i Light Marina Bay 2016

This year is the 4th edition of i Light Marina Bay, and this year’s event is brighter and seeking to reframe perceptions of light and sustainability, the team hopes to inspire artists and festival-goers to re-imagine and reconsider sustainability issues in a new light and come together to create and sustain a harmonious relationship with the environment.

As a person who likes photography, lights and shadows have always been something fascinating for me. After the first introduction to i Light Marina Bay 2014, this is the second time I am bringing the girls back.

This year the stretch just outside The Shoppes @ Marina Bay Sands, was transformed into a bit like “Artbox” in Bangkok. With small little stalls selling different sorts of arts and stuff. It would be nice to see more of such setups happening in Singapore.

Before we walked through the i Light, we were greeted by this colorfully bright rider, sometimes we are able to see a few other riders together but this night there was only one. Hence, he absorbed all the lime light. He has unofficially became part of the event exhibits.

Ground Control to Major Tom
This multi-colored rocket piece is like a childhood dream coming alive. As simple as it seems, many people were queuing up just to have a look from within, at the world outside. I guess all of us need to see things a little different some times.

Blot
Inspired by how the lightning behaves, this installation aims to bring the irregularity behavior of the lightning closer to earth. By a simple touch of the steel structure, one gets to activates the flashes of the LED tubes attached.

Lampshade
Totally the coolest and most environmentally inspiring piece of installation. During day time, this unique art piece prevents sunlight to shine through and at the same time conserve energy which is used during night time as solar energy enough to power up thousands of lamps.

Shadow Bath
Playing with light and shadows, this is one piece of art I would love to have at home. Maybe a miniature size that could sit nicely in a living room as a coffee table. Imagine the mood it would create at night when you are enjoying a nice glass of wine with your love one. Awesome!

Angels of Freedom
This year, kudos to the organizers for placing many of the light installations against the beautiful Marina Bay night scene. One of which is this angel wing (there are 5 sets of them), and you will be expecting some queue to get your chance for a photo. The halo was a brilliant idea to enhance the structure but also as a great illuminator for the visitor’s face.

Moon Haze
One of the most photographed light installation. The Moon Haze also functions as a monitoring system for air pollutants, picking-up and responding to the ambient air quality – the better the air quality, the brighter the installation. Maybe an idea will be to place this piece on the waters? The reflection will be awesome.

The Cloud
Seriously, I do not understand this art installation. However, this is one of the few installations that captured my attention the most. Maybe it’s the inert nature of man that is drawn towards things we do not understand.

Ping Pong Table
Mini table-tennis tables for visitors to test their skills. About a quarter size of the usual table, this cool piece is lighted underneath with changing lights to create that mystery feel. The game is not about winning, but it’s all about fun and innovation.

There are a few installations that are not really related to lights, but nonetheless it was super creative and simple. The simplicity of the creation amazed me and many others, providing much fun to all.

Started the walk with the multi-colored rider and ended with the same guy on the Helix Bridge.

Heard that i Light Marina Bay will be back starting this year as a yearly event. I’ll raise both hands and legs and shout hurray! Looking forward to more creative installations in 2017.

Wheeler’s Yard

With the sudden interest of cycling in Singapore, and a group of friends around me who are really bike enthusiastic, a visit to this cafe is just sooner or later. Located at 28 Lorong Ampas, this Bike Shop is only in operation for 4 months – Wheeler’s Yard.

See that lone bike on the top? I don’t mind having that. Nice!

One of the very few cafes that is open on a Monday, Wheeler’s Yard is not only a place for the bikers, but also for customers who just want to chill and have a simple meal.

Walking into the place, you will be greeted by the vast space, it’s almost like walking into a warehouse. We were there around noon time, but it was not too hot even though we did not sit in the air-conditioning area.

Ordered a set of Coney Hotdog and reminiscing the old familiar taste of hotdog with minced beef.

Latte is quite alright. I actually ordered a second helping, a Long Black and I think it’s better.

Serve your own water from this retro tricycle.

The view from the other end of the place. Probably this is the main entrance.

As you can see, there are ample of seats inside and also outside. I can imagine the outdoor seats will be crowded during night time.

The interior is air-conditioned but not too cold, my level of comfort.

Plenty of seats!

Since this is primarily a Bike Shop, nothing goes without showing off some unique bikes and accessories. All up for sale, just need to check with the staff for the price.

Though I am not a biker, but I have always been very interested in cycling. Had a talk with one of the staff and understood that they mostly sell Single Speed Bikes.

What is a Single Speed Bike?
Simply, it is a bike with a single gear ratio. You cannot select the gear ratio/speed to adjust for different terrains. Not designed for race.

Usually such bikes are lighter and cheaper, but like what my “learned cyclist friends” would tell me, there is nothing cheap in cycling. And I agree. Just the bike frame can be over $1000, add on the other necessary accessories and whatever that makes it look good, we are talking about a bike that costs probably between $1500-$2000.

Just like in photography, after playing with the digital SLR cameras for a while, the serious photographers will always share that nothing beats the old film photography days. I guess its a bit similar in cycling. Probably after playing with all the modern multi-speed bikes, some of the cyclists may still prefer the old fashion single speed bikes.

For my cyclist friends, what do you think of these rims? Nice right?

If you are looking for kids’ bikes, this place sells a few too.

If you are not into cycling, then just be like me, come and enjoy a quiet afternoon. Read a book, surf the net, or just hang out with friends for a chat.

Happy Cafe Hop!