An artistic tour through historically and culturally important neighborhoods in Singapore continues with an art collective’s curated art walk in Emerald Hill. Those interested can experience the art history of Emerald Hill during four weekends next month. Thirty dollars purchase three different tours that, in total, will take ninety minutes, as well as access to an art exhibit.
One of the biggest themes in this art walk will be the area’s colonial embracing of nutmeg plantations. These profitable growing operations were started after Sir Stamford Raffles sent the seeds to Singapore. It was so popular and profitable to grow nutmeg in the beginning of the 1800s that many agricultural efforts in Singapore were abandoned in order to grow the spice. Important to note is that Singapore does not fault Raffles for this history. In fact, there is still a statue of the colonizer in a prominent area of the nation.
More than twenty artists will be taking part in the curated art walk in Emerald Hill, hailing from Singapore, Malaysia, and France. Everything from performance art to music and visual art will be on display in order to examine and pay tribute to the colonial history of the neighborhood. A quartet of singers will roam the area, singing songs of the era to visitors. Another performance art experience is an opportunity to grab a snack. One artist cut a replica of the Raffles statue in half and modified it into a charcoal grill. The other half is a cooling rack, where visitors can pick up their kueh kapit.
Other art installations and experiences to look forward to during the art walk through Emerald Hill include numerous commentaries on consumers’ consumption of goods. An art collective has designed a tea shop that teaches visitors about the history of tea, particularly in the scope of colonization, and offers themed blends of tea for purchase. Another artist has made a zen garden out of marble pebbles. The luxurious material of marble is a commentary on the wealth required for people to be able to really engage with retail experiences, though the zen garden will be a chance to withdraw from consumerism for a while and embrace inner peace.
Art has a place in nearly every niche of our existence. From understanding history to finding a place in consumerism, art can help inspire new knowledge and wisdom and stimulate conversations and relationships. Invite art into your life by visiting SGArtClass.com. SGArtClass.com is a website that offers everything from affordable art supplies to informative articles to exhaustive listings of art classes. Browse lessons in everything from digital art to mural painting to portrait drawing to watercolor painting and everything in between. Expert teachers with experience leading students of all ages and abilities will be on hand to schedule classes at the most convenient times and in the best locations for you.
To learn more about the Emerald Hill art walks, go to http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/arts/an-art-walk-around-emerald-hill.