Bird (Fernando Botero, 1990): An oversize and chunky bird on
the outskirts of the CBD by the river outside the United Overseas
Bank at Raffles Place. Botero (d. 2023) said it symbolises the joy
of living and the power of optimism. In style it is reminiscent of
his stylised human form. This work yet again demonstrates the
depth of quality of the public art of Singapore. More about
Botero here…
Pioneering Spirit (Aw Tee Hong, 1987): The artist Aw Tee Hong
(d.2021) was a Singaporean artist whose sculpture and fine art
expressed the historical foundations of Singapore - here the role of
seafaring. See more here…..
All the Essentially Essential (Tan Wee Lit, 2013): A fun take on
the packed lifestyle of Singapore life with this giant toy kit
giving everything you need to take part in the busy city life. See
more on Tan Wee Lit here….
Pembungaan (Kamahi Nahappan,
201): This bronze wall relief is an
‘ode to nature and its timeless
rhythms’ reflects on the interior of
the chilli peper and nutmeg. It is by
a leading Singaporean sculpture
Kamahi Nahappan find out more
here…..
The Thinker (Auguste Rodin,
1902): Also outside the OUE
Bafront Building, close to
Progress and Advancement is
one of many ‘The Thinker’
sculptures around the world.
You can see where they all
are here….
Progress and Advancement
(1988, Yang Ying-Feng):
Located outside Raffles Place
MRT station and a model of
the Raffles Place skyline from
the waterfront. See more
about Taiwanese artist Yang
Ying-Feng (d. 1997) here….
Momentum ( David Gerstein,
2007). A major piece by Israeli
artist David Gerstein. Situated at
an entrypoint to the Singapore
CBD and described as the tallest.
It depicts an ‘upward cycle of
progress’. Bright painted steel
constrasts with the pastels of the
surrounding buildings.
Commissioned by One Raffles
Quay. 
Gerstein website….
Gerstein website….
The overriding feel of Singapore’s Public Art is that it has
had a huge investment over a long time period. The
Central Business District has many artworks to discover
going back fifty years or so. There are so many that this
page just gives a feel - with artworks that caught my
fancy as I spent an hour or so walking around the CBD.
There has clearly been a drive that commercial
developers in Singapore commit to public art. This is
reinforced when you look at the work of the National
Arts Council of Singapore with their continuing
commitment to investing in public art. (See here…). There
are some developments that go above and beyond, with
almost mini public art exhibitions all of their own.
Comparing with Birmingham
In this blog it has only been possible to show just some of what we experienced. The lessons for my home town of Birmingham, UK, are at a number of levels. Firstly, hard nosed businesses in Singapore clearly put considerable emphasis on public art as part of prestigious developments. Secondly a long term strategy by a government quango has had a hugely positive impact on the public art scene. Finally, and importantly, there are always security issues when you place public art in open public spaces. In Birmingham bronze statues and other metalwork are sadly at real risk from being stolen for their scrap metal content - this is certainly much less of a problem in Singapore…. but that is another story!Singapore’s Public Art
Central Business
District Explored
Jonathan Berg, Author, Birmingham’s Public Art
www.birminghamspublic.art
Parkview Square -
aka: Gotham City
Built in 2002 this art deco styled office building has an amazing collection of public art to view in the public access areas surrounding this office complex. Developed by Chyau Fwu Group, and the last project by the founder C. S. Hwang who certainly had some fun with it.
Dressed Woman (Fernando Botero, 2003): Botero (d. 2023) was
a Columbian artist and sculptor acclaimed as South America’s
finest during his lifetime. He developed a style of depicting large
exagerated figures both in human and animal form which became
known as ‘Boterismo’. His work is found across the world and his
‘Boterismo’ Mona Lisa is definitely worth searching for on the
internet!
Clandestini (Roberto Barni,
2008): The Italian artist has two
pieces in the square. The cage and
four figures on the theme of
freedom.
Colonna Bisbetica (Roberto Barni,
2008) See more about Barni….
Snail Queen (Salvador Dali, 1974): Just one of the large
collection of Dali sculptures collected by George Wong of the
Parkview Group during his lifetime. There are others to view
both outside and inside the public part of Parkview.
Other Buying Options
• Publisher website - Use Buy Now button to left • Amazon: Available worldwide - put in the title and ISBN: Birmingham’s Public Art ISBN978 1 7396457 1 7 • Ebay: Special offer from the Author with worldwide delivery here:
