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Planet by Marc Quinn – A Floating Infant and a Grounded Message in Singapore

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In a garden famed for its futuristic trees, glass-domed conservatories, and bronze wildlife marches, one artwork stands out in serene silence. At The Meadow , in the lush expanse of Gardens by the Bay , a massive white sculpture of a sleeping baby appears to levitate weightlessly above the grass . This is Planet , a poignant and technically impressive installation by renowned British artist Marc Quinn . A Sculpture That Seems to Float From a distance, Planet looks like it has defied gravity. The sculpture of a baby , measuring over 10 meters in length and weighing 7 tons , appears to hover delicately above the ground, with only its right hand in contact with the earth . This optical illusion is a feat of engineering, achieved through hidden supports and precise weight distribution within the bronze and steel structure. Despite its scale and weight, the sculpture exudes calm and gentleness. The infant rests peacefully, eyes closed, limbs relaxed, floating as if in a dream. This con...
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Singapore Flyer – A Soaring View of the Lion City

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Towering above the Marina Bay skyline, the Singapore Flyer offers a perspective of the city that few other experiences can match. More than just a Ferris wheel, this massive observation wheel invites visitors to rise above the urban bustle and take in panoramic views of Singapore’s architectural marvels, natural beauty, and surrounding waters. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a frequent explorer of the city, the Flyer presents an unforgettable way to see Singapore  from 165 meters in the sky . Singapore Flyer The Iconic Giant Wheel Inaugurated in 2008 , the Singapore Flyer held the title of the world’s tallest observation wheel until 2014. Standing at 165 meters , it continues to be one of the tallest in the world and remains Southeast Asia’s largest. Each of the 28 air-conditioned capsules can carry up to 28 passengers and completes one rotation in about 30 minutes , just enough time to take in the breathtaking skyline in all directions. The slow, smooth motion make...
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Location: 30 Raffles Ave., Singapore 039803
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Plastic Tiger by Bordalo II – A Roaring Statement at Esplanade, Singapore

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At first glance, it commands attention with its bold colors, dynamic posture, and sheer size. But look closer, and this is no ordinary tiger; it is an artistic paradox, both majestic and alarming. Standing proudly outside Esplanade, Theatres on the Bay , the Plastic Tiger sculpture by Bordalo II is one of Singapore’s most thought-provoking public artworks. A Tiger Made of Trash Created by Portuguese eco-artist Artur Bordalo , popularly known as Bordalo II , the Plastic Tiger is constructed entirely from discarded plastic waste:  broken toys, crates, pipes, car parts, cables, and other industrial debris. Each component, once carelessly thrown away, is now repurposed into a meaningful whole: a tiger that leaps forward in defiance and desperation. This sculpture is part of Bordalo II’s ongoing “Big Trash Animals” series, a global public art initiative that uses large-scale animal figures to highlight the dangers of pollution and consumer waste, especially plastic. By building wi...
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Location: Singapore
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Lepakshi Temple – Part 13: Inscriptions - A Chronicle of Endowments

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The Lepakshi Veerabhadra temple is not only a monument of architectural and sculptural splendour; it is also a treasure trove of epigraphic records , revealing the religious, economic, and political patronage it enjoyed during the Vijayanagara era , especially under Achyutaraya (r. 1529–1542 CE). The inscriptions found within the temple complex and in its surrounding villages paint a vivid picture of donations made by the royal family, officials, merchants, and local elite. A number of inscriptions found within the temple, as well as at nearby sites such as Gorrepalli , Cheluvendula , and Choutakuntapalli in the Anantapur district , shed valuable light on the contributions made by the Vijayanagara rulers to this sacred complex. In addition to royal patronage from the king and Virupanna , several merchant guilds , mahajanas of agraharas , royal officials , and private individuals  often acting at the behest of Virupanna and his brother Viranna  made generous endowments. The...
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Location: Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh 515331, India
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Lepakshi Temple – Part 12: Sculptures Beyond the Mandapas: Exploring the Outer Prakara

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While the inner mandapas of Lepakshi temple captivate with their pillars and paintings, the outer prakara holds its own quiet grandeur, revealing a series of monumental sculptures and enigmatic carvings etched directly onto the surrounding rock surfaces. These works, scattered around the complex, form a powerful visual chapter in the Lepakshi narrative. The Rock-Cut Ganesha Carved directly against the rock face, a massive seated Ganesha dominates a niche along the western side. This rock-cut murti is not only impressive in size but also in its intimate detail. Ganesha is portrayed in a four-armed form, seated in lalitasana , with the left leg folded and the right hanging loosely. He holds the usual attributes, a pasha , ankusha , broken tusk,  modaka and rests his trunk gently in a relaxed arc. A small mouse , his traditional vahana, is carved in front, crouched on a pedestal that runs along the base. The sculpture radiates volume, softness, and a sense of gentle benevolence, ...
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Location: Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh 515331, India
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Lepakshi Temple – Part 11: The Kalyana Mandapa: A Wedding Carved in Stone, Left Unfinished

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In the southwest corner of the Lepakshi Veerabhadra temple complex stands the Kalyana Mandapa , a structure envisioned to commemorate the celestial wedding of Shiva and Parvati . Raised on a prominent platform, with its northern edge reaching over five feet in height, this mandapa is both compelling and poignant for it remains unfinished . The mandapa comprises 38 pillars , each meticulously carved in the Vijayanagara style. The peripheral columns are mostly completed, showcasing elegant designs and intricate carvings. However, the central pillars , especially those near the wedding altar, remain incomplete. Some stand tilted. The ceiling slabs, which were never fully installed, now lie scattered at the base of these pillars. The structure has no roof, allowing open skies to form the canopy over this halted divine event. Despite its incomplete state, the Kalyana Mandapa exhibits exceptional craftsmanship. The layout suggests a circular arrangement of pillars, centred around what wa...
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Location: Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh 515331, India
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