Smoking samsui woman mural to be retained in full, building owner fined for not seeking approval

SINGAPORE: The Chinatown mural featuring a samsui woman holding a cigarette – a subject of public debate in recent weeks – will be kept as it is without any changes to the artwork.

“This is in view of the fact that the mural is not an advertisement for tobacco, which is against the law, and is largely perceived as an art piece,” said the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and Ministry of Health (MOH) in a joint statement on Wednesday (Jul 10). 

As the building owner did not seek approval before work on the mural started, it was issued a fine of S$2,000 (US$1,480) on Wednesday for carrying out unauthorised works on a conserved building. The building owner had also continued with the works despite reminders to obtain approval.

The mural made headlines last month after the artist Sean Dunston said in an Instagram post on Jun 19 that he had been notified by URA to "get rid of the cigarette" by Jul 3. 

URA told CNA on Jun 22 that the mural on the conserved shophouse was completed without prior approval. But given public feedback, it would re-evaluate its stance on the artwork.

In their joint statement on Wednesday, the authorities said that although the mural is seen as an art piece, it does "normalise smoking", which is against MOH's policy.

"Had prior approval been sought, MOH would have raised concerns about the depiction of smoking to be featured in a prominent mural like this, and requested modification. 

"We will therefore work with the building owner to find appropriate ways to mitigate any impact that the mural may have in promoting smoking, without modifying the mural itself," the authorities said.

"DIVERSE VIEWS"

In laying out their review and decision on the matter, URA and MOH said they took into consideration "diverse views from many members of the public".

The authorities noted that the mural had generated much public discussion, with several expressing concern that it promotes smoking. Others commented that this was an art piece and should be left as it is. 

"Most members of the public do not see this as an advertisement for cigarettes," they concluded.

"In general, it has been a constructive discussion, conducted in a tone that was calm and respectful. We thank members of the public for sharing their views."

The landlord's representative, Shepherd Asset Management, said in response to CNA queries that the decision was "proof that Singaporeans can hold differing opinions while maintaining our strong sense of community and spirit".

"On a personal note, we are of course happy that our samsui woman, who has become something of a beacon of the arts, is permitted to remain in all her glory for others to enjoy," said a spokesperson. 

On the possible mitigating measures, the spokesperson added that nothing concrete had been worked out but it expects URA or MOH to reach out soon.

"We invite members of the public to write in to our LinkedIn page with ideas on how we can address any effect the mural may have on promoting smoking," the spokesperson said.

DID NOT COMPLY WITH URA REQUIREMENTS

All owners of conserved buildings must submit their mural proposals for approval. 

Such proposals may be reviewed in consultation with community stakeholders and other government agencies to ensure that they relate well to the area, consider cultural sensitivities and values, enhance public space and are welcomed by the local community. 

"If necessary, we will work closely with the building owner on any required modifications," said the authorities.

In the case of the samsui woman mural at 297 South Bridge Road, URA told the building owner’s representatives on Mar 22 that approval had not yet been obtained for the mural and requested that a submission be made immediately. 

URA then reminded them on Mar 25 of the need to obtain approval before continuing with the mural works. 

"Despite this, mural works continued. An application for conservation permission was only submitted on Apr 11 after the mural was completed," noted the joint statement. 

It added that URA will continue to work closely with relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure that its guidelines and processes for murals on conserved buildings not only provide space for creative expression, but also “safeguard the character of our conserved buildings and address the larger public interest”.  

"Owners of conserved buildings are reminded to obtain the relevant approvals before commencing any works. Failure to do so will result in enforcement against offenders, including prosecution for egregious cases."

Many samsui women historically took on work as labourers, such as at construction sites. 

According to Mr Dunston in his Jun 19 Instagram post, URA ordered the removal of the cigarette following feedback from a member of the public who found the mural “offensive” and “disrespectful” to samsui women.

URA later clarified that it had asked for the mural to be modified in view of Singapore's anti-smoking stance, and not because of public feedback.

Mr Dunston wrote on Jun 19 that the complainant described the woman in his mural as looking “more like a prostitute than a hardworking samsui woman”.

Instagram users chimed in with their views - many of them leaving comments in support of Mr Dunston and his artwork. Some criticised URA’s decision, sparking debate and discussion online. 

Those who weighed in on the matter included famed mural artist Yip Yew Chong and women's rights group AWARE. 

Mr Yip said on Jun 23 that he believed that Mr Dunston's work was not offensive, neither was it promoting smoking.

"In reality, samsui women indeed smoked a lot and had many personalities, being human. It is not impossible for a young, freshly migrated samsui woman to smoke and sit like that. We cannot be too stereotypical and expect certain occupations must have only a specific look and no others,” Mr Yip said on Instagram. 

"Art's intention is a much wider than to document actual history or beautify a place. It is primarily intended to draw emotions, thoughts and conversations."

AWARE previously stated that it welcomed the discourse surrounding the saga and appreciated that URA was considering public feedback.