Cable guy
(Decorated wall near Arab street: Singapore)
In Malay, the words on the wall read something like ‘inspiration comes from all around’*, a fitting title for this cable graffiti I saw in Singapore. The lines of the image are simply manipulated lengths of electrical cable, fastened to the wall with standard cable anchors, except that they formed this picture. I couldn’t tell if the cables were attached to power or if they led anywhere – maybe at night they are illuminated by the lights they help supply.
I also wondered if this artwork was created with the permission of the government or if it is perhaps in protest of anti graffiti laws in Singapore. Many laws in Singapore are rather stringent and have severe punishments by many other countries standards. Graffiti is one of them; if one is caught ‘defacing’ a wall or train, there are a few strokes of the cane and a short prison sentence waiting. I hope that this type of art is being encouraged as true ‘art’ rather than as a negative blot on the community. This was just one of a string (pardon the pun) of similar pieces running the length of the wall, but I liked this one the most. Arab street and it’s environs are one of the more vibrantly interesting areas of Singapore; I mean most of the city is verdant, pleasant and bright, but Arab street has a slightly more authentic or ‘vernacular feel. There is graffiti there, alternative and independent shops, hostels and cafes selling cheap, simple meals and iced coffees and all of this is overlooked by a huge mosque, bristling with minarets and domes. Each section of Singapore feels like a separate place with its own charms and eccentricities, but I think for me, Arab street has it all.
*Approximate translation according to Google translate.
– Today Rosie is attending a murder mystery dinner as a ventriloquist in Glasgow, Scotland –
It’s Malay, not Indonesian.
Oops. Ignorance strikes again… I’ve changed it. I don’t speak British all that well.