When you think of street art, you might be forgiven for not thinking of Singapore right off. To be sure, Singapore has had a tumultuous past when it comes to street art, which is an umbrella term that covers everything from murals to graffiti to public artwork installations. However, the history of street art in Singapore is important and rich with vivid characters and valuable works that have contributed to the understanding and appreciation of street art in both Singapore and the broader world.
In short, the image most people have when they think of a street or graffiti artist is someone in a ball cap with a scarf around their face, running from authorities and working under pseudonyms to conceal their identity. One of the world’s most famous street artists, Banksy, is an example of a graffiti artist whose real identity remains a mystery. Even though artwork by Banksy can be sold for millions of dollars, no one knows who he is.
In Singapore, street artists have a similar background. Singaporean authorities have always frowned on graffiti and anything that harms public property — art included. However, that understanding evolved into tolerance and even acceptance as the art scene developed in Singapore and more people learned to expand what their definitions of art included. Soon, the government began to sanction spots for graffiti artists and regular individuals, as well, to practice.
Still, clashes and misunderstandings persist. Even as recently as in the past few years, acts of public and street art that isn’t sanctioned by the art officials in the government are taken down. And if the artist is known or caught — whether it’s with a spray paint can, a packet of stickers, or a vision for a public artwork — there are ramifications. But Singapore has still come a long way in recognizing the importance of street art, and that could be, in part, because of the hard work of street artists for legitimacy of their medium and canvases.
In the most recent incarnation of Art Stage Singapore, street art was one of the highlights of the event. And multiple festivals help celebrate street art and artists in that world. For example, one recent display included famous Singaporean street artists cutting away small portions of street art in a public display area to show just how thick the layers of paint were. The many centimeters of vivid paint layers goes to show just how important graffiti and street art is to its many practitioners in the country.
Art comes in many forms and fashions. Whether you’re interested in mural painting or graffiti art, found art or recycled art, acrylic painting or oil painting, there is sure to be an art class you can enroll in on SGArtClass.com to more fully immerse yourself in your creative passion with the guidance of an expert teacher.
To read more about the history of graffiti and street art in Singapore, go to https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/lifestyle/against-the-wall-the-journey-of-singapore-s-street-art-scene-9869194.