PERANAKAN matriarchs outlined in bright and bold colours have always been a big draw in artist Martin Loh's works.

But in his 17th exhibition, another kind of strong woman is taking centre stage in his paintings.

And they are rather more celestial: the Goddess of Mercy, the Virgin Mary and the Goddess of the Sea, all wearing colourful sarong kebayas and beaded slippers.

Read the full story in Saturday's edition of The Straits Times' Life!