Artist Roy Adzak once said: "Good art is not what it looks like, but what it does to us.”

Catholic monk/poet/writer Thomas Merton said: "Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time."

Now, Singapore Arts Street has been trying to instill that love for experiencing art the past three years with great success. With 20,000 people participating in last year’s event, Singapore Arts Street 2009 plans to continue with bringing arts into the heartlands.



For the first time this year, the Singapore Arts Street team will work together with South East Community Development Council to bring the largest mix of local artists to Marine Parade this July.

Catering to every man on the street, there is art that suits everyone’s taste. Art rebels would love the punk-rock Singapore-style Italian street painting and graffiti art. Mummy’s little artists can get busy with hands-on art and stick-an-art workshops.

Then, for the art urbanites, there is the eclectic art market and numerous live performances, which give the Singapore Arts Street its unmistakable beat.

The big talking point for this year’s event is the country’s largest printmaking plates. They are carefully mounted with various materials and texture so that everyone can create their own special pieces as the ultimate memorabilia. Love your own face!


South East District Mayor, Matthias Yao Chih believes that art enthusiasts will be excited about the vibrant art displays in the heart of their neighbourhood. For those who aren’t fanatical, the borderless appeal would attract them and allow them to cultivate deeper appreciation for the arts.

"Indeed, I truly believe that art inspires and bonds our community and allows a greater sense of fulfillment especially in difficult times like now.”

Take some time this weekend and go check out the free exhibitions of local artworks at the Marine Parade Promenade as well as take part in the various activities prepared specially for you!

There are enough activities and performances to keep you occupied the entire time you are there. But if you are looking to only catch the highlights, here are some recommended exhibits you cannot miss:
 
Music in the Twilight
July 11, 6-8pm
Featuring three local acts – Rizal, Pervy Boy (above right) and Tierra (above left) – Music in the Twilight is art for the ears. You can either choose your favourite genre of music, or just sit in for all three bands and show your support for local music. Be it Rizal’s contemporary rock compositions, Pervy Boy’s feisty rock songs that challenges fairytale-like romance or Tierra’s fusion of modern day groove with ethnic culture, you’ll be brilliantly surprised.

Graffiti Expression
Ongoing (check website for exact timings)

There is really no better excuse to ‘vandalise’ when you're given the chance and space to. At Singapore Arts Street 2009, Graffiti is recognised as an art form and not only would there be a live demonstration, audiences will also get to take part in the hands-on session.

Toast Art
Ongoing (check website for exact timings)
It’s not something unheard of. But for the very first time in Singapore’s streets, we will get to see this! Created by students from MacPherson Primary School (above), not only does this piece of art work smell delicious, it is also a testament of the students’ hard work and effort! Perhaps you can beg for breakfast when they're done.

Monster Print
Ongoing with impromptu live demonstrations (check website for exact timings)
This is probably Singapore’s largest printmaking project to date. It features a 2m by 2.4m wall of textures for you to create your own print. You have to check out this feat.

Stick-An-Art
Ongoing (exhibit concludes upon completion)
Bring your pesky nephews and nieces to this one. Your siblings will be grateful. Using coloured stickers, kids create art pieces by dotting away. It’s an opportunity to see how pointillism works. Not to mention, a great and mess-free way to involve children who are at the exhibition  and start them young on the arts.

Apart from the ongoing exhibits at Singapore Arts Street 2009, performances cater to the audience. Taking place at the Central Pitch, various schools have practised hard to please the audience with their art forms. Be entertained by hip hop dances, percussion pieces, choral songs , local band showcases and even a symphonic band.

The Singapore Arts Street happens at Marine Parade Promenade (between Parkway Parade and Marine Parade hawker centre) on Jul 11, 11am-8pm and Jul 12, 11am to 6pm. Admission is free.

PHOTOS: SINGAPORE ARTS STREET

cassandra[a]youth.sg

Cassandra is crazy about theatre, mad about modern art, in love with writing and she believes this is possibly the best thing she can be doing – arts journalism in Singapore. Arts FTW!

THIS ARTICLE IS PART OF Jul 6-12 :: The Meltdown Issue