Cherries, bananas, vine tomatoes and lemons – these are some of the key ingredients in the colourful broth of Tess Smith-Roberts’ debut solo exhibition in Singapore. Simply and aptly titled Hello Singapore!, this vibrant showcase by the London-based illustrator is currently open at Heartware Store & Gallery, a cosy new art space at Joo Chiat with free entry.
It’s almost serendipitous that Smith-Roberts’ usual doodles and merchandise are centred around food – because that’s what most of us Singaporeans love best. Even for those who aren’t already acquainted with her work, there’s an instant sense of relatability upon introduction, bolstered by an irresistible cuteness; All the subjects of her drawings come with varied facial expressions, so each one comes to life as a whole character instead of remaining a mere fruit, vegetable or common ingredient.
We can’t get over the adorable merch stand, which is the first thing you’ll see upon entering the studio. Made to resemble a fruit stall, this nook is stacked with plastic baskets filled with items for sale, along with fruit pushies hung up with metal hooks and pink raffia string – exactly like what you’d see at those mom and pop stores in Singapore’s heartlands.
Some of the items have been sold out all too quickly, but there’s still a good handful of postcards, washi tape, tote bags, stickers, mugs, and other knick-knacks up for grabs, starting from $7. The squishable fruit plushies (from $32) are available for pre-order, and there’s also a picture book titled All The Dogs I Saw In Tokyo which animal-lovers are sure to fall in love with.
Head on in for the main show-stopper – a giant inflatable cherry installation that takes up an entire corner of the room. Framed on the surrounding walls are more fruitylicious art prints by Smith-Roberts, all of which are for sale at accessible price points. We’re talking slightly over $100 for a medium-sized piece, so you don’t even have to be a serious art collector with deep pockets in order to take home a treasure of choice to brighten up your crib with.
Sharp-eyed visitors would notice familiar local elements woven into some of the art pieces, including soft-boiled eggs, kaya toast, kopi and teh – everything that makes up a quintessential Singaporean brekkie. The love-it-or-hate-it durian also makes an appearance, but thank goodness the ones here don’t smell.
If you haven’t already guessed from the aforementioned canine-centric picture book, the artist is very much a dog person. And if you’re one too, you’ll be glad to find a series of dog paintings and wooden sculptures on display. Many breeds including the dachshund, chihuahuahua, and dalmatian are featured, so see if you can find a piece that resembles your furkid – it’ll be a great addition to your pet corner at home.
Hello Singapore! by Tess Smith-Roberts is now showing at Heartware Store & Gallery at 350B Joo Chiat Road till May 25, 2025. While you're in the area, check out cafés like Gwen's Frozen, a new pink American-style diner with frozen custard and Philly cheesesteaks; 174Bingo for fresh bakes, coffee, and handmade furniture; and Bee Hoe Coffee, a unique hole-in-the-wall drink kiosk in a back alley.
Find out more about Hello Singapore! via Heartware’s Instagram page.
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This free art exhibition in Singapore is full of cute animal paintings by a Japanese artist