Funan ushers the new year with its signature public art initiative, “Creative Intersections,” themed “Snakes and Ladders.” The creative direction is to manifest the attributes of the Snake zodiac sign—creativity, insightfulness, and transformation—into diverse forms of art, workshops, and merchandise.

Back for its fifth iteration till 16th Feb 2025, feast your eyes with no less than 23 exhibits-representing the efforts of 15 local artists and 13 brands curated by Vertical Submarine’s Justin Loke and various mall exhibits – that will be put up for public appreciation. This years theme takes the form of a gamified exhibition that celebrates the timeless charm of the ancient board game and delivers an immersive experience. Justin gathered a colony of Singaporean and Singapore-based artists to envision associated themes, such as resilience, transformation, and interconnectedness, into diverse art forms.

The exhibition will be presented on two fronts. At the mall level, Funan collaborates with local artists to create exhibits for public display. These mall exhibits include “Puzzled by the Stairs” by Vertical Submarine, Funan’s first interactive puzzle at its Grand Stairs. This interactive puzzle – located at the Level 1 Grand Stairs – invites visitors to Funan to explore the ups and downs of life through play. Inspired by the classic board game and the reflective themes of the poem Snakes and Ladders, this installation is designed as an engaging activity for all ages. Visitors are challenged to solve a whimsical children’s poem by guessing the missing letters.

At the Kinetic Wall, a new animation entitled “Dance like a boa, Swing like a bae” by Umami Labo will make its premiere. This artwork draws inspiration from the enduring presence of snakes in popular culture, juxtaposing iconic representations that have captivated audiences through the ages. From the serpent offering Eve the forbidden apple to the whimsical game of Snakes and Ladders, the martial arts classic Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow, and the pixelated nostalgia of Nokia’s Snake game, these elements reveal a rich tapestry of entertainment history. The piece reflects the evolution of technology and its impact on our entertainment experience, with the pixelation acting as a metaphor for the digital age, where simplicity often conceals deeper narratives. Just as the snake embodies temptation and duality, our current state of entertainment oscillates between the profound and the trivial, merging ancient archetypes with contemporary platforms. This artwork not only honours the timeless allure of the snake but also critiques the rapid changes in our media landscape. It invites viewers to consider how these age-old symbols resonate in a world increasingly dominated by screens and pixels, especially as we approach 2025.

Six ‘Passion Snakes’ are also to be found throughout the mall. These snake exhibits are designed to embody each of Funan’s six passions: Chic, Craft, Fit, Play, Taste and Tech, making for a fun little treasure hunt to find them all, and also an opportune time to snap photos of these cute installations.

At the tenant level, brands are partnering with various artists to co-create works of art that will be displayed in their stores. This year, eight brands are participating for the first time in Creative Intersections: Audio Technica, Dal.komm COFFEE, Dreame, Omnidesk, Sinpopo Brand, Skin Belief, The Green Collective and The Pace.

From paintings, sculptures, multimedia installations, and interactive experiences, experience how these artists weave their unique blend of influences, pop culture, and heritage into their creative works – enjoy art as you shop, with Funan’s Creative Intersections once more.

Creative Intersections – SNAKES and LADDERS runs till 16th February 2025 at Funan Mall.