In our previous exhibition, If Walls Could Talk: A Dive Into Heritage, featured paintings of old shophouses and the richness of the past lives and memories that once filled those walls. We invited guests to explore these representations of our nation’s history with us and to immerse themselves in the artists’ recollections of our past.

The Streets of Yore: Familiar Days, is a follow-up exhibition that now showcases the iconic streets of the past and endearing scenes of everyday life, and is an attempt at understanding how our featured artists were able to capture the joy and beauty found in the simplicity of life in Singapore despite the hardship and uncertainty from a tumultuous economy and new leadership that followed after the war.

Our carefully curated collection features memorable scenes of carefree children playing under old HDB blocks, grannies and their entourage of grandchildren bargaining with fruit vendors at the wet market, charcoal embers emitting a brilliant orange glow as satay hawkers fan them, Samsui women seated on their wooden stools and resting after a tiring day, goods being dropped off from bumboats at quays along the Singapore River which would later be named Clarke Quay and Boat Quay, and Kampong storytellers captivating audiences with folklore and tales of mythicality. Records of a time that many would look fondly upon. These works are also a visual testament to the persistence and hope that was held tightly to, braving an unknown future.

What kind of emotions are invoked when one reminisces about the familiar streets and scenes of Singapore? What do we think about when we think about our past?

The Streets of Yore: Familiar Days features a collection of paintings from South-East Asian artists Alex Leong, Andrew Yeo, Chiew Piak San, Foo Kwee Horng, Goh Chye Kee, Khor Seow Hooi, Patrick Teo and Simon Tan.

“By capturing the rapidly changing social, cultural and economic landscapes, these artists provide our communities with joy, interaction and inspiration. They give us insight into our society and a vast range of differing perceptions, felt ideas, and knowledge.

Our gallery team has great respect for artists who possess a combination of technical skill and sensitivity, which enables them to create works that can touch people on a deep level. ” ー Joy Loh, Gallery Director of Eagle’s Eye Art Gallery