Outcry over mural of samsui woman with cigarette: URA requests delay in changes as it reviews stance

Click HERE

Why are we trying to change history?

This particular work speaks to the migrant worker experience in Singapore, which is very much a contemporary concern. I can see value in it being presented in such an unvarnished way as it prompts reflection and conversation about how we view and interact with migrant workers in our society today.

urged the authorities to conduct a more “holistic assessment” by factoring in the artist’s intention and historical context, and not make decisions “based on comments or feedback from the public which may be made on less considered terms

It’s good to have boundaries, but a generic template for enforcing rules on art is damaging. The policy stance on cigarettes is well founded if it’s an advertisement, endorsement or advocation. This mural is not any of those.

For issues on arts and censorship....