Many of you might be familiar with Yip Yew Chong, an artist best known for his nostalgic murals illustrating Singapore’s culture – both past and present. His murals can be found adorning the walls in the nooks and crannies of neighbourhoods like Tiong Bahru, Everton Road, and Chinatown.
For his most recent project, I Paint My Singapore, the artist set out to complete his most extensive painting yet. He began work in August 2021, an 18-month labour of love that resulted in a 60-metre-long work with 27 different panels depicting Singapore’s iconic scenes – from the district of Katong and Chinatown, to familiar local void decks. The last canvas was painted live at Tiong Bahru Community Centre, in front of an audience that came down to cheer him on.
The idea to shift away from his signature art form (murals) was birthed from the realisation that an outdoor mural is ultimately not evergreen. This led to the inspiration of utilising canvas as his medium instead. However, the thought was put aside and only reignited years later after he laid his eyes on a 200-metre Chinese oil painting by Chinese artist Tang Yaozhong. Shortly after, he began creating I Paint My Singapore.
We had the privilege to speak to Mr Yip to find out more about his journey throughout the 18 months of painting in solitude, the personal touches that were woven into the 27 scenes, the obstacles he faced, and more.
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What was the process of painting such an extensive painting?
It always starts with the planning and the concept, which actually took more time than the actual painting. I started by thinking of the overarching theme. I wanted it to be about my growing up years, which were actually also Singapore’s growing up years (1970s to 80s). I chose this period because I felt it would be very interesting to showcase the old and the new Singapore coexisting. In the 1990s, everything already looked very new. And in the 60s, everything was still very old. It is only within these two decades (70s to 80s) that there is a mix of both.
I also tried to think of my personal connection with all the places in Singapore during the 70s and 80s. I grew up in Chinatown and went around Singapore often in my youth.
The painting was painted in solitude in the comfort of my studio. However, when I painted the last canvas, which was the day scene in Chinatown, I wanted to feel like I was running through the finish line. So, that canvas was actually live painted in Tiong Bahru’s community centre. The first canvas I painted was the night scene of Chinatown painted in August 2021.
Also, I don’t sketch my paintings, it is based on my memory. For the small details, I usually search online to look through hundreds of old archival photographs and transcripted stories to form the composition of the place. I will also pick out anything that is interesting, as well as stories I want to highlight. I don't paint in sequence as well – I jump from one canvas to another because that gives me the flexibility to insert details and ideas. There were many suggestions on social media to include different things. I try my best to put it all in. But of course, ultimately, I must feel connected to the painting.
Are there any hidden details in the painting that are personal to you? Such as a personal memory, or even a person.
Yes! Everything is a fond memory of sorts. Zooming in, I even painted myself and my family. As you can see here (night scene in Chinatown painting), I painted my mother on the second floor of the shophouse, which is my old family home. I also painted myself in the day scene of Chinatown looking at an artist on the street. I have a connection with every scene. Another example is the Pulau Tekong scene – during my army days, I was in that very position of the parade square.
How did you decide what Singapore scenes to paint?
When deciding what to paint, I made sure to represent Singapore’s vibrant culture and diversity. As you can see throughout the murals, there is representation of different cultures – from Little India to Chinatown – which is essentially the essence of Singapore. There is also different weather being depicted, going from a rainy day to a sunny day. I want to showcase Singapore from all angles through my paintings.
Did you face any obstacles throughout the process from August 2021 to January 2023?
I did not face any obstacles logistically but it was more of a personal mental dilemma. I had to balance between the aesthetics and the accuracy of the scenes. However, because this is art, and art is an expression of an impression, I have the artistic licence to express it in the way it made an impression on me and not accurately in terms of historical accuracy or geographical accuracy. The challenge is in explaining it to people, but most people would understand.
As an artist, what drew you to your niche – which is essentially depicting scenes of Singapore in both the past and present?
Well, first of all, I am Singaporean, that’s the easy answer. The more detailed answer – I painted my first mural at Everton Road where the houses and the district are conserved areas with rich history. I thought that painting something historical and Singapore-related was a good idea to add to the ambience of the place. The mural was warmly received by the public and from then on, all the mural-painting requests I had were all nostalgic and Singapore-themed. At times, I do find it a bit of a pigeonhole, but I have to acknowledge that if that's my strength, then that's my niche. Over time, I recognised it. And of course, I love it too.
What do you hope visitors can take away from experiencing the painting ‘I Paint My Singapore’?
When viewing this painting, the audience is immersed in my impressions and my life. What I painted in this 60-metre painting are my personal memories and what I have remembered throughout the years. And perhaps the audience might feel connected to it as well because as Singaporeans, we have shared memories. This in turn evokes their own personal stories too. It strengthens our unity and identity as Singaporeans.
As I explained, our experiences are not the same. However, you’ll definitely be able to find familiarity in the paintings. The painted scenes are not exactly what you see today because things have changed, but it is somehow still familiar, you know? Things have changed, but it is still home.
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Visit ‘I Paint My Singapore’ at Raffles City Convention Centre, Level 4, from November 30 to January 1, 2024.
Yip Yew Chong’s responses have been edited for language, conciseness and flow.
