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There's something strangely comforting about flowers.
Maybe it's the way they instantly brighten a room. Maybe it's the simple joy of choosing your favourite bloom. Or perhaps it's because flowers are one of those rare things that make almost everyone smile.
That feeling is exactly what greeted me when I stepped into Flower Market, the Southeast Asia debut of internationally acclaimed artist Cj Hendry's wildly popular immersive installation at IMBA Theatre, Gardens by the Bay.
After drawing massive crowds in cities like New York, Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi and Sydney, Flower Market has finally arrived in Singapore, and having attended the media preview, I can see why it draws so many people around the world to experience it.
Walking Into a Giant Flower Shop Made Entirely of Plush Blooms
The moment I entered the space, I'm a happy skippidy girl in her rainbow world. Rows upon rows of oversized plush flowers stretched across the gallery, transforming IMBA Theatre into what felt like a whimsical dream version of a neighbourhood flower stand.
Instead of traditional artworks hanging on walls, visitors are encouraged to wander through the floral landscape, pick up stems, compare colours, and build a bouquet that feels uniquely theirs. It's playful, interactive and surprisingly therapeutic.
Unlike many art exhibitions where you're asked to admire from a distance, Flower Market invites you to become part of the experience. You can touch the flowers, carry them around, photograph them, and most importantly, choose your favourites to take home.
Yes, every visitor receives one complimentary flower, but trust me, that's rarely where it ends. As you wander through the floral wonderland, you'll find yourself picking out bloom after bloom, slowly creating the perfect bouquet to take home. I certainly couldn't stop at just one!
A Singapore Twist That Makes This Edition Special
What makes the Singapore edition particularly exciting is the inclusion of 8 flower varieties created exclusively for its Southeast Asia debut.
Among the more than 30 plush flower varieties on display are local favourites such as the Papilionanthe Miss Joaquim, Singapore's national flower, alongside the distinctive Raffles' Pitcher Plant and vibrant Singapore Ginger Flower.
As someone who enjoys seeing international exhibitions embrace local culture, I thought this was a lovely touch. It gives the Singapore edition its own identity rather than simply recreating what visitors experienced elsewhere. Naturally, I couldn't resist building my bouquet around these Singapore-inspired blooms, creating what I like to call my very own "Cj Hendry Singapore bouquet".
More Than Just an Instagram-Worthy Experience
Of course, the Flower Market is incredibly photogenic.Every corner feels designed for your camera roll, whether you're posing among colourful blooms or proudly showing off the bouquet you've assembled.
But beyond the visual appeal, what impressed me most was how approachable the experience feels.
Cj Hendry has built a global reputation for creating large-scale installations that blur the line between art, entertainment and public participation. Flower Market perfectly captures that philosophy.
You don't need to understand contemporary art.
You don't need to study artist statements.
You simply walk in, explore, play, choose flowers and leave smiling.
And somehow, that's the beauty of it all. The way each visitor wanders through the market, carefully selects their blooms, and creates a bouquet that becomes a small work of art that reflects the person holding it. 🌸
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| Image Credit: Vogue Hong Kong |
Who Is Cj Hendry?
I first discovered Cj Hendry (Catherine Jenna Hendry) through her hyper-realistic large-scale drawings and was amazed by how much detail she could capture in seemingly ordinary subjects. Since then, the Australian-born, New York-based artist has gained international recognition for transforming everyday objects into immersive experiences that blur the line between art, spectacle and audience participation. Her installations encourage visitors to do more than just observe; they invite us to step inside, interact, and become part of the artwork itself.
From an Olympic-sized pool in the middle of the Mojave Desert to her wildly popular Flower Market installations that have drawn crowds around the world, Cj Hendry's work has a knack for turning everyday experiences into something unexpectedly magical.
What I find particularly fascinating is how accessible her art feels. You don't need an art history degree to appreciate it. Whether you're admiring her incredibly detailed drawings or wandering through one of her immersive worlds, the focus is always on curiosity, joy and human connection.
With sold-out exhibitions, celebrity collectors and thousands of eager fans waiting to experience her latest creations, she has become one of the most sought-after contemporary artists working today. Seeing her bring not one, but two major experiences to Singapore feels like a real treat for local audiences.
Next Up: The World Premiere of juju world
While Flower Market is only here for a limited five-day run, the excitement doesn't end there.
Starting 20 June, IMBA Theatre will host the world premiere of juju world, the first-ever immersive inflatable experience dedicated to Cj Hendry's popular juju collectible series. The experience will feature a bold new yellow colourway created specifically for Singapore, along with exclusive large-sized jujus that won't be available anywhere else after the exhibition closes. (I bet this exclusivity will be abig draw for crowds).
If Flower Market is any indication of what's to come, juju world looks set to continue Cj Hendry's tradition of turning everyday joy and nostalgia into larger-than-life experiences.
What I love most about Flower Market is that it reminds us art doesn't always have to be serious to be meaningful. Sometimes, art can simply be joyful.
And judging by the smiles I saw throughout the media preview, I don't think I was the only one.
One little wish from me though: let's enjoy Flower Market in the spirit it was intended. Part of the magic comes from everyone getting the chance to discover their favourite blooms and create something uniquely their own. Pick the flowers you love, be mindful of fellow visitors, and let's keep the experience blooming beautifully for everyone. 🌸
Cj Hendry x IMBA: Flower Market
📍IMBA Theatre, Gardens by the Bay
📅10 – 14 15 June 2026
🎫 Free (Pre-registration recommended. Walk-ins welcomed.)
https://imbaglobal.com/whats-on/cj-hendry-flower-market-singapore
Cj Hendry x IMBA: juju world
📍IMBA Theatre, Gardens by the Bay
📅20 June - 18 July 2026
🎫 Ticketed experience (Pre-registration recommended. Walk-ins welcomed.)
Join the IMBA Circle or follow @be.imba on Instagram for the latest updates on Cj Hendry at IMBA Theatre.
