While we celebrate Singapore’s 46th birthday with a grand parade at The Float@Marina Bay, let us take a nostalgic stroll back in time with a selection of artworks that reminds us of Singapore’s past and journey in nation building.

1. On Strike

Tan Tee Chie, 1955, On Strike, oil on canvas, 66 x 87 cm, collection of the National Heritage Board

Depicting the scene of bus workers on strike, this is one of the few paintings in Singapore on social-political scenes. It is a distinctive example of Singapore’s Social-Realism paintings.

Background:
On April 23, 1955, workers from the Hock Lee Amalgamated Bus Company went on strike protesting against poor working conditions, long work hours and low pay. They also felt threatened by a rival union which was supported by the bus company to counter any labor action by Singapore Bus Workers’ Union.

2. National Language Class

Chua Mia Tee, 1959, National Language Class, oil on canvas, 112 x 153 cm, collection of the National Heritage Board

National Language Class captures an important stage of Singapore’s history. Painted in 1959, this work is charged with nationalist sentiment and commemorates Singapore’s long-awaited attainment of self-governance in the same year. National Language Class depicts a group of Chinese students learning Malay, the newly-designated national language of Singapore.

Background:
In 1959, Singapore held its first election since full internal self-government was granted by the British empire. Compulsory voting was implemented for the first time. While Singapore was still not fully independent, she now became a recognised state. For the first time, the local population had a say in choosing its legislature and leaders.

3. Working Class Family

Wee Kong Chai, 1963, Working Class Family, oil on canvas, 102 x 153 cm, collection of the National Heritage Board

Working Class Family reveals the artist’s interest in realism shaped by the hardship of labour and the bleakness of environments laid to waste by destructive forces.

Background:
Between 1959 and 1979, Singapore was faced with a growing population and an increasing unemployment rate. When her initial economic strategy becomes invalid in the light of a reduced domestic market when it separated from Malaysia, Singapore had to shift towards an export-oriented industrialization.

4. National Day

Liu Kang, 1967, National Day, oil on canvas, 84 x 126 cm, collection of the National Heritage Board

In National Day, bright bold colours added to the joyous atmosphere at the Padang which was festooned with flags. The former Supreme Court and City Hall, where the National Art Gallery, Singapore will be housed, can be seen in the background.

Background:
Singapore celebrated its first National Day in 1966 at the Padang, one year after Singapore’s independence from Malaysia on 9 August 1965. The first National Day Parade started in the morning at 9.00am. People came as early as 7.00 am to get good vantage points. Singapore’s first President, Mr Yusof bin Ishak and Singapore’s first Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, were among  members of the government seated at the grandstand on the steps of City Hall.

5. Singapore Cityscape 95

Ong Kim Seng, 1995, Singapore Cityscape 95, watercolour on paper, 109 x 200 cm, collection of the National Heritage Board

Singapore Cityscape 95 is listed as the largest watercolour work ever painted by the artist. Painted in commemoration of the Singapore cityscape, the work records the Singapore skyline of the Central Business District (CBD) as seen from the direction of City Hall. The Supreme Court and the Padang are both visible in the foreground of the work.

Background:
In 1995, Singapore celebrated her 30th year of independence with a grand parade at the Padang. It was also decided then that the Padang would be used as the venue for the National Day Parade every five years (the other venue being the National Stadium at Kallang, and now, The Float@Marina Bay). The Padang, although historically important, posed a greater logistical challenge and also offered fewer seats for spectators.

Background sources – Wikipedia and National Library Board