There’s something magical happening beneath the tracks at Kembangan MRT station. What was once an overlooked stretch of concrete has been reimagined into a vibrant, living canvas, one that invites commuters to pause, look closer, and perhaps even smile on their daily journeys.

Unveiled on 31 March 2026, Trainforest is a public art installation that celebrates inclusivity, creativity, and community, brought to life across 13 towering viaduct pillars. Public transport spaces aren’t typically where you expect to encounter art that moves you. But Trainforest challenges that idea entirely.

As part of the expanding Art Under Viaduct Spaces initiative, this installation transforms the underpass into a whimsical landscape of blooming flora, playful animals, and imaginative characters. The artwork draws inspiration from the meaning of “Kembangan”—to bloom—and that theme is evident in every brushstroke.

What makes it even more special? The art isn’t just created for the community, it’s created with them. Local artists Nur Aida Sa’ad (also known as Yellow Mushmellow) and her sister Nur Aisha Sa’ad (Catbee) worked closely with 12 students from MINDS Towner Gardens School, aged between 10 and 15.

Each student contributed their own drawings, ideas, and creative energy. These individual expressions were then woven into the final installation—resulting in a vibrant tapestry that reflects diverse abilities and perspectives. The outcome is both joyful and meaningful: a space where every figure, flower, and creature tells a story of participation and belonging.

Set against the steady rhythm of passing trains and hurried footsteps, Trainforest offers a gentle contrast. It brings a sense of nature’s calm into the fast-paced city environment, reminding passersby that beauty can exist in the most unexpected places. A quick glance might reveal bold colors, but a closer look uncovers layers of imagination contributed by young minds.

The project also signals a broader shift in how Singapore is thinking about its urban spaces. By turning everyday infrastructure into platforms for artistic expression, initiatives like Art Under Viaduct Spaces are reshaping the commuter experience. What was once just a route from point A to B becomes something richer, with a moment of discovery, a spark of inspiration, or even a reminder of shared humanity.

“This expansion of the AUVS initiative reflects our shared commitment to making art accessible to all commuters. By transforming public transport spaces into canvases for the arts, we are reimagining familiar areas into unconventional cultural experiences that enrich daily commutes.” said Ms Elynn Han, Director, Community Partnership (South), LTA.

“Art has the power to bring people together to create something truly special that can enrich all our lives. This collaboration with LTA, artists, and the students reflects our shared belief that art should be accessible to everyone. By bringing these meaningful works to more public transport spaces, we hope to create unexpected moments of inspiration and connection that help people discover how art can enliven their everyday journeys.” added Mr Sam Lay, Director, Strategic Partnerships & Engagement, NAC.

“Trainforest” serves as both an artistic landmark and powerful reminder that art is for everyone – with each collaborator bringing their distinct voice to create a tapestry of botanical stories that celebrates our shared humanity.

Ultimately, Trainforest is not just about aesthetics. It’s about access. It’s about ensuring that art isn’t confined to galleries or institutions, but is instead woven into the fabric of daily life. And perhaps most importantly, it’s about showing that creativity has no boundaries—that everyone, regardless of ability, has something beautiful to contribute. So the next time you pass through Kembangan, look up. You might just find yourself walking through a forest in full bloom.

Image Credits: National Arts Council