Peranakan Tiles: Singapore
Anne Pinto Rodrigues & Victor Lim
Singapore: Aster by Kyra, 2015
ISBN: 9789810955298

In the early part of the 20th century, decorative tiles popularly known as 'maiolica' or 'majolica' tiles across the world, found favour with the affluent Peranakan Community of Singapore.

The Peranakans decorated their houses, furniture and other surfaces with these colourful tiles. Soon enough, these tiles became a distinctive feature of this community and they began to be referred to as 'Peranakan Tiles'. This book attempts to showcase some of these exquisite tiles seen across Singapore today. It also aims to create awareness about this fragile legacy that needs to be conserved for the generations to come.

25 Years of The Substation: Reflections on Singapore's First Independent Art Centre
The Substation
Singapore: Ethos Books, 2015
ISBN: 9789810967987

INDEPENDENCE. OPPORTUNITY. RAW. EXPERIMENTAL. FRINGE. PROGRESS. RESPONSIVE. EMPATHY. FEARLESS. IMAGINATION. PERSEVERANCE. CHALLENGE. INCUBATOR. SUPPORTIVE. CONTEMPORARY. MULTIDISCIPLINARY. SOCIOPOLITICAL. CRITICALITY. OPENNESS. DIVERSITY. COMMUNITY. POSSIBILITIES. PASSIONATE. PROCESS. HOME.

25 Years of The Substation features the accounts of 25 artists and people who have been associated with The Substation since its founding in 1990. The book is organised around 25 words, which serve as entry points for an extended conversation about The Substation, its stakeholders, and Singaporean society and the arts.

My Friendship With Singapore's Greatest Painter
Ch'ng Poh Tiong
Singapore: Zhuang Productions, 2015
ISBN: 9789810952488

My Friendship with Singapore's Greatest Painter is the first English biography of Tan Swie Hian, who holds the record (at US$3.3 million) for the highest price for a painting by a living South-East Asian artist. Chinese art cognoscenti regard the Singaporean in the great tradition of scholar literati such as Tang Dynasty Wang Wei, Song Dynasty Su Shi and Yuan Dynasty Zhao Mengfu, men steeped in philosophy and incredibly talented in painting, calligraphy and poetry. Works by Su and Zhao from the collection of Taiwan’s Palace Museum are vividly reproduced.

The biography also reveals how Tan Chan Pok, the artist's father and the wealthiest man in Bagansiapiapi, Sumatra, escaped an assassination attempt. Drawings by the painter's beloved mother, Madam Lie Soie, are also published for the first time. So too the latest calligraphy by Tan Swie Hian, his only self-portrait, early works from the 1970s, and an extensive portfolio that includes "A Couple", a painting of Singapore's first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and his wife Kwa Geok Choo when they were students at Cambridge University.

In January 2013, a fire broke out in Tan's studio. The first thing he saved were not his paintings (conservatively estimated to be worth US$10 million) but a stray cat. When asked why he did not salvage the artworks first, the great humanist replied "I chose life".

Singapore: Sketches of the Lion City [New ed.]
Lorette E. Roberts
Hong Kong: Bridge House Design, 2015
ISBN: 9789889732868

Returning to update Singapore: Sketches of the Lion City, artist and illustrator Lorette E. Roberts was once again struck by the variety of flowers and trees and how naturally they bloom in modern Singapore. Now, Supertrees, Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands are part of the landscape, having "grown" since her last visit. In her inimitable and unmistakable style, Lorette has now included these along with the other famous sights in this exciting colourful new edition.

In addition to Raffles Hotel, Boat Quay, Orchard Road, Sentosa and the newly anointed UNESCO Botanic Gardens are all featured in this new edition. Roberts has captured all the varied architectural styles prevalent in the Lion City: Shophouses, Colonial Bungalows, 'Black and White' homes, the refurbished Fulerton Heritage by the Bay are also included along side the other classic civic buildings which make up Singapore today.

Lorette's sharp eye is trained to spot the unusual: ancient houses on stilts, a tree walk, organic gardens, the old-world charm of Tiong Bahru, Ang Mo Kio's Sunday Bird Club, a tiger-car replica, ethnic fabric designs, hedgehog pastries and vibrant street art. In this engaging book there is something for everyone to enjoy including her trademark snail hidden on every page!

Faith in Architecture: 50 Houses of Worship in Singapore
Gül İnanç (ed.)
Singapore: Ethos Books, 2015
ISBN: 9789810953737

Often we are not fully aware of the artistic, diverse and divine features of more than a thousand houses of worship, which surround us in this small, culturally diverse city-state. This semi-photobook is a humble attempt to give 50 of these sacred sands/stones the voice required to share their stories with us and for us to move a little closer to understanding and appreciating the art and culture of major faiths being practised both locally and globally. Complementing the reflections and photography in the book are astute sketches by renowned Singapore artist, Dr Ho Chee Lick.

The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye
Sonny Liew
Singapore: Epigram Books, 2014
ISBN: 9789810731069

The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye is a biography showcasing the life and work of a pioneering but largely forgotten comic artist in Singapore. With a career spanning more than five decades, from pre-independence Singapore through its three Prime Ministers, Chan's work reflects the country's changing political and economic environment.

Containing Chan's original illustrations, paintings and sketches, this is a groundbreaking work and labour of love aimed at recapturing the portrait of an artist, whose deep passion for comics and country is given a fitting tribute by Eisner-nominated comic artist Sonny Liew.

We ♥ Chinatown
Urban Sketchers Singapore
Singapore: Wee Editions, 2015
ISBN: 9789810778231

Established by the colonial government, southwest of the Singapore River, to cater to Singapore's Chinese-majority immigrant population, Chinatown is today a bustling destination, much like its counterparts around the world. Designated a conservation area by the Urban Redevelopment Authority in 1989, the neighbourhood is still referred to as "Niu Che Shui" -- literally "ox-cart water", a reference to how the area received its water supply -- by some.

The pre-war shophouses that once housed coolies, opium dens and letter-writers are now occupied by a mix of old and new: restaurants, souvenir shops, spas, bars and boutiques. The food stalls on Smith Street pay homage to hawkers of the past, and early malls like People's Park Complex have gone new age with rooftop gardens.

Reflecting Singapore's multi-ethnic nature, Chinatown also interestingly houses the country's oldest Hindu temple, and the prominent Jamae Mosque. We ♥ Chinatown offers a glimpse into this vibrant neighbourhood, as seen through the eyes of the talented artists from Urban Sketchers Singapore.

Arts Hats in Renaissance City: Reflections & Aspirations of Arts Personalities
Renee Lee (ed.)
Singapore: World Scientific, 2015
ISBN: 9789814630771

Arts Hats in Renaissance City is an anthology of the personal reflections and aspirations of four generations in the new creative ecostructure in Singapore -- from those who help formulate policies to that of the individual artists, who have helped develop and build an exciting arts and culture scene from scratch and into a viable economic model. As evidenced by the professions in this anthology, the scope of work within the arts and culture sector is diverse, from backgrounds such as history, communications, management, economics, law, science, arts, psychology and entertainment.

Beyond theory, the anthology offers an authentic voice of real and lived experiences of the go-to people, their personal role in heritage development, and their thoughts and insights on our, albeit developing, arts scene since independence.

Sayang Singapura: Re-Imagining Singapore's Past and Present
Lee Xin Li
Singapore: Marshall Cavendish Editions, 2014
ISBN: 9789814561075

Inspired by Hergé, the creator of Tintin, Lee Xin Li blends Hergé's playfulness with meaningful nostalgia for Singapore's iconic past.

The historic Adelphi Hotel, the iconic Great World Amusement Park, the old Tanjong Pagar Railway Station and the former National Library at Stamford Road are among the nostalgic locales and moments in time lovingly depicted in beautiful and imaginative detail.

Xin Li has captured these cherished memories and immortalised them with his drawings even as Singapore continues to undergo intensive restructuring and makeovers, and heritage buildings of yesteryears make way for new and ever-modern architecture.

My Pictorial Book of Dialect Idioms & Slangs
Kuan Eng
Singapore: Sibey Nostalgic, 2014
ISBN: 9789810927080

After launching Singapore's first series of dialect pictorial books last year, Kuan Eng explored further the topic of dialects in Singapore. As he commonly uses dialects at home and in his social work, he ventures into dialect idioms and slangs in his new book.

Designed in a colourful and engaging manner, 100 idioms and slangs are accompanied by illustrations. This book strives to stir the interest of young Singaporeans in learning more about dialects and using them to build rapport with the elderly. Presented in Hokkien, it also covers adaptations of the idioms/slangs in Teochew and Cantonese, whenever applicable. The meaning and example of usage of these idioms/slangs are also included.

This book is also published to honour the pioneer generation who brought their dialects to Singapore decades ago. Through this book, readers will be able to get in touch with their linguistic heritage and also discover how dialects play an integral part in our lives as well as the evolution of Singlish.

Warm Nights, Deathless Days: The Life of Georgette Chen
Sonny Liew
Singapore: National Gallery Singapore, 2014
ISBN: 9789810910914

Warm Nights, Deathless Days: The Life of Georgette Chen is Eisner-nominated comic artist Sonny Liew's response to the legacy of one of Singapore's most prominent pioneer artists Georgette Chen (1906-1993). The result is a moving portrait of Chen's life, thoughts, and dreams, a charming chronicle of her days as a precocious young painter to her winning of Singapore's prestigious Cultural Medallion in 1982. Richly illustrated in a soft, milky palette, the comic captures the quiet space of art and friendship that Chen sheltered amid a turbulent backdrop of political turmoil and personal hardship.

LKY: Political Cartoons
Morgan Chua
Singapore: Epigram Books, 2014
ISBN: 9789814615723

The urban legend goes that Morgan Chua's first political cartoon of Lee Kuan Yew in the Singapore Herald led to the newspaper's closure in 1971. Undeterred by this, Lee's near mythic status became fodder for Morgan's creative imagination and incisive pen as he continued his satirical sketches of the prime minister in the Far Eastern Economic Review.

For the first time, over 100 of Morgan's LKY cartoons -- along with new ones -- have been collected, covering Lee's pioneering years up to the present day. In LKY: Political Cartoons, the fearless Morgan meets the fearsome Harry.

The Bicycle
Cheah Sinann
Singapore: Epigram Books, 2014
ISBN: 9789814615501

In one of the last remaining jungles in Singapore, an old bicycle is unearthed in an archaeological dig. Its discovery brings the elderly Lim Ah Cheng back to a time when he rode with his life on the line…

Meticulously researched by the creator of Singapore's first daily comic strip The House of Lim, cartoonist Cheah Sinann, The Bicycle tells the tale of Toshiro Iwakura, an aristocratic, battle-hardened private haunted by his desire to cycle in the Olympics, and five-year-old street urchin Ah Cheng, who dreams of nothing more than learning how to ride a bike. Their paths cross during the Japanese Occupation, when a unique bond formed over two wheels is quickly put to a life-or-death test.

Last Train From Tanjong Pagar
Koh Hong Teng
Singapore: Epigram Books, 2014
ISBN: 9789810769192

The Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) train that ran between Singapore and Malaysia for almost 80 years was rerouted to Woodlands Train Checkpoint following the closure of Tanjong Pagar Railway Station -- now a gazetted national monument -- in June 2011.

Based on real tours led by architecture historian Lai Chee Kien, Last Train from Tanjong Pagar follows a group of heritage enthusiasts as they discover Singapore’s railway heritage, and gather with passengers from all walks of life for one final ride out of Tanjong Pagar station.

Seamlessly blending fact and fiction, Koh Hong Teng has produced a timely and thought-provoking graphic homage to our trains and not only the physical journeys but also the human connections they have made possible.

We ♥ Katong
Urban Sketchers Singapore
Singapore: Epigram Books, 2014
ISBN: 9789810766078

The artists from Urban Sketchers Singapore capture the conserved architecture, mouth-watering cuisine and fascinating confluence of cultures in this celebrated East Coast neighbourhood.

The Girl Under the Bed
Dave Chua, Xiao Yan (illus.)
Singapore: Epigram Books, 2013
ISBN: 9789810731106

During the Hungry Ghost Month, the gates of hell open and dead spirits pour into the world of the living. Jingli, a Secondary One student, discovers a ghost named Xiaomei sleeping under her bed. In time, the two develop an uncanny friendship. Together with Weizhong, a boy who is also a medium, they set out to solve the mystery of Xiaomei’s haunting.

Set in modern-day Singapore, The Girl Under the Bed is a gripping coming-of-age tale that will thrill and fascinate readers.

My Kampong Sketches
Ishak bin Ahamad
Singapore: Math Paper Press, 2013
ISBN: 9789810776732

My Kampong Sketches comprises Ishak’s reminiscences of the kampong he grew up in. Preserved in the form of black-and-white sketches, his childhood memories include now-iconic images of night-soil workers hauling the buckets to a waiting vehicle; a fishmonger smoking opium and enjoying music from his ‘Rediffusion’ set; and children riding their tricycles in the village.

Through this sketchbook, Ishak wishes to share his brand of nostalgia not only with people who have been familiar with the kampong way of life, but also with present children and future generations, who probably will never know it personally.

Myth of the Stone
Gwee Li Sui
Singapore: Epigram Books, 2013
ISBN: 9789810766160

A curious young boy opens a door and is thrust into the Architrave, a fantastical, fractured world upheld by four Columns. Arriving as the Great Gateway War draws to a start, Li-Hsu must fight bravely alongside a host of strange creatures in order to find his way back home.

Gwee Li Sui's Myth of the Stone, first published in 1993, is an endearing tale of one unlikely hero's journey through an unfamiliar landscape.

We ♥ Queenstown
Urban Sketchers Singapore
Singapore: Epigram Books, 2013
ISBN: 9789810766016

Originally a backwater swamp housing the Ying Fo Lut and Boh Beh Kang kampongs, Queenstown became Singapore’s first satellite town. It was named in commemoration of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953. As this grand old dame of an estate celebrates her 60th anniversary in 2013, the artists from Urban Sketchers Singapore capture the enduring landmarks and scenes of everyday life in the neighbourhood.

Take a trip down memory lane and imagine the late Queenstown cinema and bowling alley in its heyday. Visit Stirling Road to view Singapore’s first HDB blocks and enjoy the unique personality of each HDB terrace house. Admire the religious harmony and architectural diversity of Queenstown’s churches, temples and mosques. To escape the heat, slip into the cool oasis of Queenstown Community Library, which remains in the middle of winding Margaret Drive.

Scenes of Singapore: A Watercolour Album
Foo Kwee Horng
Singapore: Marshall Cavendish Editions, 2013
ISBN: 9789814408363

See Singapore in a new light! This vibrant volume of watercolours offers readers a tour through the country’s iconic buildings, neighbourhoods and scenes.

With loving detail, local artist Foo Kwee Horng paints a veritable A-to-Z gallery of Singapore, from the ArtScience Museum, Botanic Gardens and Raffles Hotel to traditional shophouses, five-foot-ways, churches, mosques and the Singapore Zoo.

Following on the success of Images of Singapore’s photographic collection, this new book of watercolours – presented in the same handy format – promises to offer visitors an ideal souvenir of their trip to Singapore or a beautiful gift for those back at home.