not to waste food because every grain comes from someone’s hard work. Over time, I realised it was never just about rice, but about the unseen effort behind the things we consume.For many of us, rice is not a side dish. It is the meal. It carries memories, traditions, and a sense of home.As a city person, my relationship with rice is shaped by supermarkets and
packaging. I’m drawn to their design, shape, and how instantly recognisable they are.This series is a culmination of my practice so far, combining hyperrealism, installation, and sculptures.The larger-than-life scale is meant to slow down looking and ask:
What does rice mean to you? What else have we stopped noticing?

Title : Shi Yue Dao Tian
Size : 112cm x 61cm
Medium : Acrylic on canvas, adhesive tape, plastic grip handle
Year : 2025My art practice has always centred on everyday objects, and rice felt like a natural subject because of how deeply it is woven into daily life in Asia.I remember learning a poem about rice in primary school, teaching us not to waste food because every grain comes from someone’s hard work. Over time, I realised it was never just about rice, but about the unseen effort behind the things we consume.For many of us, rice is not a side dish. It is the meal. It carries memories, traditions, and a sense of home.As a city person, my relationship with rice is shaped by supermarkets and
packaging. I’m drawn to their design, shape, and how instantly recognisable they are.This series is a culmination of my practice so far, combining hyperrealism, installation, and sculptures.The larger-than-life scale is meant to slow down looking and ask:
What does rice mean to you? What else have we stopped noticing?

Title : Royal Umbrella Rice
Size : 133cm x 76cm
Medium : Acrylic on canvas, adhesive tape
Year : 2025My art practice has always centred on everyday objects, and rice felt like a natural subject because of how deeply it is woven into daily life in Asia.I remember learning a poem about rice in primary school, teaching us not to waste food because every grain comes from someone’s hard work. Over time, I realised it was never just about rice, but about the unseen effort behind the things we consume.For many of us, rice is not a side dish. It is the meal. It carries memories, traditions, and a sense of home.As a city person, my relationship with rice is shaped by supermarkets and
packaging. I’m drawn to their design, shape, and how instantly recognisable they are.This series is a culmination of my practice so far, combining hyperrealism, installation, and sculptures.The larger-than-life scale is meant to slow down looking and ask:
What does rice mean to you? What else have we stopped noticing?

Title : Golden Pineapple Rice
Size : 132cm x 92cm
Medium : Acrylic on canvas, cross stitch thread, cotton bias tape
Year : 2025My art practice has always centred on everyday objects, and rice felt like a natural subject because of how deeply it is woven into daily life in Asia.I remember learning a poem about rice in primary school, teaching us not to waste food because every grain comes from someone’s hard work. Over time, I realised it was never just about rice, but about the unseen effort behind the things we consume.For many of us, rice is not a side dish. It is the meal. It carries memories, traditions, and a sense of home.As a city person, my relationship with rice is shaped by supermarkets and
packaging. I’m drawn to their design, shape, and how instantly recognisable they are.This series is a culmination of my practice so far, combining hyperrealism, installation, and sculptures.The larger-than-life scale is meant to slow down looking and ask:
What does rice mean to you? What else have we stopped noticing?

Title : India Gate Basmati Rice
Size : 82cm x 61cm
Medium : Acrylic on canvas, adhesive tape,nylon rope, grommet eyelet
Year : 2025My art practice has always centred on everyday objects, and rice felt like a natural subject because of how deeply it is woven into daily life in Asia.I remember learning a poem about rice in primary school, teaching us not to waste food because every grain comes from someone’s hard work. Over time, I realised it was never just about rice, but about the unseen effort behind the things we consume.For many of us, rice is not a side dish. It is the meal. It carries memories, traditions, and a sense of home.As a city person, my relationship with rice is shaped by supermarkets and
packaging. I’m drawn to their design, shape, and how instantly recognisable they are.This series is a culmination of my practice so far, combining hyperrealism, installation, and sculptures.The larger-than-life scale is meant to slow down looking and ask:
What does rice mean to you? What else have we stopped noticing?

Title : Shi San Yao 十三幺
Size : 36" x 36"
Medium : Acrylic on Canvas
Year : 2024
Availability : In Private CollectionAt first glance, this painting looks like a typical mahjong table. But if you look closer, the tiles facing the viewer form Shi San Yao (十三幺)—one of the rarest and most powerful hands in mahjong. Made from tiles often seen as disconnected and discarded, this hand symbolizes turning challenges into triumphs.This artwork is dedicated to those who didn’t start with the ‘best cards’ in life but kept going and created something extraordinary.The hidden winning tiles also serve as a reminder to appreciate the quiet blessings we often overlook—food, shelter, loved ones—the true 'winning hand' in life.Every one of the 148 tiles demanded meticulous attention. The canvas itself mirrors the real dimensions of a mahjong table and comes with a custom wooden frame designed to resemble a real-life mahjong table.

Title : Qing Yi Se 清一色
Size : 36" x 36"
Medium : Acrylic on Canvas
Year : 2024
Availability : In Private CollectionWith “Qing Yi Se”, I aimed to capture the essence of the mahjong table on canvas. This piece represents my most challenging painting yet.Each of the 148 tiles demanded meticulous attention. The canvas mirrors the real dimensions of a mahjong table.While on first look it may seem like a typical mahjong scene, there's a hidden revelation. The tiles facing the viewer form the winning set 清一色. This subtlety prompts reflection on life's victories.We often chase after victories, unaware that we may have already won. Like the winning tiles before us, so too are the blessings that surround us—food, shelter, money, and loved ones.This piece challenges viewers to appreciate their personal abundance. In this realization, we find true fulfilment and contentment.

Title : Qi Xing Bu Kao 七星不靠
Size : 36" x 36"
Medium : Acrylic on Canvas
Year : 2024
Availability : In Private CollectionAt first glance, it might seem like a typical mahjong table. However, a closer look will reveal a hidden detail: the tiles facing the viewer form the winning set 七星不靠, a lesser-known hand in Singapore but prominent in China-style mahjong. This hand consists of 东南西北中发白, along with 147, 258, and 369 of other suits that are not connected ("ka-long"), and without a pair or "eye."The symbolism of these seemingly unconnected and useless “ka-long” tiles forming a powerful winning hand is deeply meaningful to me. Often discarded and deemed unlucky, these tiles, when brought together, create something extraordinary. 七星不靠 translates to "not relying on the seven stars”.I dedicate this painting to those who started with humble beginnings, without any "lucky stars," but played a wonderful game with the hand they were dealt.This hidden detail adds another dimension to the painting. In life, we often chase victories, not realizing we may have already won. Just like the winning tiles, blessings such as food, shelter, money, and loved ones are right in front of us. This artwork gently reminds viewers to see the abundance around us and find true fulfillment and contentment in that realization.The canvas itself mirrors the real dimensions of a mahjong table and comes with a custom wooden frame designed to resemble a real-life mahjong table.

Title : Da San Yuan 大三元
Size : 36" x 36"
Medium : Acrylic on Canvas
Year : 2024
Availability : In Private CollectionWhile the initial impression may seem like a typical mahjong scene, there's a hidden detail. The tiles facing the viewer form the winning set 大三元 （Big Three Dragons), one of the rarest and highest-paying hands.In life, we often chase after victories, not realising we may have already won. Just like the winning tiles, blessings like food, shelter, money, and loved ones are right in front of us. This artwork gently reminds the viewers to see the abundance that surrounds us, and find true fulfillment and contentment in that realisation.With “Da San Yuan”, I aimed to capture the essence of the mahjong table on canvas, pushing my boundaries of detail in the process. Each of the 148 tiles demanded meticulous attention. The canvas itself mirrors the real dimensions of a mahjong table and comes with a custom wooden frame designed to resemble a real-life mahjong table.This painting has been shortlisted for UOB Painting of the Year 2024.

Title: Big Four Blessings 大四喜
Size: 36" x 36"
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Year: 2024
Availability: In Private CollectionAt first glance, this painting might look like a typical mahjong table, but there’s a significant detail—the tiles facing the viewer form the winning set 大四喜 (Big Four Blessings), one of the rarest and most rewarding hands in mahjong.In life, we often chase victories, unaware that we may have already won. Just like the hidden winning tiles, our blessings—family, health, food, and love—are right in front of us.This painting invites viewers to pause and recognize the abundance around them, finding fulfillment not in the endless chase but in appreciating what is already present.With “Big Four Blessing,” I wanted to share a gentle reminder of life’s blessings.The intricate details of the 148 tiles reflect my dedication to this piece. The canvas itself mirrors the real dimensions of a mahjong table and comes with a custom wooden frame designed to resemble a real-life mahjong table.

Title : Nescafe Coffee Jar
Size : 30" x 40"
Medium : Acrylic on Canvas
Year : 2024
Availability : AvailableLife often feels like a collection of big milestones—our graduation day, wedding day, buying our first home. But in between, it’s the quiet, unassuming moments that shape us in ways we might only realize later.This painting captures one of those moments for me: the first time I had black coffee. It was more than just a cup of Nescafé—it marked a subtle transition into adulthood. Affordable, accessible, and comforting, it became a symbol of a phase in my life when I began taking on responsibilities and being accountable for my choices.Through this piece, I want to celebrate the beauty of the ordinary and invite viewers to reflect on the small but significant moments in their own lives—moments that quietly define who we are.

Title : Apple Juice Can
Size : 40" x 60"
Medium : Acrylic on Canvas
Year : 2023
Availability : In Private CollectionThis piece brings me back to kopitiam dinners with my dad. Every time I reached for this drink, he’d half-jokingly say, “Ice drink again? You think good for you ah?”—a line I heard so often it’s etched in my memory. But he’d always give in and buy it for me anyway. It was a small gesture, but it meant everything. It was his way of showing love—the quiet, consistent kind expressed through daily acts of care. That fatherly love shaped the way I see the world.This painting was named Artwork of the Week by Artworks Gallery in March 2025.

Title : Milkmaid Condensed Milk Can
Size : 30" x 40"
Medium : Acrylic on Canvas
Year : 2023
Availability : In Private CollectionThis can of condensed milk takes me back to those late nights after the 9pm Channel 8 drama, when my siblings and I would gather around, sipping the Milo our mom made for us before bed. We’d all secretly hope for the cup with the most condensed milk, because that was the real treat. It was a small thing, but it was how my mom showed her love—through quiet, everyday acts of care.I can’t remember exactly when or why, but one day, my mom made Milo with condensed milk for us one last time, and we never asked for it again. We had outgrown it.This painting is a quiet goodbye to those nights. It marks that first, unnoticed step out of childhood and into something else—a shift I only recognised much later.This painting has been shortlisted for UOB Painting of the Year 2023.

Title : Tiger Balm
Size : 14" x 18"
Medium : Acrylic on Canvas
Year : 2023
Availability : In Private CollectionGrowing up, stomachaches were an unwelcome companion, and Tiger Balm was my relief. Its familiar scent marked many of my younger days. When nervous jitters about school would twist my stomach into knots. But as I grew older, those school anxieties waned, and so did my reliance on this balm. Its absence became a sign of change, of growing up.

Title : Qing Cao You
Size : 12" x 12"
Medium : Acrylic on Canvas
Year : 2023
Availability : In Private CollectionBack when days were spent running in playgrounds, I'd often find myself with cuts and bruises. Qing Cao You was always there, bringing that immediate sting and then the relief. As I grew, my playful dashes turned into more controlled jogs, and I found fewer reasons to reach for this bottle. But even now, holding it, I can almost feel the sharp bite of its touch on fresh wounds. A tangible reminder of a time when every day was an adventure.

Title : Mama Lemon Dishwashing Liquid
Size : 16" x 20"
Medium : Acrylic on Canvas
Year : 2023
Availability : In Private CollectionIn our family, meals were always homemade; it was a three-kids single-income household. With every meal savoured at home, my mother's silhouette became etched in memory, tirelessly scrubbing with her trusted Mama Lemon by her side. Watching her, that brand became a symbol of dedication and love. Today, as I stand before my own sink, Mama Lemon remains my choice, a silent ode to those formative years and the hands that shaped them.

Title : Longan Can
Year : 2023
Size : 23" x 16.5"
Medium : Oil on CanvasEvery festive celebration in my childhood was marked by the delightful mix of Longans and Sprite. It was pure joy in a glass. At 17, things changed; I became more conscious of my weight and sugar took a back seat. This can of Longans represent a pivotal moment of transition for me—from carefree days of indulgence to ones of reflection and self-awareness.

45 Verse | March 2022 | NFT Collab with F45 Paya Lebar Singapore

Sep 2021 | NFT Collab with Telok Ayer Arts Club

Sep 2021 | NFT Collab with BOLT Global