Just steps away from the entrance of the newly-opened Mondrian Singapore Duxton now stands one of the most recognisable works of art in Singapore. Unveiled at the hotel’s official launch party on 1 September, ‘What Party’, a sculpture by famed urban artist Kaws, stands at a height of six metres—towering over guests and passers-by.
‘What Party’ is one of the few—and undoubtedly one of the most significant—works from urban artist Kaws to be put on permanent public display in Asia. Having collaborated with brands such as Dior, Sacai and Comme des Garcons, Kaws has long been known for operating at the intersection of art, style and pop culture. His recurring cast of characters, some dating back to the beginning of his career in the ‘90s, are some of the most recognisable in art today.
Even from afar, the sculpture’s silhouette is recognisable. It features one of Kaws’s most prominent characters, Chum—an adaptation of the Michelin Man meant to convey the idea of close relationships and their emotional nuances. Cast in bronze, the striking figure reflects the creative and free spirit of the Mondrian Singapore Duxton community.
“‘What Party’ by Kaws is a perfect symbol of what we are all about. We are a home for the mavericks and the dreamers, the people who march to a different drum—and now we have our muse, a world class art piece that will draw people from near and far,” shares Robert C Hauck, the general manager of Mondrian Singapore Duxton.
The centrepiece of the hotel’s art collection, the monument is a testament to Mondrian Singapore Duxton’s commitment to weaving hospitality with performance, art, architecture and design. It joins an already impressive repertoire of art on display in the hotel—including acclaimed Singaporean artist Dawn Ng’s ‘Waterfall IV’ and abstract British painter Ian Davenport’s ‘Deep Magenta, Mirrored’—all of which are the result of an exclusive collaboration with online art gallery The Artling.
“Something of this stature and scale is really unique, especially for a public location in Singapore, and we hope that it will evoke joy and wonder to all who come by to experience it,” shares Talenia Phua Gajardo, founder and CEO of The Artling. “The beauty of Kaws’s work is that it has the ability to cut across all cultures and can appeal to such a wide audience. It is so contemporary in its form and can be serious yet playful at the same time. We were looking for a statement piece that would really engage the community, and when we came across this piece we knew it would be ideal, transforming the area and bringing people in to visit the artwork as a destination.”
Positioned amidst heritage shophouses and views of Singapore’s central business district skyline, ‘What Party’ is a clear reflection of Duxton street culture in all its eclecticism and bustle. Hauck concludes, “It is truly a new Singapore landmark, our collection’s flagship, and the avatar of the Duxton community.”
Discover Mondrian Singapore Duxton here.
