Street art is flourishing in Singapore. So why does it still make some people uneasy?
Street art is flourishing in Singapore. So why does it still make some people uneasy?
Street art has gone mainstream, with more murals and public arts programmes than ever before. Yet some artists say graffiti-inspired work is still viewed with suspicion rather than appreciation.
Visual artist Mohammed Zulkarnaen Othman recalls being asked by a primary school student if he was vandalising a wall while painting a commissioned mural – a reminder of lingering misconceptions around street art.
Artists say Singapore's street art scene is vibrant but carefully managed. Many avoid sensitive themes, resulting in murals that often celebrate nostalgia, food and familiar local icons.
The debate continues over where to draw the line between creative freedom and regulation. Artists acknowledge the need for rules, but some worry that excessive caution can limit expression.
