In contrast to the flamboyance of Elgin, the Coleman Bridge is dour but it’s
association with Singapore’s history is more intimate. George Coleman was, after
all, Singapore’s first architect and his works remain monuments to the city-
state’s evolution. At one end of the bridge is the distinctive and colorful Old Hill
Street Police Station, now housing the Ministry of Youth and Culture-a
destination for those who seek grants and other art-related funds. I wanted the
painting to represent a point in a journey of a woman, possibly an artist. She may
choose to cross the bridge-or not. She may go to the MCCY Building, or not. Life is
about choices. Bridges offer choices, pathways, entries and exits. When the
bridge was built, New Bridge Road was named after it and to this day it links
New Bridge Road and Hill Street-two distinctive worlds-together.