Some people, like the ever-renowned Banksy, take art to the walls – the street walls, that is. While Singapore has very strict policies on graffiti and street art at public places, we’ve come to discover that there are actually a few hotspots that are (legally) tainted with unique and striking street art. Here’s our lowdown on places in Singapore to admire these jaw-dropping works.
Aliwal Street
Walk over to artsy Aliwal Street from Bugis MRT and stumble upon specimens of fascinating street arts and graffiti by both local and foreign artists. Nestled along the quaint Malay enclave of Kampong Glam, search for Alice Pasquini’s seemingly hidden masterpiece and look out for homegrown graffiti artist, ZuL OTHMAN (ZERO)’s colourful wall artwork.
Clarke Quay
While Clarke Quay is commonly identified as a good spot for a jolly good time with friends over a few alcoholic concoctions and great music, you can also find a massive mural by Kala Roseane that has managed to capture the heritage behind Clarke Quay. Situated near the G-MAX Reverse Bungy Kiosk, you can always opt for adrenaline-pumping fun before or after you’ve admired the wall art.
Everton Road
Inspired by the not-only-aesthetically-pleasing-but-meaningful street art in Penang, a self-taught local street artist, Mr. Yip Yew Chong, has decided to bring such reflective art to the walls of Everton Road in Singapore. His murals such as ‘Amah’ (妈姐) and ‘The Barber’ (理髮店) are his sentimental personifications of the artist’s younger days, back when he was living in the neighbourhood.
Haji Lane
Aside from shopping at independent fashion boutiques like Mondays Off and Shop Wonderland, and enjoying a delish cuppa coffee from I am…Café and CAD café, this oh-so-hipster alleyway near Kampong Glam also offers an eclectic array of street art by local and international names such as Didier Jaba Mathieu, Sheryo x The Yok, Oak and Bindi and others.
Rowell Road, Little India
Here, you can find two impressive murals by talented American street artists, El Mac 1 and Tyke Witnes AWR. Painted during the Singapore Night Festival in 2010, El Mac 1’s Light In Little India and Tyke Witnes AWR’s Green Goblins are intensely artistic and truly mesmerising.
Sultan Arts Village
Not just a vicinity of art galleries and retail spaces, Sultan Arts Village is a hidden nook that is plastered with a few vibrant murals and graffiti. And while you are at it, do visit The Black Book shop, founded by a graffiti crew named ZincNiteCrew (ZNC) and check out their taggings in the area.
The Skatepark at *SCAPE – Youth Centre
There’s no better place to look for graffiti by street artists than at grungy skateparks like the one at *SCAPE. Here, you’ll spot various kinds of creative taggings and flamboyantly-hued drawings from various street artists. Some of the graffiti aren’t permanent, so you’ve got to catch them while they last (on the wall).
The Substation
Before heading to The Substation to catch the newest and most promising short films by up-and-coming local filmmakers, why not explore the area and find the cool murals and graffiti art in the alley between the Peranakan Museum and The Substation? Need a hip-looking backdrop for your OOTD Insta-moment? Well, these walls are perfect for it!
Tiong Bahru Market
Lucky patrons of Tiong Bahru Market have been constantly surprised with a slew of creative and fun commissioned huge animal murals around the area – from cocks to fish, even goats – making the already lively neighbourhood a whole lot more vibrant.
Victoria Street
Between Jalan Klapa and Jalan Pisang, this is one public space where you’ll discover the commercially curated works of renowned Lithuanian street artist, Ernest Zacharevic – such as Kids in Trolleys, Kids on Giant Exclamation Mark and Boy in Window. Our favourite, without a doubt, is the Girl with Lion Cub at the junction of Jalan Pisang. Zacharevic’s street art can also be found at the intersection of Everritt Road and Joo Chiat Terrace.