While it is true to say that identity lies in a place deep within each of us, many of the elements that shape our sense of identity exist in forms we can see and touch. Singapore’s 48-year journey as an independent nation has seen us searching for, creating and absorbing elements which inform this sense. Throughout this post, SINGAPORE presents a visual spread of elements — large and small, iconic and quirky, everyday and unique that arouse in us affection, pride, and smiles.
‘They may be familiar structures, but that’s not why the sight of them reminds us of home. They represent our collective memory, history, national pride, spirituality, unique dwelling places, discovery… and even an everyday ‘irritation’ that everyone has a view on.’
[ABOVE & BELOW]: They may be familiar structures, but that’s not always why the sight of them reminds us of home. They represent our collective memory, history, national pride, spirituality, unique dwelling places, discovery…and even an everyday ‘irritation’ that everyone has a view on.
Photo credits (from left): Sri Mariamman Temple (N_Quah), Singapore National Theatre (Steve Collins), Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay (Clive Dudley), public housing new and old — HDB Cantonment Road and 40-storey Pinnacle at Duxton (Erik Estrada), Botanic Gardens bandstand (Jonathan Garcia), Raffles Hotel, ArtScience Museum, City Hall, Masjid Sultan (Woo Siang Boon), Changi Airport control tower (Choo Yut Shing), Saint Andrew’s Cathedral, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, Electronic Road Pricing gantry, Esplanade Theatres on the Bay (Kenny Teo).
‘These are some of the details we hold close. Familiar faces, daily drills, balm for pain, fines, laundry solutions, a cold treat on a hot day, a brew, a heart-stirring moment, memories of simpler days, tastes that we own.’
[ABOVE & BELOW]: These are some of the details we hold close. Familiar faces, social spaces, daily drills, balm for pain, fines, laundry solutions, a cold treat on a hot day, a brew, a heart-stirring moment, memories of simpler days, tastes that we own.
Photo credits (from left): A Nation of Flags (Lash Tan), Ah Meng (Wildlife Reserves Singapore), ice-cream man, kites, $1 coin, saga seeds (Fiona), kuti kuti (Wee’s Collection), marbles, five stones, chaptek, Tiger Beer, hawker centre (SPH-ST), NS man (Raj Vimal Dev), fine signs, Orchard Road sign, Singapore NRIC, $10 note, chicken rice (Mandarin Orchard), kaya toast and kopi, chilli crab (PARKROYAL on Beach Road), laksa (Prima Taste Laksa Mian), examination assessment papers, school assembly, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew (SPH-ST), Singapore Flag Flyby (Ronald Lee).