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− EMOTION −
The animals I chose to include in the artwork are all symbolic of Singapore in some way. I didn’t solely choose creatures from the natural sites I visited, as I also wanted to include those that we have become familiar with in our own urban habitats, which have adapted to our way of living. The Oriental Pied Hornbill, a species native to Singapore, is a very striking sight to behold when it is sitting in a tree outside your flat. The large birds are very popular in Singapore, as is the otter, with clubs devoted to spotting the mammals. Even the monkey, which is seen as more of a nuisance, is now accepted as part of our city. Singapore tends to be very manicured and seamless in its layout, so I wanted to capture its wilder side through these creatures.
Overall, I wanted to convey a feeling of curiosity through my artwork One Degree North, named for Singapore’s geographical spot close to the equator. I believe that you can find hidden treasures anywhere if you take the time to look or try a different route. This is what I like in general about nature: the possibilities there are for everyone to find something special.
