Commentary: The controversy over the Samsui woman mural is not just about art

CNA06-26

SINGAPORE: In the world of urban visual art, every stroke of the brush tells a story, but sometimes, those stories ignite controversy. Recently, a Chinatown shophouse mural by Sean Dunston depicting a...

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Recently, a Chinatown shophouse mural by Sean Dunston depicting a...</p>\n\n<a href=\"https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/samsui-woman-mural-chinatown-cigarette-smoking-prostitute-art-culture-4434931\">Source Link</a>\n\n</div>\n","source":"can_highlight","html":"<!DOCTYPE html>\n<html>\n<head>\n<meta http-equiv=\"Content-Type\" content=\"text/html; charset=utf-8\" />\n<meta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width,initial-scale=1.0,minimum-scale=1.0,maximum-scale=1.0,user-scalable=no\"/>\n<meta name=\"format-detection\" content=\"telephone=no,email=no,address=no\" />\n<title>Commentary: The controversy over the Samsui woman mural is not just about art</title>\n<style type=\"text/css\">\na,abbr,acronym,address,applet,article,aside,audio,b,big,blockquote,body,canvas,caption,center,cite,code,dd,del,details,dfn,div,dl,dt,\nem,embed,fieldset,figcaption,figure,footer,form,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6,header,hgroup,html,i,iframe,img,ins,kbd,label,legend,li,mark,menu,nav,\nobject,ol,output,p,pre,q,ruby,s,samp,section,small,span,strike,strong,sub,summary,sup,table,tbody,td,tfoot,th,thead,time,tr,tt,u,ul,var,video{ font:inherit;margin:0;padding:0;vertical-align:baseline;border:0 }\nbody{ font-size:16px; line-height:1.5; color:#999; background:transparent; }\n.wrapper{ overflow:hidden;word-break:break-all;padding:10px; }\nh1,h2{ font-weight:normal; line-height:1.35; margin-bottom:.6em; }\nh3,h4,h5,h6{ line-height:1.35; margin-bottom:1em; }\nh1{ font-size:24px; }\nh2{ font-size:20px; }\nh3{ font-size:18px; }\nh4{ font-size:16px; }\nh5{ font-size:14px; }\nh6{ font-size:12px; }\np,ul,ol,blockquote,dl,table{ margin:1.2em 0; }\nul,ol{ margin-left:2em; }\nul{ list-style:disc; }\nol{ list-style:decimal; }\nli,li p{ margin:10px 0;}\nimg{ max-width:100%;display:block;margin:0 auto 1em; }\nblockquote{ color:#B5B2B1; border-left:3px solid #aaa; padding:1em; }\nstrong,b{font-weight:bold;}\nem,i{font-style:italic;}\ntable{ width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:1px;margin:1em 0;font-size:.9em; }\nth,td{ padding:5px;text-align:left;border:1px solid #aaa; }\nth{ font-weight:bold;background:#5d5d5d; }\n.symbol-link{font-weight:bold;}\n/* header{ border-bottom:1px solid #494756; } */\n.title{ margin:0 0 8px;line-height:1.3;color:#ddd; }\n.meta {color:#5e5c6d;font-size:13px;margin:0 0 .5em; }\na{text-decoration:none; color:#2a4b87;}\n.meta .head { display: inline-block; overflow: hidden}\n.head .h-thumb { width: 30px; height: 30px; margin: 0; padding: 0; border-radius: 50%; float: left;}\n.head .h-content { margin: 0; padding: 0 0 0 9px; float: left;}\n.head .h-name {font-size: 13px; color: #eee; margin: 0;}\n.head .h-time {font-size: 11px; color: #7E829C; margin: 0;line-height: 11px;}\n.small {font-size: 12.5px; display: inline-block; transform: scale(0.9); -webkit-transform: scale(0.9); transform-origin: left; -webkit-transform-origin: left;}\n.smaller {font-size: 12.5px; display: inline-block; transform: scale(0.8); -webkit-transform: scale(0.8); transform-origin: left; -webkit-transform-origin: left;}\n.bt-text {font-size: 12px;margin: 1.5em 0 0 0}\n.bt-text p {margin: 0}\n</style>\n</head>\n<body>\n<div class=\"wrapper\">\n<header>\n<h2 class=\"title\">\nCommentary: The controversy over the Samsui woman mural is not just about art\n</h2>\n\n<h4 class=\"meta\">\n\n\n2024-06-26 06:00 GMT+8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/samsui-woman-mural-chinatown-cigarette-smoking-prostitute-art-culture-4434931><strong>CNA</strong></a>\n\n\n</h4>\n\n</header>\n<article>\n<div>\n<p>SINGAPORE: In the world of urban visual art, every stroke of the brush tells a story, but sometimes, those stories ignite controversy. Recently, a Chinatown shophouse mural by Sean Dunston depicting a...</p>\n\n<a href=\"https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/samsui-woman-mural-chinatown-cigarette-smoking-prostitute-art-culture-4434931\">Source Link</a>\n\n</div>\n\n\n</article>\n</div>\n</body>\n</html>\n","isBrief":false,"type":0,"news_type":1,"symbol":"LU0433182093.SGD","symbol_name":"First Eagle Amundi International AS-C SGD","start_time":0,"source_url":"https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/samsui-woman-mural-chinatown-cigarette-smoking-prostitute-art-culture-4434931","article_id":"2446877183","we_media_id":null,"thumbnails":["https://onecms-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/s--l-wnJ92v--/c_crop,h_653,w_1161,x_141,y_126/c_fill,g_auto,h_468,w_830/fl_relative,g_south_east,l_mediacorp:cna:watermark:2021-08:cna,w_0.1/f_auto,q_auto/v1/mediacorp/cna/image/2024/06/24/samsui_woman_mural_2.jpg?itok=NsRaEyNu"],"rights":null,"url":"https://stock-news.laohu8.com/highlight/detail?id=2446877183","pubTimestamp":1719352800,"sourceInfo":{"source_id":"can_highlight","name":"CNA"},"weMediaInfo":null,"summary":"The debate over the mural of a samsui woman holding a cigarette is a positive sign of Singapore’s maturation, says urban sketcher and art educator Ong Whee Teck.","collect":0,"end_time":0,"defaultTopTitle":"channelnewsasia.com","property":[],"viewcount":null,"language":"en","relate_stocks":{"LU0433182093.SGD":"First Eagle Amundi International AS-C SGD","URA":"Global X Uranium ETF","BK4077":"互动媒体与服务","IE00BFSS7M15.SGD":"Janus Henderson Balanced A Acc SGD-H","LU0234570918.USD":"高盛全球核心股票组合Acc Close","LU0170899867.USD":"EASTSPRING INVESTMENTS WORLD VALUE EQUITY  \"A\" (USD) ACC","IE0004445239.USD":"JANUS HENDERSON US FORTY \"A2\" (USD) ACC","LU0068578508.USD":"First Eagle Amundi International Cl AU-C USD","LU0417517546.SGD":"Allianz US Equity Cl AT Acc SGD","IE00B19Z3581.USD":"Legg Mason ClearBridge - Value A Acc USD","IE00BJTD4V19.USD":"NEUBERGER BERMAN US LONG SHORT EQUITY \"A1\" (USD) ACC","LU0642271901.SGD":"Janus Henderson Horizon Global Technology Leaders A2 SGD-H","IE00BJJMRX11.SGD":"Janus Henderson Balanced A Acc SGD","LU0079474960.USD":"联博美国增长基金A","BK4524":"宅经济概念","LU0056508442.USD":"贝莱德世界科技基金A2","IE00B19Z3B42.SGD":"Legg Mason ClearBridge - Value A Acc SGD","LU0640476718.USD":"THREADNEEDLE (LUX) US CONTRARIAN CORE EQ \"AU\" (USD) ACC","IE00B1XK9C88.USD":"PINEBRIDGE US LARGE CAP RESEARCH ENHANCED \"A\" (USD) ACC","LU0466842654.USD":"HSBC ISLAMIC GLOBAL EQUITY INDEX \"A\" (USD) ACC","LU0097036916.USD":"贝莱德美国增长A2 USD","IE00BJJMRY28.SGD":"Janus Henderson Balanced A Inc SGD","LU0353189680.USD":"富国美国全盘成长基金Cl A Acc","IE00BMPRXR70.SGD":"Neuberger Berman 5G Connectivity A Acc SGD-H","BK4507":"流媒体概念","IE00BMPRXN33.USD":"NEUBERGER BERMAN 5G CONNECTIVITY \"A\" (USD) ACC","BK4592":"伊斯兰概念","LU0211328371.USD":"TEMPLETON GLOBAL EQUITY INCOME \"A\" (MDIS) (USD)   INC","LU0234572021.USD":"高盛美国核心股票组合Acc","BK4585":"ETF&股票定投概念","LU0310799852.SGD":"FTIF - Templeton Global Equity Income A MDIS SGD","IE0004445015.USD":"JANUS HENDERSON BALANCED \"A2\" (USD) ACC","IE00BKDWB100.SGD":"PINEBRIDGE US LARGE CAP RESEARCH ENHANCED \"A5H\" (SGDHDG) ACC","LU0320765489.SGD":"FTIF - Franklin Mutual US Value A Acc SGD","IE00BWXC8680.SGD":"PINEBRIDGE US LARGE CAP RESEARCH ENHANCED \"A5\" (SGD) ACC","BK4587":"ChatGPT概念","LU0070302665.USD":"FRANKLIN MUTUAL U.S. VALUE \"A\" (USD) ACC","GB00B4LPDJ14.GBP":"FUNDSMITH EQUITY \"R\" (GBP) ACC","LU0320765059.SGD":"FTIF - Franklin US Opportunities A Acc SGD","GB00B4QBRK32.GBP":"FUNDSMITH EQUITY \"R\" (GBP) INC","LU0648001328.SGD":"Natixis Harris Associates US Equity RA SGD","LU0198837287.USD":"UBS (LUX) EQUITY SICAV - USA GROWTH \"P\" (USD) ACC","BK4588":"碎股","LU0211327993.USD":"TEMPLETON GLOBAL EQUITY INCOME \"A\" (USD) ACC","LU0149725797.USD":"汇丰美国股市经济规模基金","LU0127658192.USD":"EASTSPRING INVESTMENTS GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY \"A\" (USD) ACC","LU0256863811.USD":"ALLIANZ US EQUITY \"A\" INC","IE00BJTD4N35.SGD":"Neuberger Berman US Long Short Equity A1  Acc SGD-H","LU0211331839.USD":"FRANKLIN MUTUAL GLB DISCOVERY \"A\" (USD) ACC"},"translate_title":"评论：三水女子壁画的争议不仅仅是艺术","themeId":null,"isJumpTheme":false,"ttsUrl":null,"symbols_score_info":{"URA":1},"content_text":"SINGAPORE: In the world of urban visual art, every stroke of the brush tells a story, but sometimes, those stories ignite controversy. Recently, a Chinatown shophouse mural by Sean Dunston depicting a samsui woman with a cigarette has become the centre of a heated debate. \nThe issue came to light after Mr Dunston, an established artist, took to Instagram last week to highlight discussions happening behind the scenes, including a directive by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) to remove the cigarette by Jul 3. Failing which, the restaurant housed in the building could potentially lose its temporary license, he said.  \nThe URA also cited a complaint by a member of the public who suggested the woman “looks more like a prostitute than a hardworking samsui woman” and called the mural “offensive” and “disrespectful”.\nMr Dunston’s response on Instagram was provocative. He defended the mural, asserting that sex workers deserve as much respect as the next person and questioned the narrow perceptions that drove the complaint. \nIt was later revealed that the mural was completed in early April without prior approval. \nAs a part-time art educator and sketcher, I believe the issue could have been handled more diplomatically. By focusing on a single complaint instead of addressing the failure of the artist and landlord to apply for the required permit, URA’s response appears to be more knee-jerk than measured. However, URA’s decision to re-evaluate its position over changes to the mural is a step in the right direction.\n\n\n\nLISTEN: Samsui woman debate - who’s got the mural authority?\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNO RIGHTS NO WRONGS IN ART?\nMany artists argue that art should remain untouched, yet this ideal is complex in practice. \nThe discourse surrounding this mural reveals deep-seated perceptions of samsui women in the Singaporean psyche. Traditionally, these women are viewed as stoic labourers, a stereotype that Mr Dunston’s depiction challenges. \nWhile some see the mural as a necessary break from tradition, others view it as a misrepresentation. The controversy underscores the broader tension between preserving historical narratives and embracing modern artistic interpretations.\nWeighing in on the issue, renowned Singaporean muralist Yip Yew Chong said in an Instagram post that samsui women, like everyone else, had diverse personalities and that smoking was not uncommon among them. He stressed that art is meant to evoke emotion and provoke thought, not merely document history with photographic accuracy. \nAt the same time, however, he also underscored the need for sensitivity in public art, acknowledging that while art shouldn't be overly sanitised, it must consider the community's feelings and cultural context.\nIn his post, Mr Yip underscored the challenges of balancing creative expression with societal norms, and reflected on his own experiences of censorship and adapting his art to meet public standards without losing its essence. \nHe emphasised the importance of dialogue and collaboration with authorities, advocating for a more relaxed yet principled approach to art censorship in Singapore.\n\n\n\n\nPUBLIC DISCOURSE ON ART A SIGN OF SINGAPORE’S MATURATION \nThe controversy surrounding the Samsui woman mural is not just about a single piece of art; it is about how Singapore sees itself and its future. It is about the kind of society it wants to be - one that is open to new ideas and expressions, or one that clings to outdated notions and stereotypes. The boundary between respecting traditions and embracing modernity is delicate, but it is one that Singapore must navigate carefully.\nOn Tuesday (Jun 25), women’s rights group AWARE Singapore was forced to backtrack after public outcry over its initial response that the mural may “perpetuate a male gaze that exoticises female subjects”. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n       View this post on Instagram            A post shared by AWARE Singapore (@awaresingapore)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSingapore is at a crossroads, transitioning from its formative years into a more mature phase. Historically, the country has carefully managed various aspects of life, including art, to foster growth and stability. This approach was essential during its early development. However, as Singapore evolves, there is an increasing opportunity to embrace greater flexibility and openness in creative expression.\nThe debate over Mr Dunston’s mural is emblematic of this transition. As society becomes more educated and cosmopolitan, it must allow for greater freedom and expression. Artists should be allowed to be edgy and provocative, as it is one powerful way to create impact.\nPublic discourse on art is a positive sign of Singapore’s maturation. It reflects a society that is increasingly willing to engage with diverse perspectives and challenge the status quo.\nCreativity is not just a matter of cultural enrichment but a vital element for the survival and flourishing of society. By fostering an environment where artistic expression can thrive, Singapore will continue to evolve and find deeper meaning in its vibrant, highly educated community.\nOng Whee Teck is an urban sketcher, author, founder and part-time art educator at Singapore Sketchers.","kind":null,"is_publish_news":true,"is_publish_highlight":false,"is_publish_live":false,"is_publish_wemedia":null,"editions":null,"column":"","sentiment":"0","news_tag":"","news_rank":0,"symbols":[],"gpt_button":1},"commentList":[],"isCommentEnd":true,"newsSizeData":{"likeSize":0,"commentSize":0,"repostSize":0,"favoriteSize":0,"likeStatus":false,"favoriteStatus":false},"APP":{"userAgent":"Mozilla/5.0 AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko; compatible; ClaudeBot/1.0; +claudebot@anthropic.com)","isDev":false,"isTTM":true,"deviceId":"web-server-community-laohu8-v3","version":"4.28.1","shortVersion":"4.28.1","platform":"web","vendor":"web","appName":"ttm","isIOS":false,"isAndroid":false,"isTiger":false,"isTHS":false,"isWeiXin":false,"isWeiXinMini":false,"isWeiBo":false,"isQQ":false,"isBaiduSwan":false,"isBaiduBox":false,"isDingTalk":false,"isToutiao":false,"isOnePlus":false,"isHuaWei":false,"isXiaomi":false,"isXiaomiWebView":false,"isOppo":false,"isVivo":false,"isSamsung":false,"isMobile":false},"href":"/m/news/2446877183"}