The Kampong Glam area, already buzzing with history, tradition, old school eateries, and hip shops, is now home to what’s been hailed as Singapore’s first outdoor art gallery. With about 30 artworks by local and international artists dotting the two parallel back alleys of Muscat Street, the Gelam Gallery features framed pieces alongside wall murals and splashes of graffiti.
From contemporary art to works reflecting the culture and heritage of the neighborhood, the collection is a result of the efforts of individuals from Singapore, Malaysia, China, Myanmar, France, and the UK, with professionals, recent art school graduates, and self-taught artists in the mix.
Set up by Color Inc, with support from the Singapore Tourism Board and One Kampong Gelam, the initiative came about as the organizers thought to create something different from the already existing graffiti walls that adorn the district.
Entrance to the street art gallery is free, and from September onwards, visitors can sign up for free guided heritage and art trails conducted by Monster Day Tours on weekend afternoons for a deeper dive into the project.
In the meantime, have a peek below at some of the artworks.
Multi-disciplinary artist PrettyFreakyFantasy is known for his pop culture elements in bright and bold colors. His murals and interior decoration pieces can also be seen at Blu Jaz Cafe, Piedra Negra, and Funq. Photo: Gelam GalleryAn illustrator and graphic designer who graduated from NAFA, Shen Jun gets her inspiration from nature, ‘weird things’, and everyday life. Photo: Gelam GalleryLasalle graduate Sararuddin Abdul Hamid (aka Dyn) has put up solo exhibitions since 2005, as well as participated in group showcases at Ikea Singapore and Alliance Francaise. Photo: Gelam GalleryFrench artist Helene Le Chatelier debuted her first exhibition in Paris, and has since dabbled in painting, sculpture, photography, and more. Most known for her ink bodyscapes, she’s been working in Singapore since 2010, showcasing her works in cities like Bangkok and New York. Photo: Gelam GalleryHailing from Malaysia, Amir Andhar, who specializes in mural art painting, got his start in the art world by picking up basic techniques from his airbrush car painter father. Photo: Gelam GalleryIllustrator and graphic designer Liyana Farzana Binti Zaihan experiments with colors and art forms with her works. Photo: Gelam GalleryLasalle student Cynthia Wang seeks out themes of beauty and banality in her work, and this project marks her first attempt at street art. Photo: Gelam GalleryAn artist and aspiring writer, Lasalle graduate Susanna Tan most recently participated in this year’s Art Walk Little India and a group exhibition at the Esplanade. Photo: Gelam Gallery
