Home is where the pop art is

VISITORS to the Sengkang apartment owned by sisters June and Alicia Chua may, at first glance, think they have just stepped into an art gallery by accident. But no, the three-bedroom, 970 square foot space is very much home to the two volunteer coordinators in the healthcare sector, who have, over the last seven years, amassed a collection of local artworks. "We believe in surrounding ourselves with things that we love, and we are both strong supporters of local artists," says younger sister June.

The artworks range from paintings to a wall mural, and also smaller sculptures and sticker art, and they can be found all over the apartment, even on the glass doors in the bathroom and kitchen. Some of the works are by overseas artists, while others are created by Singaporeans. And there is more, says June, opening the storeroom door, only to reveal more paintings covered in bubble wrap. "We have not had time to unpack and display them."

While art galleries can be cold and intimidating at times, the sisters have successfully combined the essence of an art gallery with that of a home.