His most visible and well known is first generation a bronze work of five young boys in the buff jumping into the singapore river. A pioneer who is now based in canada his many memorable bronze sculptures are a significant contribution to the singapore artscape. Comprising two sets of figures it features prominent merchant alexander laurie johnston mediating between a malay chief and a chinese trader on one side and coolies loading sacks onto a bullock cart on the other.
The sculpture depicts the daily routines of merchants and labourers conducting business around the singapore river in the 19th century. I know i should start with sir stamford raffles at victoria theatre and then not cross to the fullerton side but just walk down the side of victoria theatre where i think the boys jumping into the river would be. So i am a little lost.
I have an assignment on sculptures along the singapore river and i have lived 22 years abroad. The sculptures named a great emporium and from chettiars. Visitors to the singapore river area may have noticed that two iconic bronze sculptures along the river have gone missing for some time.
It was a logical dumping ground choke full of garbage and a cesspool of germs. The reality was that the old river was very unsanitary for anyone to swim in. These sculpture romanticises an idyllic and innocent days of old.
This interesting sculpture piece reminds us of the singapore past when such scenes were common at the riverbank. This sculpture shows scotsman alexander laurie johnston a prominent merchant of early singapore mediating between a chinese trader and a malay chief whilst indian and chinese coolies load sacks onto a bullock cart a common sight around the river as. Alongside the sculptures was a sign explaining the significance of the sculptures.
While you stroll around marina bay it is not hard to find many tall buildings and scenic views over the city if you pay more attention you will find that there are several stunning sculptures. Singapore public sculpture walking guide is a collection of visual art that is displayed around marina bay public areas no admission fee is required. Singapore public sculpture a walking guide.
Singapore river sculptures. The site of the sculpture is actually where johnston s trading company operated near the mouth of the singapore river from 1820 to 1848. Originally from scotland johnston was a key figure in the early singapore business scene and was one of the founding members of the chamber of commerce. Walking along the singapore river you will find amazing pieces of life like sculptures of humans frolicking around the walled bank. Called first generation it was created by chong fah cheong in an attempt to reminisce the good ol days.
The singapore river malay.
The singapore river malay. Called first generation it was created by chong fah cheong in an attempt to reminisce the good ol days. Walking along the singapore river you will find amazing pieces of life like sculptures of humans frolicking around the walled bank.
Originally from scotland johnston was a key figure in the early singapore business scene and was one of the founding members of the chamber of commerce. The site of the sculpture is actually where johnston s trading company operated near the mouth of the singapore river from 1820 to 1848.
