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A (p)arty sendoff at Rail Corridor Art Space

SINGAPORE — Who thought watching paint dry could be this fun?

SINGAPORE — Who thought watching paint dry could be this fun?

That was the feeling this writer had when some 47 local and foreign artists came together to create Circles Of Art on the spot at the Rail Corridor Art Space on Saturday. The project was part of the Rail Collidoscope event, which was organised by Noise Singapore, in collaboration with artist collective RSCLS and Mediacorp Radio Lush 99.5FM, as a farewell party for the popular art space located under the Commonwealth viaduct. The art-cum-music event was the last to be held at the venue, which will be closed for redevelopment works that is expected to be completed by 2019.

Over six hours, beginning from noon, the various artists and art crews worked hard at spray-painting their massive works in loud, bold colours — they were on stools, tall ladders or even perched on a narrow ledge across the walls of a space that had previously hosted other similar arts and music events last year. Keenly watching on were members of the public, comprising a good mix of young and the old, locals and expats, who streamed in steadily throughout the sunny afternoon.

According to homegrown street artist Zero from RSCLS, which curated the art project, almost 80 per cent of the artist participants were either local or Singapore-based. The live art jams also included a “Wii tagging” interactive activity where, via the use of a Nintendo Wii programme, visitors used an infra-red spray to digitally write or draw on the wall. Slogans drawn up by budding “graffiti” artists include “Joy To The World” and “Nerds Rule!”

As the artists did their thing, the pulsating party atmosphere was drummed up by DJ Darren Dubwise’s electronic tracks, in-between sets by local indie and folk artistes such as Joie Tan, Jawn Chan and Jaime Wong.

While shutterbugs and Instagrammers busied themselves, others were happy to just lounge around or picnic on grass patches, while enjoying the music, street food from a food truck, and free Belgian KWIRK craft beer. Weekend joggers and cycling enthusiasts also took time out from their routine to stop and admire the artists at work.

Admin officer Mabel See, 24, felt it was a real shame that the art space had to close. “I’ve attended some of the events here before and it’s a cool place to hang with friends. I don’t think there’s another place in Singapore quite like it and I hope they will reopen it after the redevelopment works.”

Until it is officially closed — the final date has yet to be determined — members of the public can still get to check out the works at the Rail Corridor Art Space, which could be accessed via the Holland Drive Block 44 carpark.

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