She gained notoriety as Sticker Lady, but urban artist Samantha Lo is now lighting up Sentosa
In case you haven’t heard, Sentosa is back on the radar as an after-hours hotspot thanks to Bright Nights. Surreal neon light installations have popped up along Siloso Beach – it’s all curated by Singaprean urban artist Samantha Lo , and these neon works are getting some serious Instagram air time right now.
Samantha gained notoriety for covertly covering the city with stickers with Singlish slogans that proved just provocative enough: who didn’t chuckle over her stickers plastered at street crossings that reminded everyone of the bleeding obvious: ‘Press once can already’. It earned her the nickname Sticker Lady (and she also earned more than a slap on the wrist for spray painting a road).
While her work is gaining a lot of attention right now for all the ‘grammable reasons, her UV installation for Sentosa Bright Nights – ‘On the Impermanence of Discovery’ – is just as thought-provoking and brings the evolution of her style to light. This bridge of neon frames across the jetty at Siloso beach takes wanderers into infinity, or as the artist herself describes it, “away from the noise”. We shot nine questions her way…
We know you as Sticker Lady: what do your friends call you?
They call me Sam, sometimes SKL0, sometimes “Skay-low”, sometimes “Sticker Lady”. Sometimes I call them “irritating”.
Where did you grow up, and where do you call home now?
I grew up in Bedok and I call Tampines home now. East Side always!
What’s your sweet spot in Singapore?
Anywhere in the east, always my comfort zone.
Best midnight snack?
McDonald’s, or mee pok. They’re the only ones open at night where I’m at!
Favourite Singlish expression?
“Can”.
Tell us one spot in the city you’re still itching to sticker…
I’d like to work on campaigns with the creative community to spread awareness and evoke action on important issues through different, creative strategies. My dream clients/ collaborators would be those that believe in me, my team and the vision we share.
What still surprises you about this city?
How hot it is, just when you thought it can’t get any worse.
What would we be surprised to know about you?
That I do not have one sticker plastered on anything I own.
Tell us about your Brightest Night in Singapore…
My Brightest Night in Singapore was one where I was lying on the grass one night at the Marina Barrage, with giant kites fitted with LED lights flying directly above me. That whole futuristic vibe was the main inspiration behind my piece at Bright Nights, and I roped in local writer Cyril Wong as he lent me his poem for this installation that speaks of questioning the present in anticipation of the future, which I found to be very profound.
Pop Up Night curated by Samantha Lo is at Sentosa Bright Nights now until 12 November. Catch it from 7pm to 11pm at Siloso Beach.
Like this story? Here’s more we think you’ll enjoy…
Exhibits in Singapore to catch before 2017 ends
Singapore’s literature scene: authors, poets and playwrights you need to know
Singapore’s cool spaces: The Substation
Must-visit museums and galleries in Singapore
Or, sign up for our weekly newsletters!