S'pore power washing artist's work at Mountbatten MRT draws public complaint & police attention, gets whitewashed the next day

After five hours of working on a new project outside Mountbatten MRT Station, Singapore power washing artist Marcus Pang, 24, found his work gone the next day.

Earlier, a member of the public had allegedly complained about his actions to a train station staff, who questioned him if he had a permit to carry out his work.

When he said he did not, the police were called to the scene.

What happened

The incident, which happened in the afternoon of May 31, was described by Pang in an Instagram post on Jun. 5.

According to him, he had been working on a new project of a heart on the concrete pathway outside Mountbatten MRT Station when he was stopped by a train station staff.

The staff member allegedly told him that a member of the public was concerned about "chemicals" being used on the grass patch, to which Pang explained was likely the gasoline from his power washer.

His art was also created only with rainwater on the concrete, he pointed out.

However, Pang alleged that the staff then detained him and asked for  permit.

This is Singapore, bro

When he said he did not require one, he was told, "This is Singapore, bro."

The staff member then called for his manager and the police was later called to the scene.

After his statement was taken, Pang was found to not have committed any crime and let go.

He was also advised to get the endorsement of Members of Parliament (MPs), who would be able to vouch for his work.

Work whitewashed the next day

When Pang returned to the site the next day to complete the project, he was shocked to find that it had been completely whitewashed.

"I stood there for five minutes contemplating what to do," he told Mothership, adding that "time cannot be refunded".

By this point, the project was about 60 per cent complete, he said.

He explained that he had chosen the area of concrete as it was in the heart of Mountbatten, not a popular walking path and had a lot of good dirt to work on.

He added that he had approached the customer service counter at Mountbatten MRT Station and was told to write to their email, but chose not to pursue the case.

"There's nothing to be done, the work's already gone anyway," he said.

Pang said it was not the first time he had been in such a situation.

The police were previously called on him at Marine Parade, but he was recognised by officers on sight as Marine Parade–Braddell Heights MP Goh Pei Ming earlier offered his endorsement.

Seeking other MPs' endorsement

Following the incident, he eventually scrapped the project altogether, noting that he would "put Mountbatten on hold" for the time being.

Pang's Instagram post gained the attention of multiple MPs, including Sengkang MP Jamus Lim of the Workers' Party who wrote: "I love it! Come do it in Sengkang!"

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

Pang told Mothership that for now, his plan is to gain the endorsement of MPs who reached out to him.

"I'll try to warm the cockles of the heart of the residents at Sengkang first!" he said with a laugh. He also replied to Loh's comment, saying, "We'll be in touch."

SMRT also commented on Pang's post, stating:

"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. 🎨😉"