Remember that surprise survey?
Not so long ago, a major Singapore newspaper ran a poll, asking folks what they considered a non‑essential job. Among the responses was artist—and that was a real shout‑out to everyone who draws, sketches, paints, illustrates, sculpts, or just doodles for fun.
Word on the street: World Art Day
Did you know there’s a whole day dedicated to everything arty? It’s called World Art Day, celebrated every year on April 15th. UNESCO launched it in 2019 to promote the development, diffusion, and enjoyment of art and because art “nurtures creativity, innovation and cultural diversity for all peoples across the globe and plays an important role in sharing knowledge and encouraging curiosity and dialogue.”
The universal language of art
- Whether you speak the same language or not, you can still appreciate a serene landscape, a daring modern installation, or an off‑beat comic strip.
- Take a break from the ordinary and enjoy a wall mural that speaks louder than words.
- Even your husband’s stick‑figure rendition of the Statue of Liberty—though that was a bit on the “failed Pictionary” side—can still make you smile.
Eight Singapore artists to spark your inspiration on World Art Day
- Lin Mei Cheng – a master of mixed media, blending acrylics with recycled materials to comment on sustainability.
- Rajesh Nair – a sculptor who carves light into everyday objects, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.
- Hannah Tan – known for vibrant murals that bring color to the drab corners of the city.
- Amir Zaid – digital artist whose interactive installations invite viewers to “play” with the art.
- Seong‑yeong Lee – illustrator behind the beloved children’s book series Moon & Stars, illustrating wonder with simplicity.
- Grace Lim – a printmaker whose collage pieces explore the histories of immigrant communities.
- Mohammad Khalil – an experimental photographer capturing the fleeting moments of street life.
- Jianyu Zhou – sculptor of kinetic art, where motion becomes the core of the visual experience.
1. Cheryl Teo aka Captain Lulo | paper art
https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ8lTj5sy1H/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
So you thought just because you can fold paper stars out of origami paper, you win liao hor. Wait till you see what Captain Lulo does with good ol’ paper.
She uses her preferred medium (usually in millennial-fave pastel shades) to fashion anything and everything, from miniature furniture to paper birthday cakes to HDB flats.
2. Henn.drawn | temporary fruit ink tattoo art
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMRrDKHncSz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
If you have always wanted to get inked but were worried that you would one day regret choosing a bikini-wearing, dancing elephant on your inner thigh, the folks at Henn.drawn have just the thing for you.
The tatts they do are temporary, lasting for just two weeks, as these are done with Jagua, an organic fruit-based ink from South America where tribes use it for body art.
The collective has three artists, each specialising in different styles like Greek mythology, flowers or, er, girls.
3. Xin Li | SG-centric illustrations
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNqriXdnqkJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Tin Tin fan and architecture grad Lee Xin Li’s art is all about Singapore, like kueh, iconic buildings, coffee shops and so on.
And his style is all about details.
Think how a Where’s Wally cartoon looks, then make it very Singaporean and you’ve got Xin Li (but instead of searching for Wally, you will be pinpointing chwee kueh from a smorgasbord of food or looking for Suntec City in a majestic black and white landscape of Singapore).
READ ALSO: These Singapore artists are a big draw on Instagram
4. Susanne Ng | chiffon cake art
https://www.instagram.com/p/CInklsrlKYz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
If you had thought that Bengawan Solo’s Cultural Medallion-worthy neon green chiffon pandan cake was art, see what else this baking artist has done with chiffon cake.
World-famous Susanne, who holds a PhD in biomedical engineering, creates chiffon cakes in the likeness of cartoon characters like Carebears, My Melody and Olaf, as well as food and everyday objects like sushi, cake mixers and durians.
How does anyone bear to sink their teeth into one of these, really?
5. Ros Lee of Polkaros | cute ceramics
https://www.instagram.com/p/CL8K0XdnGG2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
This Tokyo-trained artist grew up around pottery as her family ran a clay art business.
Today she is known for producing her signature whimsical and kawaii ceramics, tableware and fashion accessories that are cute but also minimalist enough for the art snob in you.
Her workshops sell out fast because who doesn’t want to hand-build your very own clay spoon with a smiley face, right?
6. Bitterstickgirl | stick figure comics
Meet the Comic Genius Who Turns Chinese Puns Into Comic Gold
Picture a world where a barber can serve you a cup of tea and a buzz cut, or where a cow in a tuxedo sips wine like a knight at a royal banquet. Sounds like a dream? Welcome to the vibrant, pun-filled universe of “Barber Tea” and “Cowtured”, the latest comic sensation that’s turning heads on Instagram.
Why These Comics Are More Than Just Funny
- Language Play – Every illustration speaks Chinese, but the jokes work on a double‑layered level: the literal meaning and the word‑play twist.
- Relatable Characters – A barber who can “cut” both hair and conversation, a cow that’s “posh” in every sense. Readers instantly see their own quirks reflected.
- Visual Punchlines – Speech bubbles crack jokes the way a punchline cracks a pyrotechnic explosion of laughter.
Top Word‑Play Highlights
Barber Tea – Think BBT (Barber Tea) and how “barber” isn’t just about hair. It’s also a literal barber who rocks a tea‑crate vibe: quiet wipes, gentle strolls, and the soothing smell of freshly brewed tea. The pun that keeps everyone laughing: “We’re cutting hair, not feelings!”
Cowtured – When the stereotypical “cow” arrives in a tuxedo, it’s not just a fashion statement. The pun on “cultured” implies that this bovine is classy and cultivated, sipping wine instead of chewing cud. The caption reads: “We’ve got moo-ve to elegance!” The copy touches on how to become a cultured cow.
The Joie de Vivre of Everyday Puns
Underneath the absurdity lies a celebration of everyday moments – the simple laugh we share when we see the same chestnut on a new platform. Each punchline is a reminder: in serialization, we share the joy of humor.
Time to Follow the Fun
Ready to mix a latte with a laugh? Check out this comic collection and give it a follow. Keep the humor light, the vibes warm, and the puns sharp. The more you laugh, the more you grow—both in breadth and in Bruhhhhh moments of blissful chuckles.
7. Yip Yew Chong | murals
https://www.instagram.com/p/CF4K0HHHwcq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
You most likely would have seen one of his nostalgic artworks around Singapore. Yes, he’s that prolific. Or, at least, his mostly-street-scene wall art is.
Some pieces popular with anyone looking for the perfect IG photo backdrop include Singapore Rojak – Nonya Kueh Kueh at Changi Airport Terminal 4 (it’s 37m long!), Letter Writer at Smith Street and Bird Singing Corner at Tiong Bahru.
8. Farizwan Fajari aka Speak Cryptic | street art
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNG32BinicA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Street artist Farizwan is known for his black-and-white surreal figures with a lot of intricate, swirl-like detail.
And did you know that in 2018, his work was showcased alongside that of Banksy (from the UK), Felipe Pantone (from Spain) and Nasty (from France) in “Art from the Streets”, an exhibition at the ArtScience Museum of works by the world’s most iconic street artists? Talk about Singapore Represent!
You’ll also find his murals at The Projector and Esplanade.
More recently, he announced on Facebook that he had sold his first NFT artwork for what’s worth about $1,500 in the cryptocurrency Ether.
And your parents asked why you wanted to join AEP.
READ ALSO: Affordable art in Singapore: Where to get budget-friendly prints and paintings for your home
This article was first published in Wonderwall.sg.
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