Viral 'Stick Art Uncle' who made art pieces out of twigs in Pek Kio, has died at 83

Thien Yeok Lin, affectionately known as the "Stick Art Uncle," has passed away at the age of 83. He became a beloved figure in the Pek Kio neighborhood for his unique artistic talent: creating portraits from fallen twigs directly on the pavements.

Thien's art gained widespread attention and viral fame in 2020 after images of his twig creations were shared online. Many netizens praised the simplicity and beauty of his work, which often depicted characters from Chinese folklore. Originally a hawker, Thien reportedly dedicated himself to creating a new art piece daily and even accommodated requests from local residents.

His nephew confirmed that Thien died on Wednesday, July 1. His wake is currently being held at 47 Owen Road, with his funeral and cremation scheduled for July 4. Mr. Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry and National Development, and Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC, paid tribute to Thien, remembering him as "dear to us in Pek Kio." Mr. Tan mentioned that despite offers of space at community centers, Thien preferred to continue his art on the streets, a wish that was respected.

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dear to us in Pek Kio