DIY | Expresssion . Sneakertopia . ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands . 2023

Curated by Deborah Lim

No matter where they are in the world, creatives seek out like-minded individuals. Together, they form organic, supportive communities that generate new ideas and spark change. This spirit of collaboration and sharing of ideas has always been important to the artists, designers, athletes, brands and celebrities who come together to define sneaker and street culture.

Embodying a do-it-yourself attitude and an outpouring of expression into the arts, this zone shines a spotlight on two creatives based in Singapore, soph O and Kristal Melson. These artists share an appreciation of subcultures: fashion, street art and skateboarding, and have worked with sneaker brands including Vans, adidas and Nike. 

This collaboration represents both creatives’ responses to street culture. The works of soph O suggest a new approach to graffiti by collaging materials such as wood and paper together in abstract forms. Melson’s work highlights how sneakers and streetwear tend to be perceived as a ‘boy’s club’ and focuses instead on strong female characters.