FIVE MASTERPIECES NOT TO BE MISSED
Take a little trip down the memory lane this June holiday and rediscover the various art pieces speckled all across the Singapore River!
If you’ve visited Boat Quay, you’ve definetely seen this!
#DidYouKnow the ‘Bird’ often mistaken for a pigeon is actually a DOVE! Created by celebrated Columbian artist Fernando Botero in 1990, the sculpture is associated with peace, serenity and optimism.
This iconic bronze masterpiece situated on the riverfront along the UOB Plaza is a constant reminder that as long as we have peace and optimism, Singapore will grow in leaps and bounds!
IT ALL STARTED WITH A BOY AND AN APPLE…
A little away from the Bird sculpture at the UOB Plaza stands the ‘Homage to Newton’ sculpture!
This tall bronze sculpture is the work of iconic Spanish artist Salvador Dali and was made as a tribute to Isaac Newton’s Law of Gravity. Here’s a snippet into what the sculpture signifies!
The open torso with a heart suspended, and the open head symbolise ‘open heartedness’ and’ an open-mind’. Well, these are qualities that make the prefect recipe for success.
THE BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS BEHIND THE RIVER —
Fishing was the livelihood of the locals during the colonial times BUT do you know the real story behind the ‘Fishing at Singapore River’ sculpture?
As Singapore grew into a trading hub during the British rule, the River began being used as dumping ground leading to so much pollution that most of the fish had disappeared.
In 1977, then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and the Ministry of Environment jointly started a project to clean up all water bodies in Singapore, from dredging to clearing of debris to improved river banks. By 1987 (a whole DECADE later) fishing in the River became possible again!
Created by artist Chern Lian Shan, the sculpture along The Riverwalk, featuring a fish and the angler was created in collaboration with Singapore Tourism Board & National Heritage Board.
NEXT STEP: ASIAN CIVILISATION MUSEUM ~
As we journey along the River, we see sculptures of four men engaging in trade – symbolising Singapore’s roots as a trade hub. Created by Malcolm Koh in 2002, the bronze sculpture features a European trader along with coolies who lived by the River, paying homage to Singapore’s history as well as acknowledging the efforts of those that helped build our Singapore!
From traditional money lenders to stock market dealers, we have truly come a long way! A Great Emporium is located infront of the Asian Civilization Museum along the Singapore River.
Next time you walk by, drop by here and relive some moments of our history!
LAST BUT NOT LEAST, IF YOU NEED SOME MID-WEEK MOTIVATION
The new Vitalità (生命力) bronze statue commissioned from UOB was designed and sculpted by Italian sculptor, Ms Anna Chiara Spellini, is located infront of the UOB building.
The concept of Vitality begins as an urge for physical movement, as if stepping forward. The sculpture’s front is arched backwards, while its back resembles a curved bow ready to spring out. In this way, the form is given the strength to move upward and forward.
Next time you walk by, be sure to check out some of the public art pieces along Singapore River!
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