"I realised that within my own industry, there just wasn't that sort of platform for people who looked like me... And I wanted to provide that accessibility, that platform for people who've never had the space to do that."

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 &ndash; 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 &ndash; 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 <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">others to be more aware of the experiences that the black and brown community in Singapore face.

Why do you think it's important to have spaces like Archipelagirl in Singapore?
One of the things that really got me thinking was Dennis Chew's 'brownface' saga in 2019. I felt like all around me, I was seeing people who don't look like me in ads, in the media, and it made me question things: Like why aren't we included in these stories? Would I ever be given that same platform to speak out?
Also, I felt that it took me longer to be recognised as an artist compared to my Chinese peers. Connections do play a role in the industry &ndash; it's a big deal. 'Bro culture' also exists, and it was quite difficult for me to get my foot in the door. That's why we want a database for black and brown creatives, to give them a space to showcase their work to clients and other creatives.

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 &ndash; 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 &ndash; but now, we know that we can't just let it be.

Photography JOEL LOW Styling GREGORY WOO All Jewellery TIFFANY &amp; CO.
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT Eddie Teo STYLING ASSISTANT Rin Azhar HAIR Peter Lee using WELLA PROFESSIONALS MAKEUP Sha Shamsi using HERM&Egrave;S BEAUTY

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

Recommended posts for you

Fashion

AESPA's NingNing Kicks off Festivities with Versace's Holiday 2024 Campaign

Fashion

Digital Cover Story: Hwang In-youp Makes His Sparkling Return

Fashion

All The Celebrities at The Sound of Prada in Seoul

Watches & Jewellery

Cartier, the Power of Magic Exhibition Opens at Shanghai Museum

Fashion

(G)I-DLE's Song Yuqi Shines in her First Tory Burch Campaign as New Ambassador

Beauty

How to Translate the 'Clean Goth' Fashion Trend to Your Beauty Routine

Fashion

BLACKPINK's Jennie's Best Airport Fashion Moments So Far

Fashion

The Dior Caro Backpack: A Modern Icon in the Making