On the corner of Everitt Road and Joo Chiat Terrace is where you’ll find the Zacharevic masterpiece - “Style Wars”. Whilst the mural is not illegal, he did get a parking ticket for his “inconsiderate boom-lift parking”. Source: http://www.ernestzacharevic.com/
Singapore isn't necessarily the first city that comes to mind when considering street art. The authorities have often clamped down hard on people deemed to have vandalised walls or other public property. Heavy fines, jail time and even cane strokes have unfortunately been suffered by some of Singapore's street artists over the years.
That's not to suggest the Lion City lacks street art. With evidence emerging of a more lenient attitude by the powers-that-be, now is a great time to start exploring the following local hot spots. This list provides a cool starting point and is by no means exhaustive. Get exploring!
Sk8er Peeps!
Somerset Skate Park
There are two walls here which represent some of the few permitted spaces for street art in Singapore. But don't visit in the hope of seeing a specific mural - this is a much-used space where walls can be painted over in just 24 hours.
Source: http://flickrhivemind.net/
Get Your Glam On!
Victoria Street
The Kampong Glam area is another excellent place to look for Singaporean street art, with Victoria Street being one of our favourite hotspots. This is largely on account of the commissioned creations of Lithuanian street artist Ernest Zacharevic, which are generally concentrated on the section of the street between Jalan Klapa and Jalan Pisang.
Haji Lane
This area definitely makes a great street art walk, with some masterful work taking pride of place on the walls of the Piedra Negra restaurant and Blu Jazz Cafe and the alleyway separating them. Didier Jaba Mathieu has attracted much admiration for his enormous murals in this part of the city.
Source: http://curlytraveller.com/
Aliwal Street
This street makes an excellent focal point for local creatives in more ways than one, not just because it is easily reached from Victoria Street - by cutting through Jalan Klapa and crossing North Bridge Road - but also due to the presence of the Aliwal Arts Centre. Walk around the centre, and you will discover murals along the side and back walls.
Sultan’s of Swing
Sultan Arts Village
One of Singapore's most easily missed street art destinations is the modest enclave in front of the Malay Heritage Centre, not too far from the Aliwal Arts Centre. Here you'll find some amazing street art, including pieces around the front and sides of the Sultan Arts Village building.
Catch Me If You Can!
With street art beginning to gain real popularity in Singapore, this is definitely a part of the world to watch for new and exciting examples of this urban voice. Given local building owners are gradually becoming more accepting of street art, who knows, maybe there's even hope for an easing of the law in the not-too-distant future?
Written by Skye Wellington