Singapore Art Museum (SAM) has launched two new art trails in the Tanjong Pagar district and along the Rail Corridor. A total of 10 public art installation await, bringing art encounters to the man in the street. This is part of SAM’s long term public art initiative – The Everyday Museum.
SAM’s New Art Trail in Tanjong Pagar: Port/raits of Tanjong Pagar
Apart from the popular food spots, prominent HDBs and heritage sites, art installations in Tanjong Pagar can be seen clearly paying tribute to the community and its surroundings. Port/raits of Tanjong Pagar explores the histories, identities, development and economic aspirations of the area. The installations can be viewed from 29 April 2023 to 9 March 2025.
A suggested trail is to start at Tanjong Pagar Distripark, head towards Everton Park, Duxton Plain Park and end the trail at Tanjong Pagar Plaza.
Here are some artworks to look out for:
Sea of Flags, Tanjong Pagar Distripark Blk 39 façade
Grace Tan’s art installation is a tribute to Tanjong Pagar’s history and identity. The flags are an assemblage of material swatches colour-matched with objects and images of the area such as Garfish, Bakau wood, nutmeg, Gambier, Binjai fruit which were found in the vicinity. As the wind blows, flags move like the sea where Tanjong Pagar Distripark stands.
Everfowl Estate, Everton Park Blk 3
If you have visited Everton Park, you would be familiar with the many junglefowl families that co-exist with the community.
Artist Divaagar has “built” homes for the feathered folk inhabiting the neighbourhood, with home types modelling after the surrounding neighbourhood like public housing flats, heritage shophouses or high-rise condominiums. The backdrop of Everfowl Estate is Everton Park, an old HDB estate, projecting harmonious living between wildlife and city inhabitants.
Grounding Points, Duxton Plain Park
Can you figure out which tree Grounding Points were inspired by? The sculpture takes its cue from the Indian Ficus tree. Just like the tree, the sculpture are like two bodies leaning on each other. Made of two distinct materials, the sculpture represents the reciprocal connections and kinship between people and systems.
{still} Life, Duxton Plain Park
Step into this playground of mirrors. What can you see? {still} life reflects viewers as well as views in the vicinity – the temple, Pinnacle at Duxton and offers snapshots of the park. Passers-by can slow down to rediscover Singapore’s urban landscape at this art installation at Duxton Plain Park.
Little Islands, Tanjong Pagar Plaza
Welcome to the beach in Tanjong Pagar. Isabella’s visual installation shows the contrast between the old Tanjong Pagar public housing and the skyscrapers not too far away. Hence, it seems like a little island in terms of chronology and architecture.
The whimsical paintings at both the Residents’ Corner and Level 3 at Block 4 also incorporate existing signages and commonly-sighted creatures. Take a break and have an island getaway amidst the hustle and bustle.
Other Spots to visit in Tanjong Pagar
Visitors to the art trail are encouraged to explore other food, culture and heritage spots in the area including DOPA, Folks and Stories, Shake Shack, Tanjong Pagar Plaza Market, NUS Baba House, Conservation Shophouses, Vanda Miss Joaquim Pavilion and Yan Kit Playfield.
Art Encounters at the Rail Corridor – Singapore Deviation
Go “walk walk” at Rail Corridor, where three artists present art installations on the history of the area. Singapore Deviation was named after the revised alignment to the original Singapore-Kranji Railway. It has been instrumental to the economic, transport and communications between two countries with the decades-long rail service terminating in 2011.
The three public art installations sited at Rail Corridor encourages visitors to “deviate” from their path to explore its surroundings.
walk walk, Kampong Bahru Bus Terminal
Film-maker Tan Pin Pin’s work comprises a video and text installations exploring the gesture of walking – a common mode of activity along the Rail Corridor. Kampong Bahru Bus Terminal marks the start of the Rail Corridor at the southern tip.
Walk walk dives into the act of walking, what it means to different groups of people or perhaps how well-meaning when we say “walk walk” or “慢慢走”. Take a peek into the cafeteria frequented by bus captains and walk through the bus terminal and look up at the ceiling beams to read a poem about walking.
Stagecraft: Landscaped Grounds, 55A Commonwealth Drive
Head towards Wessex Estate to see a series of billboard-sized prints. Hilmi’s work is constructed from fragments and collages of early 20th century travel advertisements of the Federated Malay States Railways.
Tapping into the collective memory of the Rail Corridor, Hilmi’s billboard printouts are staged to connect historical representations to the area’s recreation space.
Moonlight, 2 Wilton Close
Sookoon Ang’s Moonlight is a sculptural installation that appears as a mirage, resembling the fossilised remains of trees dispersed along the landscape.
In the day, it might look like a burnt log appearing dreamy and perhaps right out of Tim Burton’s movie set. At night, the sculpture recedes into the shadowy vegetation surrounds.
Launch Programmes for the New Art Trails
Attend the public programmes from 29 to 30 April where participants can go on guided art trails, artist talks, live performances and even an outdoor film screening.
Port/raits of Tanjong Pagar and Singapore Deviation are on view from 29 April 2023 to 9 March 2025. Admission is free. More details can be found here.
