Open AccessMaking Space. Singapore, Artists & Art in the Public Realm
Author(s) -
Sharmila Wood
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
the journal of public space
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2206-9658
DOI - 10.32891/jps.v5i4.1408
Subject(s) - public space , foregrounding , the arts , public art , realm , sociology , visual arts , art methodology , space (punctuation) , contemporary art , aesthetics , public sphere , media studies , political science , public relations , art , politics , law , engineering , architectural engineering , linguistics , philosophy , literature , performance art , art history
In recent times Singaporean artists have undertaken audacious artistic performances, actions and interventions in public space, highlighting the role of artists as provocateurs of debates around public space and their engagement with issues related to ethical urbanism. Between 2010 – 2020 artists working in diverse fields of artistic practice including visual art, street art, performance art, community arts and new genre public art begun to locate their artwork in public spaces, reaching new audiences whilst forging new conversations about access, inclusion and foregrounding issues around spatial justice. In contesting public space, artists have centralized citizens in a collective discourse around building and shaping the nation. The essay documents key projects, artists and organisations undertaking artistic responses in everyday places and examines the possibility of public art in expanding concepts of ‘the public’ through actions in Singapore’s public space, and demonstrating the role of artists in civil society.