Experience the deeply personal hand-drawn illustrations by local artist Sonam Yangdon in Hyphen’s newest exhibition I AM SONAM, now open in the Hallway Gallery.
Known for her expressive sketches and heartfelt narratives, Sonam offers a truly personal insight into her youth and struggle with loneliness and isolation when she first moved from Bhutan to Australia at age 15.
In her work, Sonam explores the uncertainty of life and demonstrates the importance of self-reflection and connection through art.
Drawn from her private diary entries, her work is a beacon of hope for anyone navigating life’s uncertainties, with each piece offering a space for empathy, understanding and the comfort of shared experience.
The exhibition features two main series, I AM SONAM and Dear Myself, which make up a total of 36 small-scale, multi-media works.
“Both series are deeply personal to me,” Sonam reflects.
“Dear Myself was created when I needed someone to lean on and I AM SONAM was developed as a chant of confidence for myself in high school.
“My process begins with pencil and coloured pencil sketches, which I then refine and enhance in Photoshop.”
Illustrating messages of love, life and compassion, Sonam experiences her own spiritual connection to her Bhutanese heritage in her creative expression.
“Bhutan is a Buddhist country and although I am not a practicing Buddhist, in a way it feels like I am reflecting the concepts I grew up with through my art.”
Currently in the midst of her university studies, she still feels deeply connected to her art, particularly given the new exhibition.
“To have this amazing opportunity to exhibit at Hyphen is extremely encouraging. It is a reminder that my love for art is deeper than I think and even more of a reason to continue doing what I love,” she reflects.
“I hope my art reaches people like me and helps them feel acknowledged. I want it to bring warmth to their life, even if it is for a fleeting moment.”
Displaying I AM SONAM at Hyphen was made possible for Sonam through the gallery’s extensive Artistic Program.
Its purpose is to nurture creativity, connection, curiosity and expression by providing an accessible and inspiring environment for artists to demonstrate their work.
Expressions of interest for the 2026 – 2027 exhibition program are currently open.
Sonam’s mission to turn the emotional weight of her experiences into a way to connect with her audience has been materialised through Hyphen and demonstrates the possibilities that await for other aspiring local artists.
Her advice is to embrace every opportunity and to take pride in sharing one’s art with others.
“Post it on social media, promote yourself, tell everyone you’re an artist - people will see your passion and you will be found,” she encourages.
“Exhibiting in Hyphen is a stepping stone in my artistic journey.
“This is only the beginning.”
The must-see I AM SONAM exhibition is currently displayed in the Hallway Gallery at Hyphen – Wodonga Library Gallery until Wednesday, July 30.