SINGAPORE, July 11, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – In stringent rules-based Singapore, locals, who were quickly dubbed ‘Karens’, noticed that a 2-story high fresh mural depicting a ‘Samsui Woman’ was smoking a lit cigarette. International political controversy ensued. The Karens claimed that the mural went against Singapore’s public policy to discourage smoking, sparking a public debate that prompted government regulators to comment and possibly intervene.
The dispute over the mural catapulted its American artist, Sean Dunston, into infamy. Dunston welcomed the palaver, stating publicly that he embraced the discourse.
Now, Asia’s premier urban art gallery, 28 Février, helmed by Dominic Khoo, who also founded the alternative investment vehicle WatchFund, has signed Dunston to the gallery as their first artist of Q3 2024.
“Whatever happens to the decision rendered by the authorities and the Karens, we aim to preserve this piece of Singaporean culture with immediate effect,” remarks Khoo.
“The ‘Samsui Woman’ art is a tribute to the hardworking women who contributed significantly to Singapore’s development,” states Khoo. “I don’t see how you can deny them their day in the sun.”
The brouhaha has drawn the attention of the international arts community due to its provocative portrayal of a significant cultural figure. Aside from the smoking cigarette, the Karens argued, the mural may not accurately or respectfully represent the Samsui women. A resilient, determined group of Chinese immigrants, the Samsui women came to Singapore in the early 20th century, primarily from the Sanshui (Samsui) district in Guangdong province, China. They were known for their distinctive red headscarves and hard work in labour-intensive jobs, particularly in construction and as domestic helpers. They contributed greatly to the building of the city by playing a significant role in the development of Singapore’s infrastructure, thus shaping its history.
Khoo recognizes that these women and others hold significance in the fabric of Singapore society, and that, through art, Dunston has sought to convey what they represent to the nation.
It’s Khoo’s opinion that it is essential to preserve one’s culture. “Every Singaporean bears a duty to contribute to our cultural fabric. You don’t realize how powerful “soft power” is to a country.” Khoo himself as photographer has thirteen works purchased by the National Heritage Board and stored in the National Archives. “It is imperative as Singaporeans we recognize the cultural value of Dunston’s work too, and as friends we must help him come out at the other end of this stronger.”
In this sense, he observes, the public outcry has had a Streisand Effect. “I’m not sure if the Karens know that by being Karens, they’re actually giving a lot of good attention to artists that we have taken for granted. For that, we thank you.”
The Samsui Woman’s mural artist, Sean Dunston concurs: “It’s an unexpected wild ride,” he says. “I set out simply to do what I love: respectfully creating the essence of beauty in the world.