Quit The Doomscroll: These 7 Artists On Instagram Are What Your Eyes Need Right Now
We all know the drill: get into bed, pick your p̶o̶i̶s̶o̶n̶ platform of choice, then scroll mindlessly to unwind from a long day. The doomscroll game ends when a) our brain hits the breaks and the hamster wheel in our heads power down for the day, or b) our eyes forcibly shutter like the last Filmgarde Cineplexes Cinema in Singapore did in Kallang the other day.
Either way, most of us end up consuming loads of brainrot or even distressing and negative content during that (hopefully short) time before we go to sleep. But if you're like us and want to start viewing more inspiring and high-quality posts, you're at the right place!
We've rounded up 7 amazing artists who post beautiful works on their Instagram accounts, so others can admire them for free. Talk about a blessing for the eyes (and brain)!
1. Zhao Xiaoli 赵小黎 (@lemon_zhaoxiaoli)
Photo from Zhao Xiaoli (via @lemon_zhaoxiaoli)
Chinese painter and internet sensation Zhao Xiaoli shot to fame on social media with videos of her creating art: a chaotic, messy, and sometimes even destructive process. Think smashing ceramics, scribbling across already-finished canvases, plus smashing and splashing paints everywhere — especially onto her gorgeous clothes, which never make it out of these videos unscathed.
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The videos always end with the messes turning into an even more enchanting piece of artwork, conveying the artist's message of chaos and breaking down as necessary for positive change. It's a mesmerising balance of dreamy, pastel paintings and performance art. Nature-loving girlies will especially enjoy seeing her incorporation of all kinds of flowers and fruits into these works!
2. Reza Afshar (@rezaa_afsharr)
Photo from Reza Afshar (via @rezaa_afsharr)
Landscape illustrator Reza Afshar is an artist of few words, with most of his post captions reading like a roster of computer file names — see 'Enjoy The Silence _2023' and 'Random artworks 2024'. But don't let that stop you from gaping open-mouthed at his extremely detailed and stunningly meticulous collection of alien landscapes. These are truly living examples of the saying 'a picture is worth a thousand words'.
Photo from Reza Afshar (via @rezaa_afsharr)
While most of his pieces feature locations that look straight out of sci-fi epics like Prometheus, Mad Max, and Interstellar, you'll also spot the occasional Dune commission and even fanworks of popular series like Berserk.
3. Jenni Inberg (@jenniinbergart)
Photo from Jenni Inberg (via @jenniinbergart)
To those who enjoy dreamy, fairytale-like art: if you're not following Jenni Inberg, WYD? This talented acrylic painter creates the most marvellous textured pieces, starring mystical forests filled with graceful animals, enchanting castles, and scenes that look like they came right out of a storybook.
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To make her work even more extraordinary, Jenni's canvases are pretty large and measure around 1 meter on average. While looking at pictures of these works is majestic enough for a daily dose of awe and inspiration, she also uploads numerous painting process videos documenting the artist's creation of each piece from start to finish. Plus, fans can readily purchase or commission her work (available as originals, prints, posters, and even jewellery trays!) via a beautiful online store.
4. Orhan Orhay (@orhan.oray)
Photo from Orhan Orhay (@orhan.oray)
Who said art has to be flat? Sculptor Orhan Orhay is out here proving that creativity knows no limit, especially not when it comes to dimension. Based in Turkey, Orhan crafts larger-than-life wall art of mystical beings like mermaids, angels, nymphs and mythic heroes. Just imagine: a floor-to-ceiling sculpture of a sea maiden, bursting from the wall at a resort, or an enormous 3D rendering of an angel behind the bar of a classy restaurant.
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What makes his work even cooler? These masterpieces sometimes come in colour, and we don't mean the usual pastels or lifelike designs. It wouldn't be hard to imagine these as set pieces for some high-budget, dark fantasy film the likes of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, or even Game of Thrones. If your Instagram feed desperately needs a break from the mundane, this is it.
5. Thomas Jackson (@thomasjackson415)
Photo from Thomas Jackson (via @thomasjackson)
Not vibing with contemporary art? Thomas Jackson might just change your mind. This installation artist and photographer creates surreal, gravity-defying art that looks like it belongs in a dream, or a sci-fi movie. Picture clusters of everyday objects like coloured paper, plastic cups, and wispy bolts of recycled cloth float midair like they just got caught in a magical windstorm. For some reason, it's oddly mesmerising and kind of hard to take your eyes off!
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Inspired by nature’s patterns, his work mimics the movements of flocks of birds, flowing water, and organic chaos. The best part? His Instagram is packed with behind-the-scenes peeks at how these installations come together. If you’re looking for something visually striking, guaranteed to get a double-take (and phone lockscreen-worthy), this feed is where it’s at.
6. Yong Hong Zhong (@yonghong.zhong.9)
Photo from Yong Hong Zhong (via @yonghong.zhong.9)
Let's face it: as city folk, most of us only get to really appreciate nature during a beach vacay or that once-in-a-blue-moon bike ride through the park. But if you'd like to squeeze a little more 'unwinding and smelling the roses' (at least through your screen) into your packed schedule, Oregon-based watercolour artist Yong Hong Zhong has got your back.
Photo from Yong Hong Zhong (via @yonghong.zhong.9)
Taking inspiration from nature, he captures the stunning landscapes with lush greenery, sprawling fields, and impressive mountains and rivers in dramatic, vibrant hues. Not only does this artist post very frequently (seriously, the man churns out 2-3 pieces of work in a week on average!), he also hosts online art classes on occasion, perfect for those who want to pick up a new skill or two.
7. Perci Chen (@percichen)
Photo from Perci Chen (via @percichen)
If tarot cards could have main character energy, then the star of the show would be the ones illustrated by Perci Chen. This artist brings mythology, fantasy, and popular fandoms together in a dreamy swirl of colors and symbolism. Her designs are intricate yet very comfortable to study for a long time, striking that unusual balance between cute and spellbinding.
Photo from Perci Chen (via @percichen)
While we spotted character-inspired designs like these featuring some iconic Pokémon, most of her illustrations feature original characters and settings, making it super fun for those who enjoy looking at art of unique and alternate worlds.
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