If vibrant, playful, and delightful art tickles your fancy, then you’re in for a treat. London-based illustrator Tess Smith-Roberts is making her solo debut in Singapore, and you certainly won’t want to miss it. Dubbed “Hello Singapore!“, this pop-up exhibition is running from 25th April to 25th May 2025 at the Heartware Store in Joo Chiat.
Enter the shophouse, and you’re promised a delightful fusion of colourful artworks, sculptures, and merchandise – featuring cute animals and fruits, might we add.
On the opening weekend, she was seen drawing live portraits of gallery visitors at the “photobooth”.
Image adapted from: @tessasmithroberts, @heartware.store via Instagram
Tess Smith-Roberts is no new face in the art community, having successfully exhibited her work in major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Seoul. Her artistic flair is recognisable from illustrations featuring bold and colourful elements, often of lively characters and food-themed scenes that inject humour and life into the mundane.
The exhibition and pop-up store, Hello Singapore!, will take place at the newly unveiled Heartware Store & Gallery in Joo Chiat from 25th April to 25th May 2025. Entry to the gallery is absolutely free.
The exhibition showcases a curated collection of Tess’s current creations, alongside exclusive new pieces designed specifically for this showcase.
Do you spot the durian?
Image adapted from: @heartware.store via Instagram
Expect to encounter an array of artworks like sculptures and silkscreen prints, all exuding her distinct vibrant style.
Image adapted from: @heartware.store via Instagram
Additionally, a range of merchandise spotlighting her cherished motifs – fruits, food, and dogs – will also be available to add to your collection of cutesy stuff.
The Heartware Store & Gallery in Joo Chiat is a newly opened space for both art connoisseurs and those looking for vintage knick-knacks.
Image adapted from: @heartware.store via Instagram
The concept of the store was inspired by the founders’ propensity to collect (AKA hoard) things like art, design items, and stuff they refer to as “odd joys”. They found that they had collected all sorts of items that seemed random or what most would consider junk, and decided to display them at their gallery for all to admire.
Image adapted from: @heartware.store via Instagram
You might spot a vintage Japanese sponge turned into a “poster”, an old Fujifilm dark box, Japanese anime erasers, and an array of vintage toys. Funnily enough, these have been displayed in an interestingly haphazard manner too – on shelves, on the floor, on the walls – all contributing to the designer junk store vibe.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast or seeking something unique to ogle at, Hello Singapore! promises an event filled with colour and whimsy. Either way, you’ll want to check out the newly opened gallery too for weird and beautiful finds.
Admission: Free
Dates: 25th April-25th May 2025
Address: 350B Joo Chiat Road, Heartware Store & Gallery, Singapore 427598
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10.30am-6pm | Sat-Sun 12pm-8pm
More events to check out:
Cover image adapted from: @heartware.store via Instagram
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