A mural in Chinatown depicting a young samsui woman smoking a cigarette has sparked controversy in Singapore. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has ordered the modification of the mural due to concerns over its alignment with anti-smoking policies and public complaints about its portrayal of the historical figure. The artwork challenges traditional portrayals of samsui women and was completed without URA approval. However, URA has asked the artist to delay any changes as they review their stance on amending the mural. The URA has requested a revised proposal by July 3rd and warned that failure to comply could affect the building's temporary permit. Public outcry claims that removing the cigarette would not be an accurate representation of history.
Meanwhile, in Yuba City, artist Shane Grammer is set to create a new mural on the north side of the Creative Interiors building. The mural will feature a magnificent female portrait surrounded by an array of impressionistic flowers. Spanning two stories and covering an area of 600 square feet, the mural is expected to be completed by June 15th. This project marks Grammer's return to Yuba City after his participation in the Yuba Sutter Rotary Night Club's Mural Marathon in April, where he created five large-scale murals on the Church Street side of the Sutter Theater Center for the Arts. The funding for the new mural is being provided by a close friend of Grammer's. Known for his work in various mediums, including art installations, painting, murals, and sculpture, Grammer is an authorized Disney artist and has collaborated with Universal Studios and LEGOLAND. In 2020, he founded the Hope Through Art Foundation. Grammer currently resides in Southern California. [97c7aceb]