Platform for artists

If a picture speaks a thousand words, then her art does all the talking for her.

Local illustrator Zi Xi Tan's art pieces were selected by a committee of art professionals and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to be featured at 12 new train stations along the Downtown Line 2 (DTL2).

The self-proclaimed introvert says the easiest way for her to communicate is through her drawings.

"I am not very good with words. Sometimes I overthink the things I say before I talk. By then, the moment's already over," says Tan.

The 30-year-old is proud of her whimsical piece - an illustration of a Singapore that is densely filled with flying vehicles and futuristic buildings.

The artwork by Tan - who is also known as MessyMsxi - is among those from nine artists and two schools picked as part of the Art-in-Transit initiative introduced by LTA.

It is a platform for artists to reach out to the community and showSingapore's artistic talent to the world.

The artwork, displayed at Newton station, scales the newly built three-storey station and measures more than 11m in height.

"I hope commuters will take the time to look at my artwork and find familiar places that appeal to them," she says.

Just as Newton station is filled with flying vehicles, Little India station is adorned with patterns of the traditional sari.

The artist - Grace Tan, 36,- says she was inspired by the intricate and repetitive geometric patterns of the traditional Indian garment.

From a distance, the tessellated triangular configurations on the artwork resemble diamonds, butterflies and even fishes.

"There is no specific way of seeing it. I guess the elements of the artwork come together to form a whole, thus allowing viewers to form their own interpretation," she says.

LONGEST

Beauty World station is host to the longest installation among the new stations.

The 91.2m-long piece was created by Boedi Widjaja, 40, an Indonesia-born artist who has been living in Singapore for the past 31 years.

The artwork comprises Chinese, Jawi, Tamil and Latin letterforms that were layered one upon another rhythmically and sandblasted to the wall.

"I can't wait to take my nine-year-old daughter to see my artwork when the station opens. I want her to be proud of me," says the father of one.

The DTL2 comprises 12 new stations, including four interchange stations at Little India, Newton, Botanic Gardens and Bukit Panjang.

These interchange stations will link to the North-East Line, North-South Line, Circle Line and Bukit Panjang LRT Line respectively, giving commuters greater accessibility and shorter travel time.

LTA will be organising an Open House on Dec 5 where the public can participate in fun-filled activities and get a free preview of the new stations, ahead of the commencement of passenger service on Dec 27.