As with other national flags, the Singapore flag is a symbol of statehood that reflects the ideals, beliefs and values of the nation. The design of the state flag was unveiled in 1959 at the installation of the first Malayan-born Yang di-Pertuan Negara, Encik Yusof bin Ishak. Incidentally, other colours – besides its red-and-white final form – had been proposed to the Cabinet by the committee headed by then-Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Toh Chin Chye. The artwork, The Singapore Flag, comprises an official description of the flag in the shade of red of the state flag. In the form of vinyl text, it is neither painting nor, effectively, a flag, and thus circumvents the rules that govern its use. As a description, The Singapore Flag is less viewed than it is imagined – as the image of the flag is gradually ‘composed’ in the mind’s eye via its description. In imbuing this envisioned flag with the explanation of its colours, symbolism, ideals and aspirations, it might be said that this internal image of the flag is, in fact, richer and more substantial than what the eye would have perceived of an actual flag of cloth and pigment.
