A horse-picious labour of love brings CNY cheer to Cantonment Close

Residents of Block 8 Cantonment Close in Singapore are enjoying a vibrant and festive display of Chinese New Year decorations created entirely from recycled materials. The installation, featuring a moon gate, a white horse representing the God of Wealth Cai Shen Ye, and a Chinese pavilion, has transformed the void deck into a celebratory space.

A Labor of Love and Community Spirit

The impressive decorations are the work of 50-year-old resident Anitha Tamilmaran, an interior design graduate, who dedicated two months to conceptualizing and building the display with assistance from her husband. recognising the unique architectural challenges of the void deck – with its high ceilings and lack of continuous walls – Tamilmaran strategically used beams and frames to create a cohesive and enclosed festive area.

Did You Know? Mrs. Tamilmaran created a 1.8m x 2.7m mosaic Singapore flag comprising 260 tiles in the void deck for SG60 in 2025.

The project wasn’t a solo effort. Tamilmaran received valuable support from fellow residents and nearby shops, who donated recycled materials. Several seniors also contributed by assisting with simpler tasks like cutting. The most challenging element of the display, according to Tamilmaran, was the creation of the “Grand Auspicious Horse,” or Hong Rui Ma, which required significant refinement to achieve the desired aesthetic.

A Community Landmark

The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Residents have expressed delight at the decorations, with some even becoming emotional upon seeing the horse. Tamilmaran describes the residents’ confidence in her work as a key motivator. She considers the horse her “third child,” and has observed residents bringing their families to admire the display.

Expert Insight: The success of this project highlights the power of community-driven initiatives to transform public spaces and foster a sense of belonging. Utilizing recycled materials adds a layer of sustainability and demonstrates creative problem-solving.

Tamilmaran’s commitment to festive displays extends beyond Chinese New Year. She has previously created decorations for Deepavali for Cantonment Primary School, as well as Christmas and Deepavali displays from recycled materials. She is currently working on decorations for the upcoming Hari Raya Puasa celebrations in March.

Her dedication requires significant time and effort, often working from 7:30 am to 11:00 pm, and sometimes extending into weekends. Despite the challenges of working in a public space – including weather conditions – she regularly checks on the decorations and reports minimal instances of tampering.

Tamilmaran’s projects have been supported by funding from the HDB Lively Places Fund and Challenge, a programme designed to encourage community-led place-making initiatives. She has lived at Cantonment Towers since 2005, returning with her family in 2020 after several years abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials were used to create the decorations?

The decorations were created from recycled materials, including spray cans and used packaging.

How long did it take to create the Chinese New Year decorations?

It took approximately two months to conceptualize and put together the Chinese New Year decorations.

What is Mrs. Tamilmaran working on next?

Mrs. Tamilmaran is currently working on decorations for the upcoming Hari Raya Puasa celebrations in March.

Considering the positive impact of these community art installations, what other creative ways could residents collaborate to enhance their shared spaces?