New murals depicting Singapore's past at Elgin Bridge underpass

SINGAPORE - The Elgin Bridge underpass at the Singapore River has been given a special makeover, thanks to mural artworks designed by the Raffles Design Institute (RDI).

The Singapore River Underpass Art Installation was launched as part of the SG50 celebrations.

The artworks are focused on the story of Singapore's birth and will depict how the Boat Quay shop houses used to look.

The first artwork, 'Back to the Past', depicts a mixture of the modern with the past and recreates the environment of historical Singapore. It depicts the trade and transportation activities that took place along the Singapore River in the past.

The second artwork, 'The Early Days', encourages viewers to remember the good old days when labourers, postmen, merchants, rickshaw pullers, policemen and food sellers were often seen at the Singapore River.

The mural will showcase the shop houses, vintage stores, wet market, hawker stalls and port. I

SRO started its first Underpass Art Installation project in January 2013 with the goal of using design and culture as the medium for transformation and rebranding of the Singapore River.

"This is part of Singapore River One's 5-year work-plan to revitalise, rejuvenate and reposition the Singapore River as a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike and we are excited to see how the murals will be transform ed with the help of communities and organisations who would be keen to adopt this initiative", said Michelle Koh, Executive Director of Singapore River One.

ljessica@sph.com.sg