Monomad Challenge: A Walk Through Kampong Glam's Vibrant Street Art

During my lunch break, I went out for a simple walk around Kampong Glam to check out some new street artwork that was recently completed. I remembered a mural that had been started a few months ago during my last visit, and I felt it might have been finished by now. Curious to see it, I returned to the spot I remembered. To my delight, I found that it had indeed been completed. The mural is located near Aliwal Street.

The artist had covered the entire face of the blank wall, transforming it into a masterpiece that occupies the whole space. But before I show you the completed mural, let me first share some of the other interesting art pieces I came across along the way.

Let me start with this eerie installation that left me wondering what the artist was thinking when they created it. The artwork is composed of scattered mannequin parts placed in various spots around a shophouse.

For example, I found a torso and head perched on top of a cabinet, with a cryptic message written nearby that read:

“You shoot me down, but I won’t fall.”

This struck me as a powerful and brave message. It feels as though the artist is symbolically standing up against those who try to bring them down. The statement resonated with me deeply because it reflects the resilience needed to face life’s challenges. It reminded me that, no matter how difficult life gets, the only thing that can truly defeat us is losing hope and giving up. I believe this applies to everyone going through tough times: no matter how many difficulties others throw your way, remember that staying hopeful and determined is what keeps you standing.

Moving on to another part of this installation, I noticed the lower half of a mannequin’s body being used to support a ledge holding planters and other displays. It was quite amusing to see, especially because the artist had painted the lower body in abstract designs to enhance the overall artwork.

As I continued to another shophouse, I noticed the same artistic approach being used. The artist had repurposed parts of a carousel—specifically the horses—and placed them as statues guarding a doorway.

I found this particularly intriguing, as it gave a whimsical and nostalgic feel to the installation.

Finally, I reached the shophouse where I remembered seeing a work-in-progress mural a few months ago. The mural is now complete, and it features two distinct subjects. The first is a depiction of large traditional sailing ships, and the second is a pair of pangolins in a forest.

It’s fascinating to think about how the artist came up with this concept. Neither traditional sailing ships nor pangolins are commonly seen in Singapore today. Perhaps the artist drew inspiration from outside the city or even from another country. Regardless, it was captivating to see such a unique and imaginative piece.

I’m happy to share these discoveries with you, and I hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into the vibrant street art I’ve come across. Let me know what you think of these works!

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Street art has a unique way of telling stories, sparking curiosity, and inspiring resilience, as I’ve experienced during this walk. Each piece I encountered reminded me of the creativity and determination that artists pour into their work, transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary ones. I hope this glimpse into the art I discovered leaves you feeling inspired to explore and appreciate the hidden gems around you.

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