From 10-13 November 2022, a living room set from the past was situated in the middle of Kreta Ayer Square. A Rediffusion set broadcasted familiar programmes throughout the day, reliving its role as a companion to the worker and the homemaker, the young and the older. It alluded to a time when Rediffusion was woven into the fabric of our daily lives and served as a locus around which communities would gather.

This experiential installation invited passers-by to listen to the Rediffusion broadcasts and to be transported to a different time and space. For the curious guest, entering the living room took them into the life of an imagined household where they would engage in intimate encounters. This included answering a rotary dial phone that replays a message from a family friend. The message alludes to an invitation to reflect upon and share their own fond memories of everyday pastimes.

This very message, translated into four languages, and selected responses it has gathered, are available to listen via the playlist on the right.

Through the Neighbour’s Walls is an extension of the first episode of The Everyday Museum’s self-guided audio trail series, Speaking of which – An Organic Terminus.

Commissioned by The Everyday Museum, a public art initiative by Singapore Art Museum, in partnership with the National Archives of Singapore and with support from Rediffusion. Public interactions by Clarice Ng, set design and art direction by Junior Foong.