Long-time readers know that I am a self-declared street-art-hunter. I wrote about street art in different cities and countries, also about murals and street art in Singapore. There are some which i have discovered at a Clarke Quay underground bridge along Singapore River where walls were covered by mural painting done by Social Creatives in collaboration with SG cares, successfully spiced up the ambient in the tunnel. Deep down in my heart, it is not just a simple mural or an art, I believe it encompasses a strong social statement that a community can work together to bring an idea across to the people locally and globally in times to come. Social Creatives is a Singapore-based, non-profit arts social enterprise. Since its founding in 2007, the group has actively worked towards making Singapore a more colourful city, both visually and emotionally. Social Creatives collaborates with a wide range of people, including established and aspiring artists, community groups, corporate enterprises, people with disabilities, troubled youth and local volunteers. Through the joint creation of public artworks, the group’s aim is to bring people together to transform bland or ignored city spaces into colourful, vibrant destinations that attract locals and tourists alike, and to create a sense of connection among Singaporeans themselves, as well as between residents and their city. Social Creatives' work has been making an impression and they are receiving increasing interest at all levels. Social Creatives had done a great job by partnering with Singapore River One to transform the Singapore River Underpass in preparation for the city’s 50th anniversary this year. The theme of the many large and colourful murals follows the story of the foundation of Singapore, and is intended to enhance connectivity between Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay and Boat Quay. These paintings were done by artists led by Social Creatives, the Not-for-profit Arts Enterprise. In my opinion the best street art attempts to comment on current social, political or cultural subject matter or it tries to become a part of the landscape of the city by either commenting on public space or using the space as part of the work. When public art is executed with this approach, it creates a dialogue amongst the viewers and hopefully persuades them to think about new ideas, view public spaces around them in stimulating ways and perhaps even gets them to consider the opinions of those who they would not normally listen to. To use elements of the street environment within the work adds layers of texture to the work and gives the viewer more to chew on and digest.
I truly appreciate the embracing of street art in any community. Here in Singapore, a decent amount of art exists on the walls in the downtown area and throughout some of the neighbourhoods. But, honestly, I wish there were more of it. I need to make a point to look around as there’s bound to be some more beautiful pieces around our community – hopefully some with an entomology twist.
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