Mountbatten MP Gho Sze Kee addresses power washer art removal: Tension always present in artistic creativity, free expression & rules

An ephemeral artwork created on a pavement outside Mountbatten MRT station was removed following a complaint from a member of the public.

The incident subsequently drew wider public attention.

The art piece was created by Marcus Pang, 24, a local power-washing artist, who uses pressurised water to produce images on concrete surfaces.

Mountbatten Member of Parliament Gho Sze Kee has since taken to Facebook to address the incident.

What happened

Pang said in an Instagram post on Jun. 5 that he had been working on a heart-shaped artwork on the walkway outside Mountbatten MRT station on the afternoon of May 31, when he was approached by station staff.

According to Pang, the staff member said a member of the public had raised concerns about "chemicals" being used near a grass patch.

He clarified that the artwork was created using only rainwater on concrete, and that any smell was likely gasoline from his power washer.

He was asked to produce a permit, and when he said one was not required, the staff member replied: "This is Singapore, bro."

Police were subsequently called, but found that no offence had been committed.

When Pang returned the next day to complete the piece, he found it had been cleaned off entirely.

"This incident stirs up larger questions for our society": Gho

In a Facebook post on Jun. 7, Gho said she had been aware of Pang's work in the neighbourhood for some time and had personally found it a welcome addition, though she had chosen not to publicise it.

"I never posted about this because I did not feel it right to opportunistically latch onto his social media eyeballs. And I believe in quiet deeds, and not performative action."

She also clarified that the area around the station falls under SMRT's jurisdiction, not the town council's, and that it was SMRT staff who had removed the artwork.

She added that she had already asked her grassroots leader, the chairman of the constituency's arts interest group, to reach out to Pang.

"This incident stirs up larger questions for our society. There will always be tension between artistic creativity, free expression and the rules that hold our shared spaces together," Gho wrote.

She also posed a broader question to residents: "How much room do we make for spontaneous beauty? How should we weigh between those who are delighted against those who are not?"

She added:

"I think the best way for now, is to work with us. Collaborate with us, let us manage the space for you."

Gho invited artists to work with the constituency directly, saying: "If you too have an idea for art in our neighbourhood, please do feel free to reach out to me."

Other MPs show support

Pang's post attracted responses from other MPs as well.

Sengkang MP Jamus Lim of the Workers' Party commented: "I love it! Come do it in Sengkang!"

Whampoa-Boon Keng MP Shawn Loh similarly offered to his support, writing: "Please come and give us a recce!"

Pang previously told Mothership he plans to gain endorsements from interested MPs before proceeding with future projects.

"I'll try to warm the cockles of the heart of the residents at Sengkang first," he said.

SMRT also commented on Pang's post, expressing openness to collaboration and noting it was a supporter of the arts.

The transport operator said it would welcome a conversation about working together on something more permanent.

"We're flattered you chose the pavement outside our station as your latest canvas — clearly the power washer was feeling particularly inspired that day.

As enthusiastic supporters of the arts, we'd love to chat about collaborating on something with a longer run. We champion non-disappearing art. 🎨😉"

Pang also said he has put any plans for Mountbatten on hold for now.