SINGAPORE: A 60-metre panoramic painting depicting Singapore in the 1970s and 1980s attracted a huge crowd of all ages, as well as art lovers, to Raffles City Convention Center. channel news asia I will report it.
Artist Yip Yu Chong created a masterpiece and named it “I draw Singapore”. According to the report, Mr Yip meticulously created the piece based on his memories of old Singapore and took a year and a half to complete.
“I draw Singapore”
Spanning 60 meters in length, this mesmerizing artwork depicts 27 different scenarios of Singapore’s ever-evolving landscape, from Kampung Island to the modern city that Singaporeans now call home.
Mr Yip said hearing stories about old Singapore from visitors inspired him to create more meaningful works of art in the future.
Represented in a semicircular composition, all scenes are seamlessly connected.
Notable scenes in the painting include the seaside Padang surrounded by public buildings, the bustling Change Alley, and the famous Singapore River filled with bumboats.
A description of Mr. Yip’s memories of the place was also placed below the picture. For example, his description of the Singapore River in 1970 reads:
“As a child, I woke up to the pungent smell of the Singapore River as my school bus passed by. Every morning I saw the river teeming with boats, cranes and workers. Skyscrapers were being built nearby, increasing in height by the day. Unfortunately, in 1984, the final stage of the river’s cleanup began, changing the landscape forever.”
Speaking ahead of the event, Mr Yip said that although there was only one art piece in the exhibition, he hoped Singaporeans would come and see it. He said this was his most important painting to date and an expression of his love and respect for Singapore.
The painting drew praise from Singaporeans.
On Instagram, many Singaporeans posted and praised the 60-meter painting.
User tambrian2017 said, “I was amazed by the intricate details of the iconic buildings, people’s lifestyles, and ancient customs. It’s a pictorial social commentary of Singapore’s development period. It evoked a great sense of nostalgia. It’s truly a masterpiece.”
User jieyongggzzz said: “@yipyewchong’s 60m long and 1.1m high canvas titled ‘I Paint Singapore’ is truly unique. According to Mr Yip’s own personal recollections, the impeccable details vividly capture the Singapore of yesteryear.”
User ode_to_j.oy also said, “This artist has drawn many nostalgic scenes of Singapore!” My mother was struck by the familiarity of the scene and reminded me of the vanished landmark…”
In an interview with CNA, Yip expressed his hope that the painting would be exhibited again.
“We hope that we can find a buyer who will help us preserve this painting, and in the near future we may be able to re-display it for the public, or even the world, to see once again. “He said.
The exhibition opened on November 30, 2023 and ended on January 1, 2024.