Singapore is enjoying one of the most exciting artistic renaissances throughout the entire world. From brand new art galleries and a highly impressive museum to art initiatives responsible for giving artists the extra push to be able to create masterpieces for a living, the nation has become known as something of an art destination. This has served to transform the way people consider Singapore — which used to be only known as a shopping and business mecca. Now, people are traveling to Singapore with the purpose of enjoying its art and culture. It’s easy to visit a museum for a day, but some people might overlook the hidden gems of Singapore’s family-friendly art murals and installations, which are located all over the city.
In one such mural, a barber gives a boy a haircut in a highly realistic painting on a wall bordering a road. A dog slumbers in the corner, ready for attention from one of the barber’s customers, while a broom and dustpan are poised to collect the clippings from the trim. Another boy — perhaps the brother, cousin, or friend of the one getting the haircut — is reading a comic with historical and cultural significance to Singapore. The perspectives and shadows make the entire scene so realistic that passers-by might believe it to be a pop-up shop on a sidewalk.
Another scene depicts a woman washing laundry with a washboard and metal tub. Pieces that have already been cleaned are hanging to dry — fabrics in wild patterns and brightly colored shirts. A small child peeks out from beneath one of the skirts, and a family of chickens peck around the ground for something to eat.
A food store is the subject of yet another mural. Chock full of spices and grains heaped in overflowing bags, as well as shelves stocked with cans, tins, and boxes, the store looks inviting and well-provisioned. Fish and other food nag from the ceiling, and a hyper-realistic puddle drains into an actual water drainage system on the road where the mural is positioned. A moped is parked just outside the shop, adding an extra dose of realism.
Other murals around Singapore depict larger than life animals ranging on the art spectrum from highly stylized to photo realism. Children at rest and play decorate other walls, including two racing in real shopping carts and another prankster holding money from a string. Everywhere you look, art is present, so don’t miss anything on your next journey through the streets of Singapore.
Mural painting is one of the most visible and accessible forms of fine art, removing the gallery or museum from the picture and giving the art directly to the public. If you’re interested in this art form, consider taking a class on mural painting via SGArtClass.com.
To learn more about the wide variety of murals and other family-pleasing art around Singapore, go to http://travel.asiaone.com/travel/destinations/kid-friendly-street-art-singapore-4-places-visit.