“What does it mean?” People often ask, gazing up at the Inscription of the Island. This sculpture at Changi Beach Park is more than just a landmark. It is a conversation starter.
The Inscription of the Island is a copper alloy sculpture of a large left hand. The finger points skyward. It seems to gesture mysteriously toward the Changi Point jetty. This artwork is by Lim Soon Ngee. He hoped to elicit curiosity and wonder.
Lim Soon Ngee imagined the hand as part of a colossal statue. This statue would have guided ships of an ancient civilization. The statue collapsed. Islanders then drew a circle around the hand. They used it as a sundial.
The Inscription of the Island was commissioned for the Singapore Biennale 2016. It stood on the lawn of the Singapore Art Museum initially. Its current location near the sea at Changi Point feels fitting. If it was meant to guide ships, this is an ideal spot.
Some call it simply “the Finger.” But its official name is Inscription of the Island. It has become a popular photo spot for cyclists. They mark the end of the Changi Coast Track here.
Lim Soo Ngee drew inspiration from the Colossus of Rhodes. He envisioned a statue by the Kingdom of Singapura’s trade routes. The finger would act as a sundial. It would guide vessels into Singapura’s port. The bulk of the statue was lost. Only the left hand remains.
So, what does the Inscription of the Island really mean? Perhaps the artist wants us to decide. Maybe it is a reminder of a forgotten past. It could be a guide for the future. Whatever it may be, the Inscription of the Island sparks our imagination. It encourages us to ponder the mysteries around us. Take a moment. Let your creativity flow. What story will you create for this enigmatic hand?