Creative Campaign Puts a Unique Spin on Singapore’s Founding Father
Lee Kuan Yew might not have approved of the hero worship after his passing, according to his daughter, Lee Wei Ling, who remarked in 2016 that he would likely cringe at initiatives depicting him in unconventional ways. Yet, a new Kickstarter campaign titled “Our First Leader” has taken this sentiment in stride by offering a line of wearable items featuring 3D renderings of Lee’s face, designed by the one-man art outfit Neoliberal Arts.
The collection, which includes keychains, earrings, rings, and necklaces, aims to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lee’s birth. With tongue-in-cheek names like “OB Markers” for earrings, the merchandise pokes fun at the lengths Singaporeans go to honor their founding leader. Already, the campaign has surpassed its modest goal of US$289, drawing in backers interested in this playful take on historical commemoration.
Shoon, the artist behind Neoliberal Arts, began experimenting with 3D modeling last year, choosing Lee Kuan Yew’s face as an initial project. Inspired by the unveiling of a commemorative $10 coin, he imagined other creative expressions featuring Lee’s iconic visage. Although the project isn’t intended as a political statement, Shoon acknowledges the cultural weight of Lee’s legacy, noting that his work is both a tribute and a commentary on Singaporean identity.
Despite regulatory hurdles around blockchain rewards on Kickstarter, Neoliberal Arts has managed to launch the campaign without legal issues. Shoon’s collaborative project reflects diverse Singaporean support, with friends and family—including a descendant of a founding PAP member—showing enthusiasm.
As for Lee’s potential reaction, Shoon speculates that he might respect the project’s practicality. Ultimately, Shoon’s wearable art collection stands as a unique fusion of nostalgia and innovation, capturing the spirit of Singapore’s founding leader while opening new avenues for self-expression.
