In Singapore graffiti, street art and murals are illegal. Unless commissioned, of course. Spontaneity, improvisation and bottom-up initiatives are not really promoted or appreciated by the government.
As a consequence there are not a lot of murals to be found. But for those who look for them and put some effort in it, there ARE a few areas where you can find them.
I wrote about that here.
Since the start of the project Mural Art @ Singapore River, there is one more area to add to my list: the six bridge underpass spaces at both sides of Clemenceau Bridge, Coleman Bridge (at New Bridge Road) and Elgin Bridge (at South Bridge Road).
In november 2012 local artists, solo as well as collectives, were selected to paint the long walls of the underpasses. Themes had to be related to water, the river and/or (the history of) Singapore.
Their works would stay there at least for 9 months from end of january 2013 onwards, after which an open call will be made for new designs.
The goal of the project is to attract more people to come to the area and enjoy the historical quays.
I liked the area already, but the underpasses were indeed quite boring and ugly. The only adornment were rows of prohibitory signs threatening with exorbitant fines. See how that rhymes? LOL.
Most, yet not all of the signs are now gone there.
Instead the walls are a long canvas for very colorful murals.
And this is just one of the underpasses!
Love it!!!! We want more! Doesn’t this just beautify the city? And make our walks more fun and interesting?
Blind walls, huge sidewalls of HDB flats….let’s give them a facelift with a beautiful mural. Who’s with me???
What bright and unusual murals.
bisous
Suzanne
Glad you like them too, Suzanne. And thanks for stopping by every day;-). Much appreciated!