Hello Singapore! exhibition: A Vibrant Feast of Fruits, Food and Art

Photo Credit: https://expatliving.sg/

The charming Joo Chiat district in Singapore welcomes a burst of colour this season with the Hello Singapore! exhibition by London-based illustrator Tess Smith-Roberts. Running from 25 April to 25 May 2025, this vibrant showcase transforms the newly opened Heartware Store & Gallery into a playful paradise of anthropomorphised fruits, charming canines, and delightful everyday objects that come alive through the artist’s distinctive bold style.

The Artist Behind the Exhibition

Tess Smith-Roberts is no newcomer to the art scene, having successfully exhibited her works in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Seoul with her aptly titled “Hello” series. The Hello Singapore! exhibition marks her debut solo showcase in Singapore, bringing her exuberant illustrated world to local audiences for the first time.

Known for her bold, colourful style and playful characters, Smith-Roberts has carved a niche for herself by finding humour and humanity in everyday objects. Her signature food-loving scenes and anthropomorphised subjects-from cherries and bananas to vine tomatoes and lemons-come to life with varied facial expressions, transforming them from mere objects into characters with personality.

A Curated Collection with Local Flavour

The Hello Singapore! exhibition features a thoughtfully curated collection of Smith-Roberts’ current artworks alongside new and exclusive pieces created specifically for this showcase. Sharp-eyed visitors will notice familiar local elements woven into some of the art pieces, including soft-boiled eggs, kaya toast, kopi and teh-quintessential components of a Singaporean breakfast. The controversial but beloved durian also makes an appearance, though thankfully without its notorious aroma.

Exhibition Highlights

Upon entering the gallery, visitors are greeted by the exhibition’s show-stopper-a giant inflatable cherry installation that dominates an entire corner of the room. The surrounding walls display “fruitylicious” art prints, all available for purchase at accessible price points, with medium-sized pieces costing slightly over $100.

Dog lovers are in for a special treat at the Hello Singapore! exhibition. The artist, being a dog person herself, features a series of canine paintings and wooden sculptures showcasing various breeds including dachshunds, chihuahuas, and dalmatians. Visitors might find pieces resembling their own four-legged companions, making for a perfect addition to their pet corner at home.

Merchandise That Captures the Essence

One of the most delightful aspects of the Hello Singapore! exhibition is the merchandise stand, designed to resemble a traditional fruit stall. This charming nook is stacked with plastic baskets filled with items for sale, complemented by fruit plushies hung on metal hooks with pink raffia string-reminiscent of the mom-and-pop stores in Singapore’s heartlands.

The merchandise collection includes postcards, washi tape, tote bags, stickers, mugs, and other knick-knacks, with prices starting from $7. The adorable squishable fruit plushies, priced from $32, are available for pre-order. Additionally, Smith-Roberts’ picture book titled “All The Dogs I Saw In Tokyo” is sure to captivate animal lovers.

For art enthusiasts, artist-grade silkscreen prints are available, offering a more substantial memento of the Hello Singapore! exhibition. With such diverse merchandise options, visitors can take home a piece of Smith-Roberts’ vibrant world regardless of their budget.

Interactive Elements

The opening weekend of the Hello Singapore! exhibition featured special interactive elements, including artist talks where Smith-Roberts shared insights into her creative journey and process. Visitors also had the opportunity to book live portrait sessions with the artist, allowing them to be captured in her inimitable style for a truly unique keepsake.

During the opening, Smith-Roberts was spotted drawing live portraits of gallery visitors at what was affectionately called the “photobooth,” adding a personal touch to the exhibition experience.

Heartware Store & Gallery: A New Creative Hotspot

The Hello Singapore! exhibition is housed in the newly launched Heartware Store & Gallery, which opened its doors in April 2025. Located at 350B Joo Chiat Road, this cosy art space operates from 10:30 am to 6 pm on weekdays and from 12 pm to 8 pm on weekends, offering free entry to all visitors.

Run by the team behind Kinetic Singapore, Heartware Store & Gallery is part design store, part art gallery-“all heart” as they describe it themselves. The concept was inspired by the founders’ propensity to collect (or as they put it, “hoard”) art, design items, and “odd joys”.

Beyond hosting the Hello Singapore! exhibition, the store features an eclectic collection of vintage finds, odd trinkets, and art objects sourced from Singapore and overseas. Visitors might discover unique items like vintage Japanese sponges turned into “posters,” old Fujifilm dark boxes, Japanese anime erasers, and an array of vintage toys-all displayed in an interestingly haphazard manner that contributes to the space’s charm as a designer junk store.

A Feast for the Senses in Joo Chiat

The Hello Singapore! exhibition adds another compelling reason to visit the already vibrant Joo Chiat district. Known for its good food and charming trinkets, Joo Chiat now boasts this new art destination that promises a colourful, whimsical experience for visitors of all ages.

While in the area, visitors can extend their Joo Chiat adventure by checking out nearby cafés such as Gwen’s Frozen (a pink American-style diner with frozen custard and Philly cheesesteaks), 174Bingo (offering fresh bakes, coffee, and handmade furniture), and Bee Hoe Coffee (a unique hole-in-the-wall drink kiosk in a back alley).

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a collector of quirky merchandise, or simply seeking a colourful escape, the Hello Singapore! exhibition at Heartware Store & Gallery promises a delightful fusion of art, culture, and everyday joy that shouldn’t be missed.