Shen Jiaqi Singaporean, b. 1989
Through the use of the iconic façade of Golden mile complex, a building that has been placed in the spotlight of much social debate in recent years due to its sale to a consortium and the resulting vacancy of all tenants, this painting aims to draw comparison from the city's state of perennial change and renewal to the human emotions of hope, expectation, and loss. Buildings such as Golden Mile complex hold narratives and significance to the consciousness of a city, and changes to a familiar urban landscape means accepting the intangible loss that comes hand-in-hand with development and renewal. Such loss can be comforted by being optimistic towards the unknown future, and this rollercoaster of emotions is one that is very familiar to urban dwelling individuals. Using colors from the golden hour that signifies a time when the world shifts from day to night, this work reminds us of the inevitability of change layered with a moment of fleeting beauty. Perception towards spaces in a city can change with time, and Golden mile is significant because it encompasses hope (from its pre-development days), to debauchery and entertainment, to being a symbol of our people's unique curiosity and acceptance of other cultures besides our own. Reflections of construction cranes and scaffolding from the building's windows remind us of the different levels of agency we each have during these changes, prompting a moment of reflection and contemplation towards our existence in the city.