The Mysterious Tower Of CBD

Source : TODAY, Friday, December 21, 2007

Singapore's tallest sculpture to be unveiled, by tier

A MYSTERIOUS tiered tower, seemingly shrink-wrapped in canvas (picture), has been under construction at one of the busiest intersections in the Central Business District for several months. Tomorrow, it will finally be revealed as Singapore's tallest sculpture.

Well, almost revealed.

On that day, the protective canvas of the first tier of the 18.35-metre, 44-tonne sculpture — titled Momentum — will be removed with the rest of the spiral progressively unveiled one tier per day.

It will culminate in the entire sculpture being specially illuminated for the first time by a state-of-the-art lighting system at 7pm on New Year's Eve as many people are expected in the area for the Marina Bay Countdown.

The $2-million sculpture, located at Finlayson Green at the intersection of Collyer Quay, Raffles Quay and Marina Boulevard, is part of the URA's Public Sculpture Masterplan and was commissioned by the developers of the adjacent One Raffles Quay to become a symbol for Singapore's new financial district at the gateway to Marina Bay.

"We hope the Singapore public will embrace this distinctive sculpture and in the fullness of time we believe it could become as iconic for Singapore's business and financial district as the 'Charging Bull' sculpture is for New York's Wall Street," said Mr David Martin for the joint developers of One Raffles Quay.

Mr Martin said he had declined numerous requests for a sneak peek but revealed the sculpture was created by Israeli artist David Gerstein. Boasting 175 hand-painted figures, Momentum depicts an upward cycle of progress, symbolising the energy and momentum of the district, Singapore and its people.

Mr Gerstein's work is prominently displayed in museums and public areas in Israel, United States, Europe and recently in South Korea. This is his first commissioned work on public display in South-east Asia.