The Search For Street Art: Ang Mo Kio Town Centre in Singapore

I know this is just one of those things that people say, but I've been obsessed with street art since way before it started to be cool to like street art. I mean, story of my life, right? I think if you lined up the few things in life that I'm passionate about, you would find that most of them are currently trendy. Which is kind of funny, because I wouldn't consider myself to be all that trendy a gal. But what can I say, street art is in this season. Honestly, I could just put a ton of street art photos up as proof that street art is pretty freaking awesome. And don't worry, I will, but I guess I should also write about it as well since this is, you know, a photography blog.
 
Nevertheless, it's 100% true; I fell in love with street art. It was pretty much love at first sight. I settled for travelling in search of street art in my hometown, Singapore and around the world before the COVID-19 pandemic. As a frequent traveller, I found there was a growing treasure trove, and often in unexpected places. I was fascinated. At one point, I genuinely considered doing a degree focused on the culture of street art (if there is). You get the picture. I'm kind of obsessed.

Once I discovered that Ang Mo Kio had street art, I knew I would enjoy it here. It’s a bustling neighbouring area for many, but for me, it was about looking for street art that day. ​I couldn’t notice such a big surprise in Ang Mo Kio until recently. Some masterpieces have to be seen in real, wherever they are. And can you say no to the pleasure of discovery?

The street art I saw depicts the culture, rich heritage, history and daily life of people living in Singapore in a sweet yet funny manner, almost like cartoon characters. As I walked around Ang Mo Kio Town Centre, spotting the murals, they had surely put a smile on my face or made me think about the local way of living in Singapore. These street artists’ murals are stunning. As usual with wall murals, I took a plethora of photos. I enjoyed the hours spent searching for street art in Ang Mo Kio, so now I would like to show you how talented some of these street artists really are.

​These murals are found in Ang Mo Kio Town Centre. I chose to enter into the Town Centre from  Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 end to start my journey of enjoying the murals on the walls. 

​Street art is direct, understandable by anyone. This makes it very close to people, often being… just around the corner.

​Art in the street makes people happy; it makes their day and their commute more interesting. It adds character to what would otherwise just be grey and boring. Art reminds people to feel alive. It wakes people up.

Street art is in symbiosis with its sourroundings.

​Sometimes it seems that urban landscape is made for street art instead of the other way around. It just pops up in the right place at right time.

​I always feel amazed whenever I find a huge artistic master piece on the streets. I always want to take pictures to remember them, because in Singapore, we do not really have many walls that allow artists to draw or paint.

​Imagine walking home after a tiring day of work or school. You will most definitely not take notice of the plain exterior around you, and you will let the gray concrete compliment your fatigue. Suddenly, out of the corner of your eye, you catch glimpse of a beautiful mosaic. The bright colors energize you, even if it is for just a moment. It is something little, yet it makes all the difference. Street art puts a smile on our faces and makes us take a second look in awe. 

The art trail ended at the other end of the Town Centre. i.e the entrance near the McDonald outlet. The ground is decorated with a large painting that features a koi pond. 

Many years ago, I embarked on the journey in seach of and appreciate street art. I’m admittedly not a pro street artist, and won’t claim to know everything about the ever-evolving street art scene. But I’m a fan of the art and pretty observant, and I respect those who express their ideas in a platform.

There are so many reasons why people love street art and why it is becoming more popular or important for people of all walks of life. Street art is an important part of history and identity for many metropolises, and sometimes even has the ability to breathe life into communities. Thanks to street art, I do not need to be walking around the fancy halls of an art museum to be mesmerized. It is beautiful and opens up the windows of my mind.

Furthermore, what’s an artwork without an audience? Without getting bogged down in philosophical discourse, let’s just assume artists create their works to be seen by others. Thanks to these street art photographers, bloggers and supporters, street artists’ audiences have been amplified from local onlookers simply passing by, to a large crowd of curious street art lovers worldwide. :-)

​Check out my street art collection in Singapore for more, or see where else in the world I’ve found amazing street art !