Stylistic Diversity Along the Singapore River
The sculptures that line the banks of the Singapore River are known for the stylistic diversity, illustrating the history of the rise of Singapore from a modest fishing village, to the internationally known business and tourism mecca that the city has become today. Set with the backdrop of the hustle and bustle, the busy city streets, the sky scrapers and the charming here-and-there boutique hotel, Singapore has the history of the people laid out in bronze and symbolism, right there by the river.
One of the main contributors to this outdoor exhibit is Singaporean sculptor, Chong Fah Cheong. Chong is well known throughout the country, and the rest of the world as well, for his iconic, often whimsical, portrayals of the lives of those he sculpts. And while Chong does create abstract works, those along the river are life sized and realistic. One of the pieces contains five figures, of boys jumping into the river for a swim. These sculptures have been known to turn heads, as spectators really need a second look to make sure that they are not seeing real people jumping into the river. This piece illustrates his love for the joy of life, and for the joy the river has provided the people of Singapore throughout the history of the growth of the nation. His, “People Fishing” illustrates that at one time, every day life was not filled with stress and work. It serves to remind those who pass by, that simple pleasures of life are so very important.
Another sculptor exhibited along the river walk is Dr. Aw Te Hong. His piece illustrates the historical interactions between merchants and local tradesman. It also honors the hard work of those working along the river, loading goods onto boats and carts. The piece titled “From Chettiars to Financiers” depicts the change of the systems of banks and commerce. Locals loaning goods, services and finances to each other and then the transition to the big business and financial institutions of modern times.
The abstract pieces along the river include the works of Fernando Botero and Salvador Dali. Botero’s piece, “Bird” symbolizes joy, the desire for harmony, optimism and peace. And Dali, his piece is titled “Homage to Newton”. This is one of Dali’s finest bronzes, and sits just outside the entrance to the Overseas Bank Building. A ball falls from the hand of the figure, which symbolizes the moment Isaac Newton was inspired by the apple falling from the tree, the discovery of gravity. His piece is like a skeleton, with an open chest revealing a heart suspended, and an open skull…this signifies how important it is for humans to remain, throughout all that life brings, with an open heart and an open mind. Necessary not only for discoveries to be made in the natural or the scientific world, but for success in all endeavors.
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