Behold Planet. It is a paradox of size and weight. This immense artwork appears weightless. Yet it weighs seven tons.
Planet is the creation of British artist Marc Quinn. It is a permanent installation at Gardens by the Bay. The sculpture was created in 2008. It depicts Quinn’s son as a sleeping seven-month-old baby.
The artwork is made from painted bronze and steel. It stretches nearly 10 meters long and stands almost 4 meters high. Planet is balanced on the infant’s languid arm. This gives the illusion of suspension in mid-air.
From a distance, the sculpture seems to float. This effect is a trick of the eye. The massive bronze appears weightless. The artwork emphasizes the fragility of life. Its enormous scale disrupts our sense of time and space.
Quinn said Planet is both a reflection of ourselves. It also reflects the earth we live upon. The sculpture is overwhelmingly big. Yet it depicts an image of vulnerability.
Dr. Kiat W. Tan is the CEO of Gardens by the Bay. He said Planet enhances their offerings. It adds an aesthetic dimension to their horticultural displays. The sculptures in the Gardens engage and inspire visitors. They encourage an appreciation of art.
Planet is based on an earlier work titled ‘Innoscience.’ This earlier piece is a sculptural portrait of Quinn’s son. It was created soon after he was diagnosed with a severe milk allergy.
Chatsworth House commissioned Planet. It was first placed in their formal gardens. These gardens were landscaped by Capability Brown. Later, it appeared at the Musee Oceanographique in Monaco.
Gardens by the Bay spans 101 hectares. It showcases horticulture and garden artistry. It brings the world of plants to Singapore. It also presents Singapore to the world.
The location of Planet is at The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay. It is one of over 200 sculptures in the Gardens. These sculptures complement the plant displays. They add a new dimension to the landscape.
So, take a moment. Observe this sleeping giant. Consider the paradox of its existence. Planet invites us to reflect on our world. It also invites us to reflect on ourselves. It is a reminder of the delicate balance. The balance between strength and vulnerability.