A power washing artist was left in disbelief after a member of the public allegedly lodged a complaint with SMRT Trains staff when he was creating artwork outside Mountbatten MRT station on May 31, leading to a police report and the artwork being removed by the following day.
Marcus Pang, the 24-year-old power washing artist and founder of Gazing Power Wash, told Stomp that he had started the project on May 31 at around 1pm, at a bicycle parking zone outside Mountbatten MRT station.
Using rainwater and a power washer, Pang cleaned sections of dirty concrete to create an image. The artwork was meant to showcase the âHeart of Mountbattenâ, featuring a heart and two birds.
He explained that the birds signified the message that âLove conquers allâ, drawing from his experience with complicated family situations.
The voluntary project was not commissioned or officially sanctioned.
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Pang said he undertakes such projects about once every fortnight, with the goal of eventually creating an artwork in every group representation constituency (GRC).
Member of public files complaint, artist allegedly âdetainedâ
Pang recalled SMRT station staff approaching him about five hours into the project. A commuter had apparently lodged a complaint, having believed that he was âspraying chemicals onto the grassâ.
He said he explained his actions to the staff member, who asked if he had a permit. Pang replied that one was not required.
According to the 24-year-old, a staff member responded, âThis is Singapore broâ, before calling a manager to handle the situation.
âWhen the train staff first approached me, their responses felt hostile. As if they were trying to find fault but were frustrated when I gave responses that did not hold me guilty of a âcrimeâ,â he said.
He was allegedly âdetainedâ for âdoing street art without a permitâ. He added that staff members took photos and videos of him and his work while waiting for the police to arrive.
Police officers eventually determined that no wrong was done, Pang recalled. However, they recommended that he obtain letters of endorsement from the MP of the area or a busking permit to minimise future complaints from members of the public.
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