In Singapore, Street Art is Punishable by 8 Lashes with a Cane

Graffiti crew RSCLS and muralist Yip Yew Chong take us through Singapore neighbourhoods. We visit some iconic walls, discuss Singapore’s vandalism laws, and life as an artist in Singapore.
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[@MaMastoast]

The chinatown guy is a joy to listen to.. he's so into his art, very inspiring

[@bigsolidboss781]

Isn't Singapore itself a big chinatown?

[@qarey]

@@bigsolidboss781 the ethnic Chinese, while being the most populous demographic, is only one of three main ethnic groups in the country, of which also includes the Indians and the indigenous Malays. So no, it's not just one big Chinatown.

[@felixcsao4184]

@@bigsolidboss781 yes it is 😂

[@fivegoldstar6811]

Nope,more like annoying wannabe.

[@KingOfParrots]

@Five gold star he’s got more talent and has achieved more than you ever will

[@Biru_to]

The Chinese Singaporean guy is really wholesome. His attitude and art is beautiful and friendly. It creates a sweet homeliness on the streets. I understand why a lot of people would be happy to see it decorate their city.

[@DarkPh0enix25]

Personally, I think you should be able to do whatever you want to your property. So I think them buying and paying for walls was smart. But getting mad that others don’t want your art on their property is ridiculous. If you aren’t commissioned by the owner you are defacing property that isn’t yours. Idc how nice it is don’t mess with others property. Idk why that is hard to understand.

[@dankghul8328]

Shut up I'm gonna find your house and paint on it

[@DarkPh0enix25]

Dank GHØÜL but why? Like that’s my thing I think a lot of these murals are beautiful and should be put on display. I don’t think the artist should struggle to get supplies I think the government can subsidize to help build community art. Hostility makes no sense and you just perform it for no reason.

[@AbandonedExplained]

@@dankghul8328 lmk when you go ill pay for the paint this facist just doesnt understand

[@TuomariMuller]

I think about this as an issue of art, craft and public space. If we are talking about a plain mass manufactured wall or something like that, I think it should be full of graffitis and tags and whatever. Use that public space to make art or give some pressing matter attention, that's what cities should be for. But I don't understand why someone needs to put that graffiti on a building, that has required work and time from architects, carpenters and builders. You wouldn't go and paint a smiley over someone's piece of art in a gallery either, I hope. Same goes with another person's home. I understand that sometimes the line is impossible to draw, but modern cities have enough space for both. I believe painting everything everywhere actually takes the attention away from the main thing, which should be art and activism.

[@clasher4744]

True, what's there to stop people from turning street art to vandalism

[@Victor-dx2ew]

Live in Singapore, can confirm this is true. You will hardly see any graffiti on walls but you'll see some street art and murals like that scattered around the island and concentrated in the areas in and around the central business district. There are still some graffiti but they're usually in disused buildings and places no one goes to.

[@Black25284]

You forgot the I in i live

[@ahovanilla]

i was in singapore in february! i missed some of these niche pieces, I will have to check them out again in the future!!!

[@TengahSleep]

Wow! The friendship between the crew was amazing . Wished we could be more open and throw away racism in Malaysia and the world.

[@tomsullivan5663]

“Hey I repainted your house” “WTF? Who are you” “You don’t like it? I made it very meaningful to myself”

[@gm323k4]

This! All these artists thinking its their right to paint on buildings which are owned by people who worked for it.

[@EDDIELANE]

Isn’t graffiti kind of illegal everywhere?

[@fenrirab620]

@Matt if you tag a PRIVATE property it's not art it's illegal. You telling me that if i draw a stick figure or poop or a generic penis (with no details) you gonna call that art?

[@TheRealXXDarknezz]

@@fenrirab620 Well, a ugly penis can hardly be compared to some of those beautiful drawings. Especially when they are in public areas :Edit congrats to your nice profile picture ;)

[@prunehead]

@Matt if its legal its street art if its illegal its graffiti. No matter the quality.

[@ykcitylord]

No, graffity is legal in Indonesia

[@fenrirab620]

@@TheRealXXDarknezz yea but art is subjective so others might consider it okay, if they only allow certain art then its censorship, V.

[@WanderlustWithT]

I stayed in Haji Lane in Singapore and loved all of the amazing murals. So much beautiful art!

[@Gav_80085]

An interesting contrast, a Chinese Singaporean finding success so quickly after leaving his accountancy work, to Malay Singaporeans struggling to get recognition after a lifetime of work. People seem to have missed this in the comments.

[@stevemuzak8526]

Singapore Artist wasn't trained but his art is damn well made. That's pure talent.

[@presidential_hands]

8 lashes beats years in prison literally.

[@ginawilson3591]

Of course the government of Singapore has always discriminated against males. A female will not be sentenced to be brutalized as the barbarity (Singapore is the only place in the world to beat men in it's armed services also) is only reserved for the male gender.

[@raghuvenkatesan4622]

@@ginawilson3591 organize a protest like women do in USA

[@eriklarson4082]

Unfortantly in Singapore, most protesting or holding "cause related events" is illegal and is not a protected right of the citizens the way it is in the U.S. The only way to legally hold any protest is through a licence issued by authorities. Even though it says in Article 14 of the Constitution of Singapore, specifically "Article 14(1), guarantees and protects Singaporeans the rights to freedom of speech and expression, peaceful assembly without arms, and association.", it's not like protest in America. Police are allowed to order a person to leave a specific area should they determine an intention of offence. Even if you are 100% peaceful in protest, the police have the right to stop any protest.

[@lolvks]

Unfortunately, it’s 8 lashes on top of a prison sentence.

[@newyorkrat2546]

But they’re such a pain in the butt.

[@VanaeCavae]

Singapore is doing the right thing when it comes to punishing drug smugglers and vandals.

[@TheOldmankk]

Zero tolerance of Corruption, Drugs, and Vandalism.

[@pauly260]

Good. At least in Singapore, people have respect for each other’s property. Wish we had that here.

[@qarey]

The difference in attitudes of minority vs majority artists is jarring. Says a lot

[@Prathik1989]

what does it say? can you elaborate?

[@lordperezident]

@@Prathik1989 gratitude vs expecting in majority artists

[@Bongtaker]

If I was ever in a position where it was my decision I'd love to let a city be filled with art like this why wouldn't you want beauty, history and meaning covering your streets

[@backwoodsjunkie08]

Thanks for all the high quality Etizolam Singapore! Much love❤

[@enterthelegions]

The Chinese accountant guys sounds friendly and wonderful.

[@kaktees]

3:09 great that he brought this up!

[@shri19]

So true. Its appalling that the question of Race is asked everywhere, official or unofficial and the justification given is to ensure an even divide but yet Chinese continue to be the majority. Tells you what kind of spread they are achieving. Now everyone believes that knowing your race and deciding things based on your race is a good thing

[@FingeringThings]

That is quite Singapoor of the law to do that

[@wgm4866]

but meanwhile it makes singapore singapore

[@itzhen7032]

I liked the guy from china town, he seemed very cool, and i think his art vas very creative and nice

[@stannos499]

Nothing about the actual laws or police actions, just a click bait title, no real depth to this one vice

[@offsial8531]

This is not the original title. I have seen this video earlier this year. This video if I'm not mistaken is originally a part of docuseries about singaporean urban lifestyle. Vice most probably changed the title to something that is more clickbaity. The original title goes somewhere along the line of 'legal street art..'. That is why the glasses guy is in the documentary as well. to provide perspective from both side: 1) those who need to succumb to the law and 2) those who from early on follow the law with arts that is less controversial. The clickbait title totally ruined the whole point of the video.

[@bangkityudhasena3290]

@@offsial8531 So, that's the case. I also thought the title and the content is bit confusing. Very informative from you, thanks.

[@gavriloprincip11]

any other Zeppelin fans smile when he said : Singapore's fist "physical graffiti" store ?

[@CarlosConsorcioCastellanoPerez]

It's ok if the owner gives permission if not the police are just doing what their parents failed to do.

[@ChickenManiac]

They get sent to prison for painting on walls... Punishment dosent fit the crime if you ask me.

[@CarlosConsorcioCastellanoPerez]

@@ChickenManiac Yeah I would say 16 hours of community service, along with paying for the damage is way more reasonable.

[@VanaeCavae]

@@ChickenManiac this is Singapore. Our rules. If you don't like it, just don't visit our country.

[@emtguy4321]

@@ChickenManiac well maybe they will learn their lesson this way.

[@emtguy4321]

@@VanaeCavae the U.S. should lock people up for it.. we would have less graffiti

[@zenmindstate110]

*Yip Yew* is a sick name

[@FredoMadison]

What „the Chinatown“ guy is doing so perfectly encapsulates what I dislike about Singapore. You take art, you remove all attitude and everything challenging anyone and here you are with bubblegum „street art“, the painter‘s equivalent of Britney Spears type pop trash music. It sounds like it is music but while it is comforting to listening it is completely empty - unironically.

[@tayfilms4737]

I dont think his art is empty by any means. Just because it is street art and it doesnt contain a sociopolitical message doesnt mean it is void of attitude and emotion. While I do appreciate art that challenges preconceived notions, I can also enjoy art for arts sake

[@eyhtwozed2606]

The Chinatown painter guy is doing exactly the same regurgitate material that can be found in local social study subject or pri/sec school art book. Dope skills but its predictable.

[@AsifAkhtar20]

I was happy to see Conan Edogawa on the wall!

[@lunaluna6474]

absolutely worth watching the re upload

[@r.h.f.6073]

that Arab Street area is one of the coolest places you'll ever visit.

[@Livinglifewithlettyinavan]

The opera stage is beautiful. Such beautiful work of art

[@elioo560]

Hey I ran out of space on your wall so I painted your car too.

[@64maxpower]

In America we are free. We only get 7 lashes with a cane

[@bossbaddiegames]

You probably shouldn’t do it then. Singapore is a strict state but you can move out, it’s especially easy to do so (one of my closest friends’ family is Chinese but moved to Kuala Lumpur [sp?] then to Singapore. They’re dirt poor and did that since they were renting. Just up and move. No land or flat to sell. Singapore is like East Asia’s Dubai. You really shouldn’t move there unless you’re running a business in which exploits others massively. (Always surprises me the amount of normal folk that move to Dubai. Such a bad and corrupt country).

[@crombie92]

I once farted in singapore and they punched me in my butthole 10 times as punishment. I never farted again even til this day. I only burp now.

[@PharaohProduction]

Vice, are you hiring a camera operator or Video editor ? Check my channel as a resume, and shoot me a email please ?

[@jeopardy2458]

I don’t think they will.... lol sorry buddy

[@mrmoneymaaan3129]

You’re actually really good at editing 👌🏼 @pharaohproduction

[@kareemtaha7727]

Lol some of those people on your channel are actually pretty good. You have over a million views in total. Wow

[@ngxl6758]

😂 not gonna happen bro

[@Megan-si6xm]

That would be awesome if they respond to you. 👍

[@sincerelyyours8354]

accountant for 25 years?? i thought he was like 30 maybe 35 tops,,, damn

[@shadow_song]

same!

[@Jaschaos96]

All i see is Russell Peters doing a Chinese accent

[@muhamadfaizalias858]

well, there is big different between street art and vandalisme

[@theTAILlor]

If that's the law, I don't see what the issue is.

[@sixteennumberthree5544]

"Hit with 20 lashes like that kid up in Singapore." Cube

[@kristopherryanwatson]

Laws in Singapore are quite conservative, but not harsh as if you live in totalitarian regine. They really do just want to upkeep the reputation as being very pristine and clean. For instance: No outside foods or other things that are readily disposable are allowed in the rapid transit system stations. There is a tax on any drink bottled (glass and plastic) you buy at the store, to deter against littering when done with your beverage Your neighbor can call the police on you if you are being too unruly, even if your music is loud.and this can be considered a criminal offence. You can be fined for spitting, or spitting out gum on the street (yes, this is real). You can be fined if you're listening to music even on your headphones and people find it to be too loud.

[@harshithsadhana7475]

come on Singapore you can treat your citizens better than others, be grateful for having good citizens in your nation and support them as much as possible

[@alexx3914]

These art pieces are amazing. They should have a district in the city where artist can draw freely.

[@tokorojj]

I wish Spain could have the same laws and punishment for painting on public spaces. If someone wants to paint on their own walls or a paper, nothing to say, but most of Spanish towns and cities are filled with senseless and ugly graffities. Even metro and trains. At least in Singapore, the graffities look beautiful. Really envy them.

[@ChickenManiac]

I dont think strict punishments are the way to make art better. If its strictly regulated people are going to want to do it more. They should offer more space to paint murals so there can be more art its a win win for everyone :)

[@tokorojj]

@@ChickenManiac To be honest, what you see in most cities of Spain can't be called "art". If what people do here would slightly resemble what they show in the video, I wouldn't oppose it so hardly. You gotta see it for yourself. Yeah, sure, there are some nice paintings here and there, but most of it it's just a way of vandilism. Maybe we all want what we don't have...

[@tokorojj]

@@ChickenManiac To be honest, what you see in most cities of Spain can't be called "art". If what people do here would slightly resemble what they show in the video, I wouldn't oppose it so hardly. You gotta see it for yourself. Yeah, sure, there are some nice paintings here and there, but most of it it's just a way of vandilism. Maybe we all want what we don't have...

[@outerspacerealestate]

8 Lashes, not 7? At least it isn't 9.

[@stefanx8344]

Homie in the thumbnail: art is a love hate relationship.

[@cheeseface4918]

I don't mind the guy from chinatown but I find it extremely rude that people who have been allowed as guests into a country would vandalise their streets with messages against the country. It's so irksome when people go out of their way not only to avoid integrating, but seek communities of other foreigners who hate their host nation and try and create civil disrest. The art is gorgeous, and I would totally support painting this in your own country, but I absolutely despise these little groups of dissidents who gather together based on their mutual hatred of the nation that houses them. If you hate it there so much, leave, no one is forcing you to stay. Such insidious would-be nation wrecking behaviour, good thing they can only draw.

[@machidaman]

Did you throw the word irksome in there so you would sound like a smart racist, instead of just your regular garden variety racist shite.

[@cheeseface4918]

@@machidaman I used that word because it's precise. It's not irritating - it's not constant. It's not annoying - I'm not singaporean, I have no reason to be angry (I would be annoyed if this were my country). It's literally just irksome. It's eyeroll worthy. It's the universe proving once again that there will always be people who can't help but create conflict. It doesn't matter what you give to a person, it doesn't matter how lovely the place is. Singapore is an absolutely gorgeous country. There will always be dissident ingrates who flaunt what they are kindly given. Ethnicity is irrelevant to the equation.

[@machidaman]

@@cheeseface4918 no it isn't. You clearly referenced it in your original post. You are also clearly a racist.

[@cheeseface4918]

@@machidaman regale me. Quote the nonexistent line where I "clearly referenced it". I am neither singaporean nor malaysian; I do not care about the nationality of the dissident. if it were a singaporean vandalising malaysia I would say exactly the same "here I removed all meaning from this noun and then declared that is you". yeah, sorry I am immune to non-arguments, it's my superpower

[@Gunnxorz]

Seems simple enough... don’t break the law.

[@jasonok1436]

Simple minds view the world in simple black and white terms

[@Gunnxorz]

Jason ok I’m sorry for respecting their culture and customs and not requiring them to assimilate to western ideals. Have a blessed day.

[@GregBiggsDETHKIDS666]

@VICE could you please post these artists' Instagrams and/or any other links connected to their works or possibly prints/merch. I love to support up and coming artists, well, come up! Especially ones that are putting in work 'Getting Up'! Cheers! Great piece(s)! -the doc. and the art. lol

[@oggeeboggee]

We should reintroduce this kind of punishments in Europe as well.

[@Diovanlestat]

Please no, in the UK Banksy's stuff is worth a fortune, and no one knows when he may come draw on your house.

[@jabka6491]

>In Singapore, Street Art is Punishable by 8 Lashes with a Cane So saaad :ссс Doesn't care/

[@qpangfreak]

yikes

[@BeorEviols]

Damn so edgy

[@xdendordx]

Who pissed in your Cheerios haha

[@captaincalmag4953]

I too can self felate

[@sks2659]

Pepe profile picture: ✅ Check Uses '>' to quote: ✅ Check Doesn't care: ✅ Check Go back to 4chin edgy boy.

[@blankblankpog]

Stop calling vandalism art. You need goverment permision to do that with it you're fine

[@dakotamcleod12]

Once, there was this kid who Took a trip to Singapore and brought along his spray paint And when he finally came back He had cane marks all over his bottom He said that it was from when The warden whacked it so hard

[@miguelsantana1130]

Art is not a Crime

[@cvrcicvrcak3783]

Vandalism is tho

[@clambo7786]

wow breaking the law is punishable

[@PooftMancrap]

Bootlicker

[@sabirzain5053]

I love how proud buddy is of his art

[@thewayofaxiom]

Being hip and trendy emo edgy artist doesn’t mean you have to be socially irresponsible..My friends business is graffiti art and he always make sure people the oval authority knows or property owners knows of their activities.. of permitted they go for it.

[@jaxturner7288]

I remember when the us collage kid got whipped publicly for that crap while over there. Maybe @1990?

[@jaxturner7288]

Doctor Detroit do you remember when? I remember seeing it daily on channel 1 in school.

[@randomchannel7614]

@@jaxturner7288 he also stole street signs. he was charged with 50 counts of vandalism

[@jaxturner7288]

random channel good memory 👌

[@TT-fm2wq]

I miss my hometown

[@vapes4977]

Street artists are not the same as graffiti artists

[@satanamogila9251]

Vandalism is punishable? What a nightmare

[@gamerforlife9865]

It's to respect the owners right, imagine if u want a clean white wall but someone use it as their own painting canvas

[@Joefest99]

I love how the f*ck with words! Calling it “street art” instead of property damage or vandalism.

[@humblebrat]

It would’ve been nice if this video has closed captioning because I missed some of the comments Zero was saying when discussing being racially profiled and being a minority.

[@79guitarherofreak]

I hear Mr. Krabs hands out 40 lashes for much less

[@angtasp3640]

chewing gum is banned except for medical purposes. I am not surprise of any laws in Singapore.

[@chowkitmusic7278]

anyone who's decided to be themselves and live by their own terms seem to do prison time in Singapore.

[@waltmanwrld1189]

0:18 what’s this song? I really like it, hopefully someone will tell me :/

[@Black25284]

It's really sadly that the government of Singapore don't follow people to do graffiti sadly, but at least they do it on objects that nobody uses.

[@r.h.f.6073]

I feel like he wasn't explaining the true meaning behind the hand in the suit mural, and I don't blame him either.

[@jlai036]

There is a huge difference between graffiti tagging, graffiti bombing, art murals. Murals are not graffiti. Singapore doesn't want tagging or illegal unauthorised "art" sprayed all over the city. US has no balls in their legal system to stop illegal graffiti but Singapore does. Public places are not a free to spray piss fest - people who spray without seeking permission and with no respect of other people's property.

[@kevinduffy2545]

Don’t threaten me with a good time!!!

[@Bluespirit3434]

Pierce the veil?

[@roxxystarktheone]

Lovely!

[@igotthejuice]

You mean vandalism, and it should be like that here too.

[@zimrihinshaw3572]

Such a cool community and group of artists! Continue championing street art style! 加油加油加油！

[@Greasedagod]

I loved graffiti growing up and still do .. Too bad i never master the art of drawing and creativity.

[@putmynameontheinternet8133]

Vice.. what are you trying to tell us vice? Why is this a documentary?

[@casperucomejoin]

Lets make clear that graff is not the same as street art if its legal its not graff only when you risk getting caught its graff

[@Nomprenom9]

I think that if its in the law ans its not racist or about discriminations u have to respect it i swear u will survive without tagging on walls. and if u not happy then leave ❤️

[@chrisg9842]

Is this a repost? I seen this before

[@Bluespirit3434]

Yup it is

[@CulturedWhiteBoy]

Even if the U.S. executed people who do graffiti, the murals would still be destroyed.

[@aacc8466]

8 should be 10 for grafiti

[@AngryKittens]

The way Singaporean English removes the last letter of words is always weird to me.

[@refrigerationtechnology7858]

The matas are art

[@VS.R3LeVant]

David Choe need to be here

[@ricardomijares3078]

Dude was an accountant for 25 years ?! I thought he was fucking 25.

[@CRISSYCR1S]

To anyone in Singapore what’s it like and what’d you recommend if anyone was to move there ?

[@azimthasfiq3351]

I'm Singaporean. The cons is its a very very expensive place to live especially so if u have young children. The pros is its very safe...very low crime...and very efficient public transport, healthcare etc. My advice is to make sure you are earning a very high salary if u r planning to move here. Cheers!

[@jeems2066]

Singaporean here. While it seems expensive on the outside, costs can be managed, assuming you're getting a decent salary here. (You don't need to have a very high salary) For one, you don't need a car here, the public transportation would be something you'd be easily accustomed to; it's very convenient and not all that expensive compared to many comparable nations. Food wise we have hawker centres where you can get food from SGD 3-6 on average. In relative terms for example in Bangkok, you can find food from SGD 1-3 (be it food stalls or more classy food courts), however the average salary is much lower there. Essentially food will be a larger % of your salary, if we're taking average amounts into account. You have the more expensive options for sure if you want to splurge so the keyword here is choice. (Some cheap eats can be extremely delicious) Your biggest cost would be accommodation, for that you can check property sites in Singapore. I think you can rent entire units for a few thousands (lower end) in a condo? If you're talking about just a room then it can be around SGD 600 and up to a few thousands as well Working here can be stressful compared to the West, but if you're in a more international company then the culture might be more "Western". But if you work hard and do well here, you will be more than fine and will be able to live comfortably. Traveling around the region will be easy for you too, since the salary you get will mean you don't have to wait too long to save for a nice weekend getaway in Thailand, or other places nearby.

[@jeems2066]

You can also try to find Facebook groups created by expats living in Singapore, you might be able to find your fellow countrymen as well, wherever you're from, so you can get a better idea, since I'm speaking from a local POV.

[@smjfg]

Thats not graffiti, where are the words?

[@JosephDighton]

Destroying and defacing private and public property is not art.

[@botix2]

Singapore is the safest country. These rules should be implemented everywhere.

[@Elimbi1]

By denying art you are denying life

[@chaseyung1037]

I wish we did that over here

[@ksztyrix]

That should be at least 20

[@rhettbriltz5047]

I’d rather 8 lashes then 2 years in jail

[@MrValaras]

Pftt that’s rookie numbers, Saudi punishes you with 80+ lashes for smoking a joint.

[@JenningsVIII]

Well it seems to work?

[@funabyss4488]

the pain is same, singapore do it on your ass and saudi on your back

[@ruaridavies6252]

Taggers in the UK should 16.

[@ranDOM-kf9yg]

Singapore is the most soulless and depressing place ive been

[@djdjdjdhddh]

Uff i feel the same was there three years ago

[@rameshhansaravendra]

I live here and I agree

[@taka4838]

Nice

[@conservat1vepatr1ot]

1:01 Shaggy? Is that you?

[@AneesaHa]

They do not hit you that hard, i have seen a vid of it being done

[@otavio8566]

"Street Art is Punishable by 8 Lashes with a Cane" then dont do it?!???...........