I have chosen Five Stones among all the programmes at Arts in Your Neighbourhood.
Background
Five Stones are large-sized inflatables designed by Twardzik Ching Chor Leng. This is one of the most well-known games back in the early days of independent Singapore and now it is hardly played by the children.
The artist aim to bring back personal memories, sharing history and collective remembrance of playing five stones with her art. Each stone feature patterns inspired by Singapore heritage.
This programme allows the younger generation in Punggol to learn about Singapore heritage and how different elements come together to build up the Singapore that we see today through art.
There are 2 programmes on 17 & 24 November (3pm to 7pm)
- Painting a 'Five Stone' together with the artist on one of her 3 meter high five stone.
- Toss Stone Championship is a friendly showdown where the players have to form a team of 4 and challenge their neighbour.
This programme helps to build friendship, bond and connection within the Punggol community.
Design of the five stones
1. Megamendung
It is a distinctive batik design from the coastal city of Cirebon in Indonesia. However, the origins of the batik design come from China as it was brought over during the ancient maritime trade. This represents the coming together of different ethnicities and religions that are synonymous with the cultural fabric of Singapore.
2. Orchid
The artist recalled that in the past, the bag of the five stones is being made with leftover batik cloth and it often portrays floral design. This stone features Singapore's national flower - Papilionanthe Miss Joaquim (formerly known as Vanda Miss Joaquim). It represents Singapore's vibrancy, uniqueness and resilience.
3. Mynah & Frangipani
This design was inspired by the Taman Teratai (Lotus Garden) design in batik which represents herons in a lotus pond at sunset. Japanese visual culture can be seen being influenced by Chinese painting of the lotus garden. It later became popular in Indonesia cities through European magazines.
This show how the scene is migrating around the world. It is like Singapore as it represents the many human voyages in Singapore's history that lead to the cultural hybridisation nation today.
The artist uses images of mynah and frangipani tree as herons and lotus ponds are rarely seen in Singapore.
4. Common Rose Butterfly
It is the national butterfly of Singapore. The body of the butterfly is bright red and the wings are black with contrasting red and white patterns. It is being said that the pattern of the butterfly reflects Singapore's national flag.
5. Windows
The design is inspired by the vintage window and door grills of an HDB during the 1960s to 80s. The door grill is being used to prevent break-ins and act as a piece of safety equipment to keep children safe in a high-rise building. Windows are used to mark the boundary of their homes.
How can the Punggol community contribute to the programme?
Firstly, they can help to advertise the programme either through their social media platform or by word of mouth. They help to attract and reach out to people who live in other places of Singapore to visit the five stones.
Next, the support given by the community help to enhance the enrichment of the programme. Punggol community can set an example by volunteering themselves to demonstrate the game. This will encourage more people to step out of their comfort zone to participate in the game.
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