Artist at Work

The shophouse receiving the artistic work is an early two-story design, compared to the three-story design on the left. The two-story designs were not as ornate as some later designs, but in recent years this has changed as can be seen on this shophouse near the Malay Heritage Centre in Kampong Glam close to the electronic road pricing (ERP) zone. Being outside the zone is an advantage for retailers as cars and taxis do not pay the congestion charge.

This end of terrace art work is clearly aimed at attracting customers travelling along the adjacent Ophir Road.

Subsequently, the second story front of the shophouse has been returned to the standard colour scheme, but the end of terrace has kept its colourful decoration. Change happens slowly in Singapore.