In recent years, Singapore's niche arts scene of miniatures has started to spread wider and wider as niche hobbyists-turned-artists gather bigger and bigger fanbases.
From an IT executive to a former commando, ClassicaLite will be showcasing these rising mini sculptors in this article in recognition of their growing grip on the Singaporean art consciousness.
(Photo : Wilfred Cheah)
Singapore's Rising Miniature Art Hobbyists
First on the spotlight block is Anthony Ong (Like Ants Studio), a senior executive in the IT industry, who told The Straits Times that he stumbled upon the art form one midnight in 2021, during a deep dive in the YouTube video rabbit hole of artists making tiny versions of furniture.
Spurred on by a surge of inspiration, Ong rushed to his art friend's supply store to buy supplies to get started on his own miniatures, despite having no prior experience in drawing, painting, or even sculpting.
Three years since then, the then-newbie has now turned into a 33-year-old diorama-making expert, modeling scenes with three-dimensional figures of varying textures. One of his recent projects is his recreation of a portion of the Jurong East MRT Station.
The diorama model complete with doors and a platform even garnered him sizeable social media attention thanks to a TikTok video of his where he presented the piece to one of the station's staff. In a preceding clip, Ong can be seen creating the work in a short montage.
He reportedly took two weeks to complete the model, only making time after work hours and on the weekends. That said, he eventually finished the piece, which has now found a home as a display in the station it is modeled after.
In contrast, former Singapore Armed Forces commando Wilfred Cheah's acclaim as a miniature artist spread because of his complex set pieces modeled after traditional and cultural scenes.
As per his statement to The Straits Times, Cheah said he picked up the model creation hobby as a child due to his family not being able to buy him toys. Now 58, Cheah returned to his humble beginnings and started to make toys using discarded materials.
He explained that, even now, he doesn't buy a lot of new materials. However, two exceptions are paints and wires. For Cheah, recyclables are not only highly affordable but they are also "easier to use."
In his mini-sculpting endeavor, Cheah has even established an ongoing deal with a nearby coffee shop worker, who agreed to give him empty aluminum tins that would typically just be scrapped. Another of Cheah's go-to materials is plastic containers.
One of his many projects is his recent diorama of a "wayang" show, which is the country's traditional puppet-centric art form. Cheah purportedly made it to honor his precious memories of watching such shows with his grandmother.
Although the original piece is not for sale, as it took over four months to make, he said that he is willing to make a replica if there's enough demand for one.
