Singapore is a city-state, a small small island situated at the tip of the Malay Peninsula. It is a beautiful, clean and safe city and one that is well worth visiting. It is a city that you may not normally associate with street art.
Unlike the street art and murals you may see in other cities around the world, in Singapore I feel that the street art is more docile and less grungy than other cities, but it certainly has colour. Artists are often portraying elements of real-life activities, they represent life.
However, street art in Singapore must be approved. It has very little or no unapproved or ‘illegal’ street art or graffiti.
Street art in the Kampong Glam Neighbourhood
One way to explore Singapore’s diverse neighbourhoods is by following its street art. Although we have been to Singapore many times, we did just that on our last visit in 2018. On this particular day we chose the Kampong Glam neighbourhood of Singapore which includes the colourful and quirky Haji Lane.
Consider your day out an adventure. You can combine viewing the following street art pieces with seeing the other sights in the neighbourhood. Read our story on exploring Little India and Haji Lane for a guide.
We made our way there using Singapore’s highly efficient MRT (Mass Rapid Transport) network. We were staying at the Fullerton Hotel (read about our stay here) and ‘Raffles Place’ is the nearest MRT station. We then exited at Bugis station, after a short 15 minute journey. The MRT network is the quickest way to zip around the city.
Haji Lane is an interesting street with a good mix of shops and cafes and of course street art which you’ll see on every corner. It’s no surprise that we keep returning to one of our favourite neighbourhoods. It has everything to offer, with lots of amazing food and drinks to see you through the day.
Here are some photos of the street art that we found on our adventure, so put on your comfy walking shoes and get going.
el lío (meaning ‘The Clash’) – 2018
Atrist: Jaba Address: 19 Corner Haji Lane and Beach Road – Piedra Negra Restaurant
On the sidewall of Piedra Negra, facing Ophir Road, is a massive mural by Jaba. This painting must be the most well-known on Haji Lane and is a great representation of the lively street art scene.
The owner of Piedra Negra (a Mexican restaurant) commissioned this elaborate work of art, which depicts the indigenous Aztec people who ruled Mexico before the Spanish conquest in the 16th century.
Faces from the Past – 2016
Artist: Ceno2 Address: 26 Haji Lane – The Singapura Club
This mural represents Arab Street’s rich history as well as The Singapura Club’s multi-ethnic identity as an Asian and North Indian restaurant. Despite the fact that the man in the turban is the most prominent character on the wall (top photo above), the mural includes other subjects. The old and historic characters are a reflection of the neighbourhoods’ history.
Untitled (Amy Winehouse) – 2018
Artist: Idris Johor Address: 19 Haji Lane – Madd Pizza Cafe
Stroll around the Kampong Glam district’s Haji and Bali Lanes and you’ll notice stunning art covering the pillars of shop fronts of certain cafes and bars. This artwork is likely to be that of funky pop artist Idris Johor who goes by the handle PrettyFunkyFantasy (PFF).
Almost all of his work exudes a positive vibe, in his words – “I want people to smile when they see my work”.
Light in Little India – 2010
Artist: Elmac Address: 109 Rowell Road
Elmac, a well-known American artist, created this mural using ripple shapes rather than straight lines enabling him to capture the subject’s mood and expression. Despite being painted in 2010, the mural’s elaborate details can still be seen. This is one of Singapore’s oldest surviving pieces of street art. While this portrait appears to be of a local Indian man, it is based on a photograph he took in Miami.
Daily Delivery – 2018
Artist: Jaba Address: 212 Serangoon Road
Here Jaba highlights the idea of balancing the mix of traditional and modern. The mural pays respect to the iconic tiffin meal businesses that have contributed to the history of the neighbourhood, in particular Little India.
He is one talented artist!
Working Class Hero – 2016
Artist: ZERO Address: 11 Hindoo Road (Carpark)
The artist’s work revolves around street culture, pop culture, and current events.
This artwork is inspired by the Tamil film star Rajinikanth, who is well-known among Little India’s South Asian community. The Indian superstar’s humble beginnings is fittingly reflected in the work’s name.
Alive@Clive – 2017
Artist: TraseOne Address: 106 Dunlop Street
The artwork portrays a traditional Indian dancer ablaze in vibrant colours, just like the colourful sights and atmosphere of Little India. It captures the culture of the Indian community through a dancer in mid-performance.
The colours remind us of a Hindu festival in which powdered colour is thrown to welcome the arrival of Spring. They are also an element of TraseOne’s distinctive style.
Kathaka – 2017
Artist: Jaba Address: 86 Serangoon Road
This mural was inspired by Kathak, a type of ancient classical dance that originated in Northern India. He uses a variety of colours to depict the vibrancy and movement of this dance.
Traditional Trades of Little India – 2015
Artist: Psyfool Address: 4 Belilios Lane
This is part of a larger mural that aims to highlight the trades that were common in Little India many years ago when merchants and traders settled there.
The mural shows typical occupations found in Little India. It tells the story of parrot astrologers, dhobis (washermen and washerwomen), and the numerous traders and merchants who settled here.
Cattleland 2 – 2017
Artist: Eunice Address: 67 Kerbau Road
Images of buffaloes, clouds, and flowers were inspired by stories from residents about the precinct’s history and how it used to be a street full of buffaloes due to cattle trading.
Eunice enjoys involving the community in her work. She spoke with former Buffalo Street residents, who told her stories about seeing buffaloes running around the street.
This piece is located close to the Little India MRT station. From here you can catch an MRT on to your next Singapore adventure, or head to this story’s last mural below.
Transition – 2018
Artist: Ceno2 Address: 13 South Bridge Road
This piece is not actually in the Kampong Glam neighbourhood. We came across it as we walked along the river back to our hotel. It is definitely worth including here so you can work it into your own street art itinerary.
The artwork depicts the growth of Boat Quay, from bumboats through advances in technology and transportation, where logistics played a significant part.
I think that the vibrancy and colour that street art has to offer helps to alleviate a perhaps unfair perception that Singapore is a boring and sterile city.
If you would like to see more examples, visit this Singapore Street Art Instagram account – @singaporestreetart. Street art and murals have gained an increased popularity since we were there so there is even more to discover now. I can’t wait to go back!
2 comments
Nice story and great photos!
Thank you so much.