Can’t get enough of Cj Hendry’s Flower Market? Here are some local makers you can support instead

Cj Hendry’s Flower Market, an immersive art installation featuring plush flowers, captivated thousands of visitors at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore from June 10 to June 14. The exhibit, marking Hendry’s Southeast Asian debut, transformed the IMBA Theatre Gallery into a vibrant floral marketplace where attendees could take home one free plush flower per visit, with additional stems priced at $7 each. Among the 30-plus varieties on display, eight were exclusive to Singapore, including the Raffles’ Pitcher Plant, the Singapore Lipstick flower, and the national flower, Papilionanthe Miss Joaquim, also known as Vanda Miss Joaquim. The installation, originally launched in New York in September 2024, had previously traveled to cities like Abu Dhabi, Sydney, and Hong Kong. Despite the initial excitement, the event quickly became a topic of discussion due to the sheer volume of visitors and the behavior observed among attendees.

The Flower Market drew massive crowds, with some individuals seen carrying multiple plush flowers in reusable tote bags. Social media posts captured scenes of visitors eagerly collecting stems, raising questions about whether these purchases were intended for personal use or resale. Online discussions reflected mixed opinions, with some expressing concern over the perceived greediness of certain attendees, while others defended the experience as a legitimate part of the exhibition. A few netizens speculated that some visitors might be reselling the flowers, noting that they did not seem to check the designs carefully or count the number of stems they took. These observations led to calls for the organizers to implement stricter controls on the number of flowers each person could purchase. However, according to the press statement released by IMBA, there were no immediate plans to introduce such restrictions. Instead, the organization focused on managing visitor flow and providing real-time updates on wait times via their Instagram page to assist attendees in planning their visits.

Beyond the controversy surrounding the popularity of the plush flowers, the Flower Market also highlighted the broader appeal of Hendry’s artistic vision. As an Australian contemporary artist based in New York, Hendry is renowned for her ability to transform mundane objects into thought-provoking installations that explore themes of consumerism, nostalgia, and materiality. Her previous exhibitions have included the juju world, an inflatable experience centered around her collectible toy series, which was set to run at IMBA Theatre from June 20 to July 18. This new exhibition continued her exploration of familiar yet whimsical elements, turning everyday flowers into symbols of playfulness and wonder. Events planner Chong Pei En, who had followed Hendry’s work since 2014, praised the way the artist recontextualized common objects, making them feel both nostalgic and refreshingly new.

Amidst the buzz around Hendry’s Flower Market, several local artisans found themselves gaining attention as alternatives to the plush flowers. Carer, a community initiative supporting seniors through creative endeavors, offered handmade pipe cleaner flowers and other trinkets crafted by individuals aged 75 to 90. These items, priced between $80 and $140, were sold both online and at pop-up stalls, with the next event scheduled for June 22 to June 26. Similarly, crochet artist Ivy Tan, who transitioned from a career in apparel sales to running her own boutique in Bukit Batok, saw a significant increase in sales during June as more people compared her work to Hendry’s. Her store offered a wide range of handmade flowers and dolls, with prices ranging from $4 to $268, alongside crochet classes for aspiring crafters.

Other local creators also benefited from the heightened interest in floral artistry. Jolly Pally, a home-based venture founded by best friends Pat Ng and Jing Low, specialized in creating bright, airy bouquets suitable for occasions such as graduation ceremonies. Their themed bouquets ranged in price from $68 to $168, while single-stem arrangements were available for as low as $12.90. Meanwhile, Crochet by C, established by secondary student Chiara Narag, gained momentum through online platforms like Carousell and later expanded to a dedicated website. With her family assisting in production, Narag managed to keep up with the growing demand for her intricate designs, which ranged from $6 to $20 per stem. Sakyras, another local brand founded by Kelly Pohniman, focused on crafting small, joyful items that resonated with consumers seeking unique, personalized gifts.

As the Flower Market drew to a close, the impact of Hendry’s installation extended beyond the immediate experience of collecting plush flowers. It sparked conversations about the intersection of art, commerce, and creativity, highlighting how a single exhibition could influence public perception and support local talent. Whether viewed as a commentary on consumer culture or simply a celebration of beauty, the Flower Market succeeded in capturing the imagination of Singaporeans and beyond, leaving behind a legacy that inspired both admiration and reflection.