Mural Installation - Gen XYZ
Vibrant and diverse, the Bras Basah.Bugis precinct is endlessly fascinating, filled with rich culture and heritage at every turn. Rediscover the lesser-known stories of this historical neighbourhood through this series of mural installations presented by National Heritage Board.
About the Artwork - Gen XYZ
Gen XYZ celebrates the rich cultural history of Bras Basah Complex, weaving its narratives through time into a vibrant mural.
Established in the 1980s as the “City of Books” (书城), the complex was a haven for literary enthusiasts, home to iconic bookstores and vibrant book fairs that united the community. Beyond its literary identity, Bras Basah Complex became the heart of the Xinyao (新谣) movement—Singapore Chinese folk songs. The atrium buzzed with concerts and competitions, drawing fans who filled every level to hear heartfelt melodies. Timeless classics like “Flowing Water” (细水长流), “A Step at a Time” (一步一 步来), and “The Voices of Ordinary People” (小人物的心声) resonated deeply with audiences, defining the cultural heartbeat of an era.
Although physical books and the melodies of Xinyao may fade with time, Gen XYZ seeks to preserve these cherished memories while infusing them with the vibrant energy of a younger generation. Retro motifs such as vinyl players, cassette tapes, Xinyao album covers, and snippets from vintage music videos showcase how entertainment once connected people.
The mural also captures the artist’s personal reflections of Bras Basah Complex, juxtaposed with its evolving identity. Modern elements, like coffee stands and performing arts studios such as Bhaskar's Arts Academy, celebrate the complex’s fresh vitality.
Gen XYZ bridges generational stories in a bold and visually compelling way, connecting past, present, and future. The artist hopes to inspire viewers to uncover the beauty of local heritage while nurturing fresh perspectives of this beloved space.
About the Artist - Eunice Lim
Eunice Hannah Lim, also known as "1 is E.nuf" (b.1992, Singapore), is an artist inspired by documented narratives and our navigation through constructed spaces. Utilizing a myriad of mediums such as drawing, painting, street murals, installation & assemblages, she crafts new shared experiences according to each unique location.
Her work explores themes of history, placemaking, and community interactions with landscapes, reimagining how we connect with our surroundings today.
Some of her notable public art murals in Singapore are: Cattleland, Book-A-Meeting and Folding Dreams. She uses the vibrancy of colors to convey culture and hopefully, a new layer of awareness to the place.
The artist extends heartfelt gratitude to those who painted alongside and brought this vibrant mural to life: Foo Hui Wen, Matthew Ho, Jacky Mak, Damien Soon, Ezekiel Tan, Dominic Chong, Previn Chong, Meko and Melody.
Find out more about the artist here.