Five COVID-19-inspired art installations exhibited across local parks till Oct 30

A larger-than-life Marie biscuit, a giant inflatable surgical mask, and an iridescent seesaw. These are just some of the artworks currently on display at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Punggol Waterway Park, and Jurong Lake Gardens, as part of public art exhibition As You Were, commissioned by the Public Art Trust (PAT) under the National Arts Council (NAC).

Done by seven artists, the public art showcase reflects their imaginations of an endemic world and serves as a timely reminder for us to connect, communicate, heal and play together after a challenging two years.

Here’s a quick look at some of the works on display:

Take a stroll through Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park and you’ll be surprised to find a half-eaten Marie Khong Guan biscuit, similar to the one you might have in your kitchen, just significantly enlarged.

Titled Small Moments, the three metre-tall installation draws on the brief unassuming moments before the pandemic and the simple pleasures we took for granted.

Absurd yet humorous and comforting, the half-eaten Marie biscuit works as a metaphor for togetherness, the past and the nature of holding on.

Location: Field nearer to Dog Run Area

Taking inspiration from the Sanskrit word Lila (लीला) which means “divine play”, n o o n (at play) consists of a set of two iridescent seesaws situated at Punggol Waterway Park.

They serve as pivoting points that reference creative play, and the balance between work and life.

Members of the public are invited to unleash their inner child and try out the seesaws!

Given its aesthetic design, you may also want to snap some pictures for the ‘gram. (Pro-tip: Head down at night as that’s when the installation will be lit up with LED lights.) 

Location: Open Area behind Punggol Waterway Point

Reminiscent of paper boat lanterns from East Asian countries like China and Japan and the surgical mask, Afloat is an eight-metre long inflatable located at Punggol Waterway Park that represents our solidarity in fighting the pandemic.

Artist Ang Song Nian wanted to incorporate motifs associated with the pandemic and eventually settled on the mask as its one of the first lines of defence against the virus and also displays people’s determination to overcome the challenges.

Location: Sand Play Area 

“As our public spaces come to life again, the dawning of a new, endemic world is a huge step forward for our arts community, and for all Singaporeans.

“Our artists sought to contemplate and facilitate society’s reconnection to nature and community, and this showcase has provided an opportunity for them to push their creative boundaries to create works that inspire joy and reflection in the daily lives of our Singapore public,” said Director of Sector Development (Visual Arts), NAC, Mr Tay Tong.

As You Were will be on display till Oct 30. For the full list of artworks and participating artists, click here.