This exhibition provided young artists with the opportunity to create work that celebrates the media that shaped their childhood.
The Respark exhibition was curated by Ifa Shiddiq and hosted by Casuarina Library as part of Geektacular 2026.
Belva Syahda
Digital Illustration
The image of heroes everyone holds in their heart. I often find myself reminiscing days gone by, spent through the escapism of fictional worlds that were waiting to be explored. The only question is, where are those who share the memories? They’ve grown up. People age, but the stars in the sky will always have a place for you. May this journey lead us starward.
@bell_vallens
Betheni
Digital Art
I created my artwork because I have always loved not only cartoons, but also books and video games that have shaped me in a way. I always imagined if any media characters ever meet up, it be like when Alice first meets the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland, at a tea party. The design process was challenging on some areas; how many characters I wanted to put in, how big I wanted said characters to be, would it be a picnic like or more traditional tea party setting? In the end, this artwork represents the theme I chose where part of my childhood growing up either by being my favourite characters, a symbol or something else.
@Toonchild_04
Dippity
Digital (Drawing Tablet and Photoshop)
One of my favourite episodes of Round the Twist is “Grandad’s Gifts” (S2 EP8). It is also the second most terrifying episode to kid me (The first being the clown one). The story itself is actually quite bittersweet and very endearing but my, the prop they used for the fox is.. just… please look it up on Google. It’s worth it. Or better still watch the episode.
In short, there’s a noise coming from inside Linda’s bedroom wall, and it turns out to be the skin of a dead fox. She feeds it lemons from the tree, its innards were buried under, and it begins to get its bones and organs back.
What I would give to know what the general response to this prop was like from cast and crew, and especially Paul Jennings. This thing is so freaky, I love it.
@dippity_
Enrique
Digital (Software: Krita)
My art is mostly inspired by various cartoons, anime, games and media from around the Y2K era that I grew up on, featuring thick lineart, simple colouring and cel shading.
The character I drew is N, one of my favourite characters from the Pokémon anime and games. He has a deep attachment to Pokémon along with the ability to understand them, and challenges Pokémon trainers to rethink their relationship with Pokémon, in concern for their wellbeing.
@analogvirus01
Ifa Shiddiq
Digital Illustration
These characters are from the magical girl series Mermaid Melody where mermaid princesses who represent the seven seas transform into singing idols to defeat their enemies. The young mermaid, Seira, is the successor to the older mermaid, Sara, as the Orange Pearl Mermaid Princess of the Indian Ocean. This was my first proper anime I watched back in primary school and probably sparked my love for personifying and redheads.
@eskrimko
Ignatia
Digital illustration with self-taken photograph textures
Pixi Star from MoviestarPlanet and Poppet from Moshi Monsters. Two social flash games which I was obsessed with as a kid and still inspire me today 🙂
Ira Shiddiq
Digital Illustration
Spongebob, big guy pants, okay (grrah!)
Lulu Felicia Hartono (TsuToori)
Digital Artwork, CLIP STUDIO PAINT
Jun Mochizuki was one of my favourite mangaka of all time. I got introduced into “Pandora Hearts” and it really influenced how I design characters up till now.
@TsuToori
Mapendo Kakozi
Colour pencils
A Merlin and Adventure Time inspired artwork. A fallen prince with magical hair. The prince’s long blond hair is inspired by Finn and the prince concept by Arthur. These are two shows I used to enjoy watching re-runs of on the TV and have recently re-watched and grew to love once more. I appreciate the aforementioned characters’ strive in spreading hope and the persistency in their effort to better their failing world.
Milo
Digital Art
I LOVE DANGANRONPA SO MUCH OMG I LOVE DANGANRONPA
@milosthedrink