By The Moon And The Tides: Exploring Foraging in Singapore
This beautifully designed "field notes" is an interesting exploration into the past, present, and future of foraging in highly urbanized Singapore.
I’ll be back in Singapore in a few days and it reminded me of why I was there two years ago: the Singapore Art Book Fair. I was able to bring home a bunch of zines and artworks but never really got to unpacking them (and processing the experience) properly. So, before I go back, I thought about getting started with that—and finally make an update here after a long hiatus.
One of the zines that caught my attention during the Singapore Art Book Fair in 2023 was By The Moon And The Tides by The Slow Press, not only for its topic but also for its design. Also, I found the duo-toned risograph design eye-catching, while the slim ring-bound format gave a forager’s “field notes” feel. Intrigued, I immediately purchased a copy and stashed it in my tote, but it would take me a couple of years later to fully digest it.
Despite visiting the country several times, I never had the slightest idea that foraging is not only uncommon, but even prohibited in Singapore. Until I flipped through this zine, I never thought that even the mere act of picking up a fallen fruit or flower from the road side can be considered illegal. Sure, some may wonder if this is strictly enforced, but knowing how stringent Singapore is about its laws and regulations, it’s understandable why locals wouldn’t risk it.
Which brings me to the title of the zine. Initially, I thought it was about foraging in general, something that in itself is intriguing given how highly urbanized Singapore is. Add to that the premise that some locals are advocating for foraging in the country despite its current status as illegal — and my interest is piqued.
Since the zine is in interview format, it’s able to really get into the heart of the topic and make readers feel like they’re tuned in to the conversation itself. It mainly delves into seaside/intertidal gathering, but also firmly sets the stage by first discussing land-based foraging and the laws that prohibit it.
Readers are introduced to local advocates like Esmonde, a self-taught urban forager; Syazwan, who runs Wan’s Ubin Journal, a social platform dedicated to the preservation of the Orang Pulau community, culture, and heritage on Pulau Ubin, an island located off the northeastern coasts of mainland Singapore; and Firdaus of Orang Laut SG, a website that aims to reclaim and retell the narratives of Pulau Semakau, an island which houses the country’s first and only offshore landfill. Through their insights, stories, and experiences, the zine paints a side of the country that is seldom explored, perhaps even by the locals themselves.
As someone who lives in a country where foraging is still a way of life for many, I found By The Moon And The Tides a fascinating read. It offers a view into the impact of urbanization and development to culture, heritage, communities, and even national identity. It’s refreshing to learn through this zine that today’s generation of Singaporeans are now becoming more involved in learning, preserving, and promoting the lesser known aspects of their heritage.