paradise, in Ulu Jurong (2022)

Outdoor Mural

Jan 2022

Making Waves x JTC Singapore

@ Terusan Recreation Centre

80-metre long and 50-metre wide mural surrounding the football field (it's about the size of 9 x basketball court!)

about the artwork

Post-colonisation, a small population of inhabitants that consists mainly of China and Malay migrant population used to stay near the river banks at Jurong, where Terusan Recreation Centre stands today.

Using motifs of Waves and the Sea, the artwork explores parallels of past/history and present. Just like the early inhabitants of this area who reached the shores of Jurong for migration, the lapping waves in this artwork hopes to capture a similar idea of migration that is ever-present in today's society. The courageous act of our forefathers leaving the comforts of their hometown to provide a better life for their families is something common that binds us with the migrant brothers and not divide.

The football field is transformed into a "paradise, in Ulu Jurong", a popular hangout spot among the migrant brothers, unbeknownst to the locals, where they can escape to enjoy their days off from hard work.

Migrant brothers are invited to co-paint the waves on the mural, and participate in the Making Waves workshop at the IMD festival where they draw their version of "Waves", which would in turn inspire the shapes of waves on the walls of TRC.

This is part of @makingwavessg, a mural campaign to transform different dormitory sites and recreational centres (RC) into collaborative art spaces with the migrant and local community. I’m glad that I can use my art for good.