The loosening of laws regulating Singapore street art and the emergence of specially designated areas set aside for people to paint legally has provided an exciting opportunity for a creative bunch of up-and-coming artists. Many of these artists also obtain permission from private estate owners to paint on designated walls, while others are commissioned to lend colour and character to otherwise monotonous walls.
From Kampong Glam to Amoy Street, come explore some of the amazing street art that Singapore has to offer! There are some beautiful, creative and original artworks in historical districts. Large murals and artworks span from major buildings to tiny doorways, the fun is in exploring these different areas and discovering the hidden gems for yourself!
Where’s the key street art in Singapore?
Victoria Street, between Jalan Klapa and Jalan Pisang
Even someone who doesn’t love street art is likely to have spied these iconic murals by street-art sensation Ernest “Zach” Zacharevic (arguably Asia’s Banksy, minus the anonymity). Initially rising to fame on account of his street art in Penang, the Lithuanian-born artist often depicts children engaged in innocent playtime activities. His work has a quirky and nostalgic appeal that adds colour to Singapore’s urban landscape. Around the corner, check out local artist Yip Yew Chong’s remarkable work Coffee Story at Sultan Gate. Commissioned by Academy Roastery Café, it depicts the history of coffee-making in Singapore.
40 Everton Road
Self-taught local artist Yip Yew Chong was inspired by stumbling upon the murals of Ernest Zacharevic. “I thought I could attempt to paint murals in my country too, Singapore-style,” he says. Like Zach’s art, Yip’s sentimental works have captured many hearts with their nostalgic glimpses into the past. His first two murals, Provision Shop and Amah and Barber, were painted as symbols of the area’s historic conservation. “Since then, almost all the requests I’ve received have been to paint heritage-themed murals,” he says. Look around to see if you can spot another of Zach’s pieces, Style Wars, in Everitt Road.
Little India, Rowell Road
Bustling Little India is home to a striking mural, Light in Little India, by American artist Miles “Mac” MacGregor. His work is easily recognisable, with a distinct usage of ripple-like contour lines to depict lifelike human faces. Providing an interesting contrast is Green Goblins by Saigon-born artist Tyke Witnes, now based in California. Witnes grew up inspired by youth subcultures like skateboarding and graffiti.
Little India, Buffalo Road
Also in Little India, the Tekka Centre has undergone a colourful transformation thanks to collaborative works by one of Singapore’s pioneering street artists, TraseOne, and Australian Regan Tamanui. Commissioned in conjunction with the Australian High Commission as part of the SG50 celebrations, the eye-catching murals of cricket and traditional Indian dance are as vibrant as the Indian culture and heritage that surrounds them.
Kampong Glam
Gelam Gallery, located on Muscat Street, is Singapore’s first outdoor gallery, the street is packed with iconic street art and is definitely a must-see.
This mural from Gelam Gallery depicts a traditional childhood game of marbles, played in both Singapore and Malaysia. The work was created by the Malaysian artist Amir Andhar, who goes by Andharas. You can find his artwork around the world, with his murals dotted around Malaysia, Thailand and India, all in his distinctive style.
Also from Gelam Gallery, this smaller piece located on 31 Muscat Street highlights how creativity is found in every aspect of these artworks, even incorporating painted dustbins into the scene. This painting is of the golden dome from the Sultan Mosque, paying tribute to Kampong Glam’s islamic influence in architecture, food, and shops.
Haji Lane
Also within Kampong Glam, Haji Lane and Beach Road are filled with colour and action from local cafes and shops, to famous artworks sprawled on the walls! During your visit, try and see if you can spot all of these pieces!
This mural found on Haji Lane was created by an artist who goes by the name ‘Pretty Freaky Fantasy’. The artwork along Haji Lane often uses elements of the actual architecture of buildings and shophouses incorporated into the street art. Haji Lane is known for its bright colours and abstract designs.
Haji Lane has long been synonymous with quirky and eclectic murals that add to the quaint, old-world charm of its colourful and authentic shophouses. Here you’ll find art by ZincNiteCrew, a collective of local and international artists, including a larger-than-life mural by Colombian-born artist Didier Jaba Mathieu, who also works as a digital painter and concept artist. To round out your visit, look for pieces by artistic duo Sheryo and The Yok. Sheryo is a Brooklyn-based Singaporean who explores the human psyche through surrealist imagery, while Australian-born Yok’s work is heavily influenced by the comics and skateboarding graphics of his childhood.
The artwork at Haji lane is so diverse, these hyper realistic black and white mural paintings exist amongst a wide variety of different artistic styles!
From the alleyway between Beach Road and Pahang Street, the artist Slacsatu, who also founded Zincnitecrew (a group of talented street artists in Singapore), has created batik inspired street art. Batik is a traditional Indonesian wax dying technique which has influenced a lot of Singapore’s own traditional textiles!
Amoy Street Food Centre
Much of the allure of Singapore’s street art is its preservation of heritage and culture, as city walls are transformed into bright canvases. A brilliant fusion of the old and the new, Amoy Street is lined with nostalgic murals portraying the hawker centres, street food stalls and shophouses of yesteryear. Look out for the iconic Samsui Lady by local artist Muhammad Azlan Ramlan. His style combines graffiti spray paint with Western fine art techniques; it’s steadily expanding the boundaries of street art in Singapore.
Thian Hock Keng Temple
If you find yourself in Amoy Street is a must visit! The Thian Hock Keng Temple is the oldest temple for the Hokkien people of Singapore. The temple was constructed to worship the sea goddess Mazu. If you decide to pay this temple a visit, don’t forget to look along the side of the building to spot a charming mural by the famous Yip Yew Chong.
The 40 metre long mural depicts scenes of coolies unloading goods from the Singapore River. Its location on the side of the Thian Hock Keng Temple is no coincidence, as Hokkien people were early immigrants into Singapore and helped shape the country for what it is today!
222+51 Waterloo Street
This former site of the Catholic High School has been transformed into a buzzing art hub. Inspired by the colourful history of Bras Basah, a series of six door-panel murals depict nostalgic memories from the 1960s, incorporating scenes of daily life and national landmarks long lost to redevelopment. Given the current focus on heritage and culture, it’s no surprise that the murals are by Yip Yew Chong and his friend and fellow local artist Yuen Kum Cheong.
Want to see more on street art in Singapore? Here’s a different approach to it!
This article first appeared in Expat Living. Subscribe so you never miss an issue! Head to our Arts and Culture page to read more like this.
