I have always wanted to be an artist when I was younger — I mean who didn’t, right? So, when Native asked if we wanted to try out a new art-jamming space, of course we had to say yes.
Motion Art Space, located in a quaint shophouse along Arab Street, uses the help of science to create unique art pieces. This unique art studio incorporates physics, more specifically Newton’s laws of motion, into their art experiences.
Also known as pendulum and spin painting, this form of art is created through the use of squeeze bottles attached on an adjustable pendulum set up hung from the ceiling.
Upon entering the art space, we were met with excited staff and a vibrant yet minimalistic studio, which instantly made me feel at peace. The studio’s staff were also very friendly in helping us get settled before our session.
Before our one-hour session began, Motion Art’s staff introduced us to the various tools and techniques we could try.
Watching the paint flow out of the bottles and forming unique designs on the canvas was mesmerising to say the least.
We were then shown to the equipment tables to choose our paints and the equipment we wanted to use. Various tools were provided to help us create our “masterpiece”. Shoe covers and aprons were also provided to keep our clothes clean.
Each workstation also came with a pendulum to hang our bottles and trays, and an adjustable spinning worktop.
When it came to my turn to create my “masterpiece”, starting with a blank canvas was definitely the scariest part. Similar to writing on a new notebook, I wanted my piece to be perfect and well thought out. But alas, I was convinced to just “go for it” as mistakes could easily be fixed.
After I decided to use the squeeze bottles to make my art, I was surprised to see how even a small touch of the pendulum could result in such big movements of the bottle and paint. Once again, watching the paint as it moves smoothly out of the bottle, onto the canvas creating different patterns was fascinating, might I even say hypnotic.
I also tried using a hairdryer and a wooden tray to create different textures and patterns on the canvas, which definitely transported me back to childhood art classes. Splashing paint around without any worries definitely unleashed my creativity and inner child.
By the end of the session, I was very satisfied with the mess I had created on the once-blank canvas. Although a one-hour session seemed short, it was more than enough time to create not only one, but two art pieces.
We were also told many customers tend to be happy with their artwork only 15 minutes into their session, but end up “ruining” it by adding more paint to it afterwards.
As careful as I tried to be, I still ended up with paint all over my clothes, even with an apron on. Fortunately, we were told the paint here is mostly water-soluble and can be removed after a round of washing. Their paint is also non-toxic, safe for kids, and will not irritate sensitive skin — which is indeed a plus.
Our artwork was then left to dry at the studio for a few days before collection. We also had the option to get a Grab courier service to pick them for us.
If you are looking for a unique art experience, Motion Art Space is one I would recommend for a therapeutic art-jamming session. Not only will you have a good time creating a masterpiece, you will also get to bring it home to decorate with.
One thing’s for sure: you definitely don’t need to be a Picasso to make art, and Motion Art Space will teach you just that.
This article is in partnership with Motion Art Space.
Motion Art Space
Address: 36A Arab Street, Singapore 199735
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am–10 pm; Closed on Mondays
Contact: 8448 9750
