National Museum of Singapore

By FARM (Singapore)

Venue	National Museum of Singapore Stamford Green
Date	FRI 10 JUL 2009 – SUN 23 AUG 2009

Steel, Timber, LED light tubes, Microphones
Approx. H 7m x D 10m

The Banyan Tree right next to the National Museum of Singapore is a grand old dame in its own right. It sits majestically on the Museum’s front lawn, seemingly holding fort to a place full of histories, stories and magic.

A contemporary reinterpretation of the Banyan Tree, The Tree is a reconstruction of a series of interlocking frames with lights that pulsate gently in the night. Hanging microphones simulating that of aerial roots will also detect environmental sounds and alter the lighting nature of The Tree – glowing intensely and dimming down with the rising and falling sound levels.

Just like in the past, as it is now, this installation will inspire people to slow down, take a breather and simply bask and partake in this recreation of nature’s wonder. And as Paul Simon wistfully reminds us in his 1990 song Spirit Voices, “And slept on the banks on the leaves of a banyan tree… Some stories are magical, meant to be sung.”

FARM has a strong creative community network, and has established an architectural design arm. They have collaborated with various artists and designers to create novel spaces. FARM has also curated Singapore Supergarden, the Singapore Pavilion for the Venice Biennale in September 2008.

Image: The Tree courtesy of FARM