Showing posts with label Tobyato. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tobyato. Show all posts

Discover Somerset Threads Through Theatre - The Greater Somerset Simulation: Somerset Threads Live Theatrical Experience

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Hi Huneybees,

The Comma Arts Festival returns, illuminating Somerset with an interactive live-theatre experience. The Greater Somerset Simulation: Somerset Threads Live Theatrical Experience, created by Strawberries Inc., takes you on a guided walk through Somerset, bringing murals by artists like ANTZ and Eunice Hannah Lim to life.

Inspired by the area's rich history, this experience delves into the theme of 'coming-of-age' through immersive storytelling, gamified elements, and interactive exploration. It offers a unique and unforgettable way to engage with art and community.


Synopsis of The Greater Somerset Simulation: Somerset Threads Live Theatrical Experience 

Ling and Singh, representatives from a mysterious external non-government agency, have just one question for you - how can Somerset become the coolest district? Dripping with civil servant charisma, they invite you to step into The Greater Somerset Simulation.

Join them on a moonlit journey through Somerset, where street art comes to life, and interactive experiences like the BTO Auction War await. As you explore, witness the duo navigate their own differences in a playful yet thought-provoking adventure that blends art, games, and immersive storytelling.


The Featured Street Arts
Title: Flash-C
Venue: Skate Ramp at Somerset Skate Park
Artist: Eunice Hannah Lim
Mural Assistant: Gwen Rae (Gwenster)

Eunice Hannah Lim, also known as “1 is E.nuf” (b.1992, Singapore), is an artist inspired by documented narratives and our navigation through constructed spaces. Utilizing a myriad of mediums such as drawing, painting, street murals and assemblages, she crafts new shared experiences according to each unique location.

Her work explores themes of history, placemaking, and community interactions with landscapes, reimagining how we connect with our surroundings today. Some of her notable public art murals in Singapore are: Cattleland, Book-A-Meeting, Folding Dreams and Gen XYZ. She uses the vibrancy of colors to convey culture and hopefully, a new layer of awareness to the place.

Flash-C captures the dynamic energy of Orchard Somerset, reflecting the interplay between environmental forces and human identities, showcasing the confluence of water, heritage, and self-expression. They echo the transitory yet powerful nature of “flash” phenomena—both in physical events and cultural movements; drawing inspiration from the flash floods in Orchard and “sub-culture kids”. The crimson sunbird, declared as Singapore’s unofficial national bird, looks at the immersive waves – creating an open-ended prompt about its own belonging and local identity.

Title: working hands NOW and THEN
Venue: Shutter at 111 Somerset facing Devonshire Road
Artist: ANTZ
Mural Assistant: Glenn Ong (GORIS)

ANTZ is renowned for his distinctive style, which merges classical Chinese myths with contemporary urban pop influences. His work has been described as a “juxtaposed-mash,” blending ethnic traditions with international street art aesthetics. With a deep passion for Chinese culture and design, ANTZ has established a strong presence across Southeast Asia, China, North America, and Europe, attracting a diverse and notable clientele.

His artwork, working Hands: NOW and THEN, draws inspiration from Singapore’s 1970s PUB building, incorporating its architectural patterns to reflect the area’s rich heritage. The dripping effect symbolizes the fusion of corporate professionals with the youthful, vibrant energy of today’s Orchard Somerset. Gold accents and bold colors further enhance the visual contrast. At the heart of the piece, a lanyard-wearing hand on a skateboard captures the dynamic coexistence of office workers, skate park enthusiasts, and Orchard Road shoppers, celebrating the district’s ever-evolving spirit.

Title: Tan Sri P Ramlee, The Multi-Talented
Venue: Somerset Youth Park, The Red Bus
Artist: Boon Bakes
Mural Assistant: Han (KidKaijin)

Boon, also known as Boon Bakes, is a Singaporean visual artist and full-time graffiti muralist. He creates imaginative scenes and cartoon self-portraits of his alter ego, The Mata-Kuyu Man.

Boon has been part of numerous local events, including Singapore Street Fest (2017, 2018) and Aliwal Urban Arts Festival (2020, 2023). His work has also gained international recognition, with invitations to Meeting of Styles in Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, as well as Step in the Arena, a renowned graffiti festival in Eindhoven, Netherlands. His artistic skills are showcased in a 70-meter-long mural at Artwalk Little India, and in 2021, his piece The Journey earned a place in the Kampong Glam Hall of Fame, marking a key milestone in his career. Through his art, Boon aims to spread peace and love, using creativity to inspire and connect communities.

The mural - Tan Sri P. Ramlee, The Multi-Talented, honors Tan Sri P. Ramlee, a legendary figure in Singapore’s Malay entertainment industry. An actor, director, composer, and singer, he was instrumental in shaping the golden age of Malay cinema in the 1950s. Located on the very street where a scene from his iconic 1957 comedy Bujang Lapok was filmed, the artwork pays tribute to his lasting influence on Malay art and culture.

Title: Project Cheeep: Visualising Collective Emotional States in Public Art
Venue: Somerset Youth Park Pavillion
Artist: Victor Emmanuel
Project Manager: Stellah Lim
Video Artist: Marcel Gaspar
Project Assistants: Zul Zaufishan (Zee Fish), Jade (JXDE) & Mina Choo (Soup)

Victor Emmanuel is a Singapore-based artist specializing in painting, having graduated from LASALLE College of the Arts. His work has been featured in major local exhibitions, including Oceanfest ’23 at Resorts World Sentosa’s S.E.A. Aquarium, You Other; I Another at The Private Museum (2019), A Home for the Arts at The Substation (2016), and Geometry at CANVAS Singapore (2015). Beyond his own artistic practice, Victor collaborates as an expert fabricator, providing technical and creative support to fellow artists.

Project Cheeep is a site-specific installation that explores emotional responses as a measurable aspect of human experience. At its core are handcrafted birds inspired by the common mynahs found in Singapore’s Orchard and Somerset areas. These birds, known for their habit of gathering in the evenings to create a chorus of chatter, serve as a metaphor for collective expression.

The installation reimagines the mynahs' nightly ritual—often chaotic and noisy—as a reflection of how humans process and share daily experiences, whether through conversations, art, or social interactions. Acting as silent witnesses to urban life, the mynahs mirror our routines and emotions, capturing the unnoticed poetry of everyday existence. By incorporating these birds as both visual and symbolic elements, Cheeep highlights the dual nature of city living—balancing solitude and connection, chaos and harmony, individuality and community.

Title: TRI-dora (Collaboration between TRIFECTA and *SCAPE)
Venue: TRIFECTA
Artist: Tobyato

TRI-dora is a floor mural that pays tribute to both the legendary three-headed kaiju, Ghidorah, and the dynamic spirit of TRIFECTA within Somerset. As the name suggests, TRI-dora is built around three key concepts:
  • The Elements of Board Sports - Representing water, wind, and rock, the artwork symbolizes the three board sports that define TRIFECTA: surfing, snowboarding, and skateboarding.
  • Creative Flow & Expression - The flowing design of the mural reflects the movement of board sports, evoking the flow state in traditional creative pursuits like art and music.
  • A Natural Guide - Following the flow of the artwork brings one through the different sections of TRIFECTA’s space.


The murals will be on display until November 2025 as part of Somerset Threads. Feel free to come explore the murals outside of the experience.


The Greater Somerset Simulation: Somerset Threads Live Theatrical Experience

Venue: Around Somerset Belt District
Dates & Time: 17, 18, 24, 25 January 2025
7.30pm - 9.00pm (Registration at 7.15pm)
Registration Location: Somerset Skate Park (Next to Trifecta)
Ticketing Details: General $35. Youth (Below 35): $25



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CO PLAY - A New Creative Hub For Local Artists and Toy Collectors

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Hi Huneybees,


There's a new playground in town for local and international artists and their fans. If you are an avid pop culture art collector like me and hubby, you are definitely in for a treat! Come on down to CO PLAY in Plaza Singapura, a first-of-its-kind communal habitat that's decked with an extensive collection of designer art and collectibles of various mediums.


It's an amazing space where artists can gain exposure and interact with their fans, bringing vibrancy to the local art scene. Just right above the Pop Mart, you can find this creative space and keep a close tab on their social media as there will always be workshops as well as artist interaction.



Connecting Collectors & Public with Artists
To foster a community to drive local indie art development, CO PLAY has assembled a diverse cast of artists to showcase Singapore's rich artistic tapestry. You can find 6 local artists-in-residence - Eric Chew (@sapientoystudio), Jeremy Tanavit (@Tanavit23), Lester Lim (@lesdoublewood), Rex Le (@my_spacecats), Toby Tan (@tobyato) and Yang (@yang_ovo), with their very own open studio booths. Popping by at different times, you can find them working on their latest projects. I like to explore the space, enjoy the artworks and chat with them on the concepts behind their works...


Eric Chew (@sapientoystudio)
Founded in 2020 by Eric, Sapien Toy Studio has gained a cult fanbase of his iconic Chewthulhu character, an artist's take on the mighty cosmic entity Cthulhu. He has released over 10 colour variants worldwide and is welcoming more sapien monsters into the lineup. He will be launching new characters including Elo and Kora-Kora at CO PLAY!


Jeremy Tanavit (@Tanavit23)
Created in Singapore but raised on a tasty diet of Thai values, Jeremy aka JEM is best known for his creation, the mischievous JEM - a playful tiger character that's always on the prowl for something fun to do, poking his head around corners and turning the streets into his playground, juxtaposing the fierce and the cute. Check out different variations of JEM and his companion Pitohui, that's actually inspired by a poisonous bird! 


Lester Lim (@lesdoublewood)
Lester a well-established name in the local creative industry, making splashes in the local art scene with his bold outlined Jelilo character. Inspired by the beauty and unique flair of jellyfish, Jelilo is the artist's charming rendition of the ocean's quiet residents, showcasing a soft-bodied creature with a retro-futurism style and a strong message of anti-bullying.



Rex Lee (@my_spacecats)
With just a marker pen, Rex has won the popular appeal of transforming works through the use of stippling. His 2D-styled booth makes an amazing space for photos, walk into it and discover his intricate works featuring his signature Space Cat character. 


You have got to check out his customized Molly and Bearbrick, zoom in on all the details to see all his fine work...


Toby Tan (@tobyato)
A name that has been tied to street culture, Tobyato's bold, striking artworks are inspired by Chinese motifs and playful influences that reflect both his own heritage and personality. The urban visual artist has already worked with multiple brands such as UNIQLO, G-SHOCK, Shake Shack, Levi's, etc. His 'dumpling shop' at CO PLAY showcases his urban art creations into morsels of bite-sized art for everyday consumption!


Yang (@yang_ovo)
Pop into this fairycore-inspired space of Yang, where you can find her signature OOJA in various customized looks. Being a cancer fighter, OOJA was birthed as a whimsical concept of a brave little girl who wants to positively impact the world through an exploration of health and food, hence the Campbell soup body for the character. There's a custom OOJA contest going on, check out the details on her insta.


With the mandate to support the development of the local arts scene through growing artists and creatives, CO PLAY has also attracted support from organizations sharing the same objectives. This year, UNIQLO Singapore is partnering CO PLAY to encourage shoppers to support local arts and cultural communities #WithUT over two weekends at the Orchard Central Global Flagship Store. To launch this partnership, CO PLAY’s artists-in-residences created a new UTme! collection – Playful Memories, and will also be creating live art sessions for shoppers at UNIQLO Orchard Central to be part of these activities.

By Taketo Kobayashi (@humanoise)
Bringing Art to Life Through Exploration & Collaborations
Beyond the open studios by local artists-in-residences, CO PLAY is also the enabling platform for new creative talents exploring the world of designer art toys, and for established artists to dive deeper into the world of Intellectual Property creation.
There is painter Angelina Lim (@ellalinaart) who has recently started creating custom art toys as well as conducting live art sessions within CO PLAY; visual artist wunderkind Sam Lo (@skl0), best known for his large-scale vibrant murals all over the island, has also painted a wall mural at CO PLAY, and will be showcasing his urban artworks as well as launching his art toy series at this space.
To further tap into a diverse pool of visual and urban artists who are keen to explore creating their own designer art-toys, CO PLAY has also partnered with artist Taketo Kobayashi (@humanoise) to launch an initiative Proto Toyz, a visionary project to create bespoke artworks and collectibles in limited runs for renowned local artists including Adeline Tan (@yell0w), ANTZ (@antz_rscls), Boon Baked (@boonbaked), Chris Chai (@cosmicchai), Farizwan Fajari (@speakcryptic), Kit (@kitctrlaltdelyou), Race Krehel (@supercybertown), Williem Siddik (@siddwills), ZERO (@zero_x_rscls_o) and more.
Andre Tan (@andretanart)

Other partners include Wasuka Art (@wasuka.art) to feature talented pop artists from Singapore including Andre Tan (@andretanart) whose popular works focus on the impact of popular brands and contemporary cultural icons delivered through vivid colours and witty humour, Kin (@kin80) who is known for his colourful world of wonderful characters amidst surreal landscapes in local context, as well as Emily Moh (@em_ceramic_art) best known for her whimsical pop art creations in ceramics. Beyond the local talents, there are also key works from international artists such as Piao Cheng Long (@piao_chenglong_art) from China and Buakow Phasom (@buakowphasom) from Thailand. With their distinct styles and unique perspectives, these artists bring a diverse range of pop art to CO PLAY, each reflecting their individual personalities and the different cultures that they are influenced by.

CO PLAY also hosts overseas artists including Benzilla (@benzilla ) from Thailand, Distort Monsters (@distortmonsters) from the Philippines, as well as Daytoner (@day_toner) from Canadian studio Purearts (@pureartsofficial). These exchanges have further fostered collaboration opportunities with local artists. Through this space, Benzilla collaborated with COPLAY artist-in-residence Jeremy Tanavit to launch a new designer art-toy ‘BIRDZILLA’, a combination of Tanavit’s Pitohui character with Benzilla’s signature ‘LOOOK’ design.


Created my own ceramic piece with Emily Moh.
Creating The Collectors’ Playground
Remember those days when weekend toy flea markets were the big thing? Shopping for limited edition or rare finds was the biggest accomplishment and to bring back that nostalgic feeling, CO PLAY has an on-site collectors’ bazaar corner.  Collectors will set up stalls in the space every Saturday between 4pm to 8pm to sell both pre-loved and mint vintage toys, designer figures, and rare collectibles.

Beyond the collectors’ bazaar, there will also be workshops conducted by artists, ranging from illustraton and painting to pottery, where you can look forward to getting your creative juices flowing and producing your very own art pieces under the guidance of the artists including Rex Lee, Angelina Lim and Emily Moh!


Truly the melting pot for artists and collectors to connect and interact, CO PLAY inspires new creative journeys into the world of designer art collectibles and artworks. Other than inspiring artists to collaborate and engage, this concept space enables both artists and the public alike to bring their imaginations to life as artworks and collectibles and is the creative platform to represent Singapore’s developing pop culture and arts scene to the rest of the world. Come pop by and see you at CO PLAY!


CO PLAY
Plaza Singapura, #03-67 to 69, 68 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238839
Opening Hours: 11am-9.30pm daily
https://www.instagram.com/coplaysg/


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5 Things I Like About 29Rooms: Lost and Found

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Hi Huneybees,


Get ready to up your selfie game and immerse into the most creative playground as 29Rooms: Lost and Found begins tomorrow. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, this will be the It space for all IG and Tik Tok aficionados. So get your camera gear ready, and gather your partners and BFFs for this fun-filled experience at Gardens by the Bay.


Debuted in 2015 in New York, 29Rooms is the creation of the digital publication platform Refinery29 and its parent company Vice Media. The event has seen the likes of Lizzo and Emma Roberts curating immersive experiences at earlier editions and this is the first time the event has stepped out of the US.


As the name suggests, there are 29 rooms, each with a unique theme and setup for you to experience. Covering a massive area of 4,500 m sq, the Singapore edition features local and international artists, these rooms are not just about looking good for selfie shots, but are also interactive thought invoking too!



1) Mysterious sets the mood

Stepping into the first room, a dark forest will be greeting you. A strong spotlight at the end beckons to you and as you walk through this "prepping" space with the scent of bergamot and sandalwood, several questions on the wall might trigger certain thoughts and emotions.



2) Are Our Lives Too Monochromatic?

The main attraction of the exhibition is Merry-Go-Round, a themed room exclusive to Singapore. In it are 6 different time-stamped monochromatic spaces in which the average Singaporean sits throughout the day: public transport, office chairs, coffee shops, living rooms, toilets, and bedrooms. It makes me wonder if my life is too average?



3) Celebrity Experience

Take a break from the bright colours and step into the Billie Eilish room. Inspired by her perfume - Eilish No.2, the whole room is dimly lit and draped in gold, with a gold bust (just like the fragrance bottle) set in the back of the room. The room is all about a sensory experience with projections of her playing on the translucent fabrics hung from the ceiling and whiffs of her perfume (notes of sugared petals, vanilla, mandarin, red berries, and cocoa) filling the room. It's as though I stepped into a luxurious spa.

Note: Try spotting the hidden room where you can get a 360-degree selfie of yourself, like those taken on the red carpets of award shows.




4) Travel around Asia in minutes

Hop between countries in a matter of minutes? Why not! In the Samsung room, stroll through Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea, etc, and get your vids/pics taken with their latest S23 phones. Not only do you get to brag about it, but you also get to experience what their latest Nightography technology is all about.



5) Interactivity

Hands-on activities can be found across a few rooms - feel like an 8-year-old again and doodle or write a diary entry in the "Dora's Diary" room, print transfer a t-shirt to bring home in the "Flag Your Goals" room, or simply break the rules and make a mess of a room in the "Paint Over Your Mess" room, draw whatever you like, write whatever you want! 




And when you get tired, why not enjoy a coffee with a friend or even a stranger on the seesaw tables in the "Nice to Meet You" cafe or crash a flat party and sip on 3 cocktails made with Monkey Shoulder whisky.



If not, step into the Tiger Beer’s X Room (an 800 sq. m. standalone addition to the 29Rooms’ funhouse that's ticketed separately), where you can grab a free beer and enjoy DJ music acts, dance in the silent disco, enjoy some workshops activities, and even grab some bites as there will be some restaurant pop-ups! More details on the 29rooms website.


There’s just simply so much to experience 29Rooms and I don't want to spoil the magic for you, head on over and check it out yourself. Can't wait to see your pics/vids across on social media platforms!


Timing and ticket

Admission: Tue-Thu $35/adult | Fri-Sun $48/adult
Date: 10th February – 16th April 2023
Time: Tue-Sun 10am-10.30pm (Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays)
Venue: Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953






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