Discover rangoli art in Little India

Looking for art exhibitions in Singapore? If you’ve got an eye for the arts and also want to discover a unique facet of Indian culture, The Rangoli Movement might just be what you’re looking for! This multi-sensory visual and digital art installation and showcase at Clive Street in Little India will present traditional rangoli art from a whole new perspective – one that celebrates life, diversity and culture. The exhibition, held from 21 February to 20 March, is one of four activations that are part of Art Around The City, a public art activation project that will showcase inspiring and imaginative art showcases at four unique chosen locations from January to April 2022.

Helming The Rangoli Movement is world-renowned Singaporean rangoli artist, Vijaya Mohan, who holds the Guinness World Record for the largest rangoli in the world! She also holds 36 Singapore records in various categories.

Learn about rangoli art at Little India

Rangoli is an art form in which intricate patterns are created on floors or tables using vibrant coloured powder made with rice, chalk and sand. While it’s an everyday practice in some Hindu households, the most intricate and colourful ones are saved for festivals like Deepavali, Onam and Pongal. Rangolis are meant to represent the happiness and liveliness of the household, and welcome Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and good luck. Rangoli art also features a wide range of designs, from simple geometric shapes to intricate depictions of Hindu gods and striking flower and petal shapes. At this art exhibition in Little India, you’ll discover all this and more.

Art exhibitions and events in Little India

#1 Artist Pavilion

If you need a primer on rangoli art, the Artist Pavilion will get you up to speed. This art exhibition in Singapore will showcase a series of important rangoli artworks by Vijaya Mohan. The artist will also display her newest creations produced just for The Rangoli Movement at Little India.

Weekdays: 3pm-10pm, Weekends: 11am-10pm. Free entry.

#2 Traditional Rangoli Art Masterclass by Vijaya Mohan

In this two-hour masterclass held by Vijaya Mohan, participants will be introduced to the art and history of rangoli and its cultural significance. You’ll also get to create your very own work of rangoli art using traditional materials like coloured rice flour, dry rice, macaroni and beads. The class places an emphasis on creating art in a mindful state. You also get to take home your one-of-a-kind artwork at the end of the workshop.

Weekends: 11.30am-1.30pm and 2.30pm-4.30pm. Book for free here.

#3 Therapeutic Sand Art Jamming by Visual Arts Centre

This 90-minute workshop in Little India takes a more modern approach to rangoli through a therapeutic and expressive sand art jamming session. Like the masterclass, the workship will introduce the cultural significance of rangoli and provide an understanding of its contemporary practice. The first half of the workshop guides participants through basic sand art techniques, accompanied by therapeutic music. They will then get to create their own modern rangoli art through nature-inspired motifs and patterns. Participants are also encouraged to take snapshots of their art and share it on social media.

Weekends: 5.30pm-7pm. Book for free here.

#4 Rangoli Dance of Colours Pavilion in Little India

Once you’ve gotten hands-on experience with the art form, why not try something completely different? At the Rangoli Dance of Colours Pavilion in Little India, visitors can create their own digital rangoli art. All you need to do is dance to the music! You’ll see your own art creation come alive through vivid moving projections that dance across the walls.

Weekdays: 3pm-10pm, Weekends: 11am-10pm. Free entry.

There’s more to see at Art Around The City!

Keen on discovering more art exhibitions in Singapore? Why not explore Art Around The City’s other events? The Non Season at Design Orchard is a fashion-focused art event showcasing art installations, performances, tours and more. It will feature over 20 local and locally based artists and designers including Mike Chang, Marla Bendini and more.

Heading to Chinatown instead? The Gathering features a suite of programmes such as cultural tours, music performances, and even a tea-and-incense pairing session hosted by local artist Wong Lip Chin – an experience that is inspired by winding stream parties in ancient China.

Art Around The City is a collaboration between National Arts Council and Singapore Tourism Board. For more information on their pop-ups and other art exhibitions in Singapore, click here.

Written in collaboration with Singapore Tourism Board.

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Dinesh Ajith

Dinesh is a seasoned writer and editor with seven years of experience covering travel, restaurants and bars. His interests include film photography, cheesy 90s monster flicks, and scouring the island for under-the-radar craft beer bars.