SINGAPORE – A Cantonment Close void deck has been transformed into a vibrant Chinese New Year display, crafted entirely from recycled materials by a local resident. The intricate decorations, featuring a majestic white horse, the God of Wealth Cai Shen Ye, and a traditional Chinese pavilion, have become a focal point for the community.
The project is the labour of love of Anitha Tamilmaran, a 50-year-old former interior design graduate. She spent two months conceptualizing and building the display, with assistance from her husband and contributions from residents and nearby shops who donated recycled materials. Even some senior citizens pitched in with simpler tasks like cutting.
“Because the void deck has very high ceilings and many openings, there are no continuous walls or lines,” explained Mrs. Tamilmaran. “So I used beams and frames to visually enclose the space and make it feel like one cohesive festive area.”
The most challenging element of the display, according to Mrs. Tamilmaran, was the creation of the Grand Auspicious Horse, or Hong Rui Ma. She meticulously reworked the horse’s facial features twice to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result. Recycled spray cans and used packaging were repurposed to form parts of the moon gate, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.
Mrs. Tamilmaran considers Hong Rui Ma to be akin to a “third child,” pouring significant time and effort into its creation. Residents have reportedly remarked on the horse’s impressive physique, playfully suggesting that Cantonment has provided it with ample nourishment.
“The residents’ confidence in me gave me the extra push to bring it so much life,” she said.
This isn’t Mrs. Tamilmaran’s first foray into community art. She has previously created festive decorations for Deepavali at Cantonment Primary School and, last year, constructed a 6×9 foot mosaic of the Singapore flag using 260 tiles for SG60. She also created Christmas decorations for the area, which were still on display as of February 14, 2026.
Mrs. Tamilmaran’s journey to becoming a community artist is an unconventional one. After stepping away from her interior design career to raise her two sons, now aged 25 and 23, she volunteered at their school, sharing her artistic talents. While she briefly explored financial markets after her sons grew older, she has now fully dedicated herself to creating festive displays across HDB void decks.
The current project received funding support from the HDB Lively Places Fund and Challenge, which encourages resident-led community initiatives. Mrs. Tamilmaran, who has lived at Cantonment Towers since 2005, returned to Singapore with her family in 2020 after several years abroad due to her husband’s work.
The positive response from residents has been deeply rewarding for Mrs. Tamilmaran. They have shown their appreciation by bringing her snacks and drinks while she works. “I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to make (the residents) happy and bring a smile to their faces,” she said.
She hopes her work will inspire others to embrace creativity and sustainability. “I hope people realise that festive decorations can be created even with the simplest materials at home. It’s also a reminder to reuse, recycle and care for the earth for future generations.”
Mrs. Tamilmaran is already planning her next project: decorations for the upcoming Hari Raya Puasa celebrations in March. She typically dedicates two months to researching the festival, sourcing materials, and bringing her vision to life, often working from 7:30 am to 11:00 pm, and sometimes extending her hours into the weekends. Despite the challenges of working in a public space – contending with wind, rain, and ensuring the decorations remain secure – she rarely encounters any issues, with the occasional curious child being the exception.
