Those who pass through Pek Kio in the morning may be familiar with the sight of an elderly uncle crouched over the pavement, arranging fallen twigs into delicate designs.
Residents view him affectionately, and many have grown to see him as a fixture in the neighbourhood.
On 30 July, one such resident named Ms Purp Tran shared a Facebook post about him, writing: “This lovely uncle who uses stray sticks to create art every morning around Pek Kio area.”
Source: Purp Tran on Facebook
“Pretty certain to say, that there won’t be another quite like him,” she added.
Speaking to MS News, Ms Tran said she first noticed the uncle about seven or eight years ago after moving into the area.
“I saw him creating his art at the car park shelter area. Other people were watching him admiringly as well. It was just lovely, watching him work his magic,” she recalled.
Source: Purp Tran on Facebook
His works often feature “at least one oriental Chinese beauty with elaborate hair” and accompanying Chinese calligraphy. “It’s so interesting how he can make them have different features,” she added.
For Ms Tran, his presence is a reminder of the joy of shared community moments: “He is not even busking, he is just sharing his love for art freely. How precious is this?”
Other residents have their own encounters with the uncle. Ms Delia Corn first saw him in 2021, near the shelter at Block 44 Owen Road.
Pic courtesy of Delia Corn
“It’s always these kinds of characters and the opera characters, mostly women,” she said.
An anonymous neighbour said they have spotted him “joining the plant branches to create a nice picture” in the evenings.
While some say his absence wouldn’t affect daily life, others believe it would rob the community of something unique.
Pic courtesy of Delia Corn on Facebook
Ms Tran reflected on how fleeting his art is to the neighbours. “Standing around, we smile at each other in appreciation of the very special moment,” she told MS News. “But this is probably not possible [to preserve], and therefore even more precious and fleeting.”
“Then, forever gone.”
For now, the uncle continues to work quietly, turning discarded twigs into art — and in doing so, turning ordinary days into something just a little more magical.
Also read: Uncle In Pek Kio Makes Portraits Using Twigs, Netizens Applaud His Unique Talent
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Featured image adapted from courtesy of Delia Corn and Purp Tran on Facebook.