The landscape around Singapore River will soon see a new sculpture along its banks. At the inaugural City Developments Limited (CDL) Singapore Sculpture Award 2003 ceremony held at the Singapore Art Museum (SAM), the Minister of State for National Development, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan presented the “CDL Singapore Sculpture Award 2003”, top prize of S$8,000 to Mr Peter Chen, a 35-year-old lecturer with Lasalle-SIA College of the Arts. Mr Chen’s “Reed Sculpture”, which is designed to react to movement, sound and touch will be commissioned by CDL for its newly-launched trendy residential development “The Pier at Robertson” on Mohamed Sultan.
The CDL Singapore Sculpture Award was launched in November 2002 to promote interest and raise standards in the creation and appreciation of sculptures as an art form in Singapore. CDL is the first real estate developer to launch a nation-wide art competition related to sculpture. The inaugural competition, themed “Wind and Water”, attracted some 200 participants from all walks of life – young teenagers from 18 schools, retirees, architects, designers, as well as amateur and professional sculptors.
On CDL’s initiative, Managing Director Mr Kwek Leng Joo said, “Developers can play a significant role in shaping the landscape of our nation, especially in the area of public art that would artistically enhance their projects and the environment. Through this Sculpture Award, we aim to nurture and recognise talents who demonstrate exceptional creativity and skills in sculpture. We also hope to inspire an artwork that fittingly adorns our riverside development, The Pier at Robertson. We truly believe this is a meaningful way to promote the arts and supports our vision as a developer that offers a gracious living environment for Singaporeans.”
Mr Chua Ek Kay, a member of the Advisory Panel, National Arts Council, Cultural Medallion recipient (1999), and Award judge said, “This competition is more than just an art project. The works incorporate architecture and environmental design. The theme was so widely rendered and well interpreted by the entries.” Agreeing, Singapore Cultural Medallion recipient (1990) and Award judge, Mr Anthony Poon said, “There is a wide range of expression from the works, and very creative and interesting ones too. The winning entry is indeed reflective of our garden city, and it certainly enhances the riverside ambience.”
Ms Seo Chiau Ling, 21, a full-time student at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts bagged the “CDL Youth Sculpture Award 2003” – the top prize in the Student Category. Her winning piece, “In Search of the Wind”, is inspired by sail boats, waves and the forms made by the wind. She and six Merit Award Winners for Judges’ Choice (1st Runner-up), Most Creative Use of Materials and Innovative Craftsmanship from the Open and Student Categories received their awards from Dr Vivian Balakrishnan. He later officiated at the launch of the CDL-Singapore Sculpture Exhibition, which was attended by some 200 guests at the SAM.
Co-hosted by SAM and CDL, the CDL Singapore Sculpture Award Exhibition 2003 will be held from 12 June to 3 July 2003 at the SAM. Some 30 top entries ranging from traditional forms to other more innovative and daring concepts will be featured. The exhibition will also make its way to Lot 1 Shoppers’ Mall, Choa Chu Kang on from 5 July to 13 July 2003, and the CDL Customer Centre at Robinson Road from 15 to 30 July 2003. Admission is free for all venues.