Monumental artworks set to stun public

MASSIVE sculptures in the heart of the city are set to turn heads and stir emotions. Thirteen large works by 11 renowned artists will be displayed at six different locations, including the Fullerton Hotel, the Asian Civilisations Museum Green and Marina Bay Boulevard.

The exhibition assembles some of the biggest names in the region including China's Gu Wenda, Zhang Huan and Zhan Wang, as well as Taiwan's Ju Ming, Singapore's Kumari Nahappan and Indonesia's Sri Astari Rasjid.

Gu, for one, is displaying 24 natural rocks that were extracted from the bottom of the sea. On each rock, he has carved and inscribed a simplified stroke of a Chinese calligraphic character that references Chinese solar terms. This installation took 20 years to realise due in part to its logistical challenges.

Meanwhile, Nahappan, whose giant sculptures of tropical fruits and vegetables already dot the island, will display 50 giant saga seeds along Empress Place Lawn. The sprawling installation, as well as the seeds' vivid red colour symbolising love, passion and aggression, is set to inspire awe among passers-by.

The exhibition titled Envision is organised by art gallery iPreciation, with support from various government agencies and the Fullerton Heritage. Helina Chan, managing director of iPreciation, says: "We'd like to continue developing this group sculpture exhibition to be an annual project that will extend into the city spaces and enrich Singapore's landscape."

Envision debuts next weekend for Singapore Art Week. But it runs till April 15 - well beyond January's heightened period of art activities that include premier art fair Art Stage and celebrations at Gillman Barracks.

For more information, go to www.ipreciation.com/envision/