Happy World Art Day: Celebrating Singapore’s Wealth Of Creativity

Today (15 Apr) is World Art Day, a celebration of the universal language that transcends borders and brings us all together: art. Originated by the International Association of Art (IAA/AIAP) in honour of Leonardo da Vinci's birthday (he would've been 572 today!), World Art Day is all about commemorating the beauty and significance of art.

Here in Singapore, our local talents understand the power of art to inspire, provoke, and unite us all. We shine a spotlight on these imaginative individuals and a rapidly growing art scene that have not only made the Lion City a vibrant one but also put our Little Red Dot on the world stage. Let's go!

Local talent galore, right here on Wonderwall.sg

Here are some of the many talents featured in our original series, Artists Behind The Art, where we spotlight local artists, and speak to them about their journey and what inspires them.

Kelly Ser's "Not Just a Little Red Dot" collection features her vivid takes on Singapore's history and culture. | IMAGES: NICHOLAS YONG

Kelly Ser

This former civil servant turned full-time artist draws inspiration from her Singaporean roots to create contemporary works that showcase local culture and our heritage. With a palette bursting with colours like pinks, greens, and yellows, Kelly's creations breathe new life into familiar Singapore icons and landmarks. She’s worked with Design Orchard, the Singapore Tourism Board, and has even jazzed up EZ-Link cards for National Day!

Tay Jun-Yi loves to draw animals engaging in social interactions. | IMAGES: MANDAI WILDLIFE GROUP

Tay Jun-Yi

If you've ever wandered into the merch shop at Singapore Zoo or Bird Paradise, you've probably encountered Jun-Yi's whimsical animal illustrations. Armed with a black marker pen, Jun-Yi brings the animal kingdom to life with charm and character. Plus, he's part of The Animal Project, spreading joy through art while supporting artists with special needs.

Some of Jeffrey Kong's locally inspired creations include the Merlion, RSAF F-15SG, and the old TransitLink fare machine. | IMAGES: JEFFREY KONG @ARTISANBRICKS

Jeffrey Kong

From the Merlion to RSAF F-15SG, Jeffrey's locally inspired Lego creations are a nostalgic nod to home. The founder of Artisan Bricks is involved with charities and loves to give back to the community through Lego building workshops. According to Jeffrey, Lego is a reminder of the wonder of home.

Singapore public art

We zero in on examples of local art that you can appreciate and, in some cases, interact with (or even get comfy on!) when you're out and about.

Joyce Beetuan Koh (left) and Lua Boon Kai (right) are two of six artists whose "art benches" are part of "Benchmarks", a new public art trail commissioned by the Civic District Alliance. | IMAGES: ARTS HOUSE LIMITED

Art that you can... sit on!

Rediscover the Civic District in this public art initiative. Six Singapore-based artists were commissioned to create these art benches, dotted all around our arts and culture precinct. Of course, you can totally sit on these benches! They double as markers along this public art trail, and serve as reminders for you to take a break and enjoy the view.

"Pageant of Singapore's History" by Than Kiang How & Lim Sew Yong at Raffles Place MRT station shows how Singapore grew from humble beginnings. | IMAGE: NICHOLAS YONG

Spot these classic botanical artworks by NParks on the platform floor of Napier station, located nearby Botanical Gardens. | IMAGE: NICHOLAS YONG

Art in MRT stations

The next time you step into an MRT station, slow down your hurried pace. Instead, stop and take a look around you. The Art in Transit initiative is Singapore’s biggest public art showcase, celebrating our local history, culture, and community. Each station boasts its own unique artistic flair, transforming the mundane into the extraordinary and infusing our daily commute with moments of wonder.

Follow the links below to rediscover artwork along the:

• North-South Line
• Circle Line
• Thomson-East Coast Line
• North-East Line
• Downtown Line

This creative hub at Plaza Singapura throws the spotlight on local pop art and culture with showcases, workshops and a collectors’ bazaar. | IMAGE: SIM DING EN 

Accomplished ink illustrator Rex Lee. MAGES COURTESY OF CO PLAY.

Award-winning adman turned toy designer and artist, Lester Lim. | IMAGES COURTESY OF CO PLAY (LEFT) AND SIM DING EN

The best of contemporary art and art toys in one space

Dive into a world of colourful toys and quirky art at CO PLAY, a haven for artists, art lovers, and toy collectors alike. With local artists-in-residence showcasing their creations, every visit promises something new and exciting. Follow CO PLAY's Instagram for the scoop on the latest collectible launches and artist meet-ups.

Ticketed exhibitions

The National Gallery was lit up as part of Light To Night Singapore 2024 earlier this year.| IMAGE: NATIONAL GALLERY SINGAPORE

National Gallery Singapore

Prepare to be wowed as you step into the hallowed halls of the National Gallery. Housing the largest public collection of modern art in Southeast Asia, this cultural gem offers a curated journey through our region's artistic evolution. Heads up: the DBS Singapore Gallery will be undergoing a revamp from Apr 2024 in phases until it fully reopens in Jul 2025. At least one of the three galleries will be always open.

Latest ticketed events here.

IMAGE: NG KAI

The "Plastic: Remaking Our World" exhibition is happening now at National Museum Singapore. | IMAGES: NG KAI

National Museum of Singapore

Dive into Singapore's rich history and heritage at the National Museum of Singapore. Beyond its storied past, this architectural marvel hosts exhibitions that celebrate our cultural diversity and evolution. Right now, don't miss the "Plastic: Remaking Our World" exhibition, charting the rise of this synthetic material and solutions for a more sustainable use of plastics in today’s world.

Latest ticketed events here.

ArtScience Museum

Embark on a journey of discovery at the ArtScience Museum, where, as its name implies, art and science collide in wonderfully thought-provoking way. From immersive installations to interactive exhibits, this avant-garde institution pushes the boundaries of creativity and innovation. Over the years, we’ve explored cool installations that let you see, hear and smell 7 ecosystems, and even tried a VR experience where nature meets technology.

Latest ticketed events here.

Putting Singapore on the world map

Singapore's vibrant arts scene isn't just confined to our shores - it's making waves on the world stage too.

From 20 Apr to 20 Nov 2024, Singapore will be showcasing its talents for the 11th year in a row at the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia in Venice, Italy.

The "Seeing Forest" exhibition at the Singapore Pavilion is the work of interdisciplinary artist Robert Zhao Renhui and curator Haeju Kim, which invite you to explore a world of wonder.

And for the first time, Southeast Asian artists will be featured in the Central Pavilion, through artwork loans from the National Gallery Singapore. Contemporary works by Singaporean artists Charmaine Poh and Sim Chi Yin will also be featured at the Nucleo Contemporaneo section of the Central Pavilion. Majulah Singapur-art!

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