After decades of service as the national symbol of Singapore,
the Merlion - a half-lion, half-fish chimera - gets a well-deserved day off.
This illustration series follows him as he tours his beloved city and covers far more locations than he lets on.
In the event that you have made plans to visit Merlion Park, he’s not here today.

Buy the open edition art prints here

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Commissioned by Do Not Design
& published in
Dear Vol.1: Lost & Found

Workplace
For the first time, the Merlion and cub are missing from Merlion Park while tourists and locals stop and stare in confusion.

Who or what is under the famous suit - a citizen? An animal? A robot? It is revealed to be a real Merlion, who appears to have sent his suit for dry cleaning.

Like a tourist in his own country, the Merlion takes time to explore Gardens by the Bay and various landmarks, watches a 3D horror movie and travels by the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), all the while making sure to hydrate himself in this warm and humid weather.

Of course, the Merlion has to carry souvenirs from all over Singapore in the iconic Merlion plastic bag: lantern planter from Chinatown, ceramic bowl from Little india, aviator sunglasses from Bird Park, cheap tissue pack with a $50 note, polaroids of fireworks above Marina Bay Sands, umbrella featuring lightning icons (that may or may not have anything to do with the country's ruling party), miniature HDB blocks, 'Grandfather's Road' sign, lion and fish figurines from the Zoo, slippers featuring a Peranakan floor tile design, cable car paperweight, topless mermaid keychain from Haw Par Villa, and finally, a Singapore sling(shot).

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