Page 34 - Raffles09_March2022

− EMOTION −
32 RAFFLES MAGAZINE
My main source of inspiration when arriving at this concept was David Attenborough’s documentary series Wild City, which revealed Singapore’s hidden wilderness to the world, including the often overlooked areas of the island that are home to a variety of fascinating creatures. Our natural spaces have become a much-talked about topic recently, as many more Singaporeans are exploring their own city, and even taking up new hobbies, such as cycling, hiking or birdwatching. The documentary reminded us just how important and precious our existing ecosystems are and why we need to protect their legacy.
I also found it interesting to look back in time for inspiration. I remembered seeing the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings at the National Museum of Singapore, and gaining some insight into how Singapore looked before it was developed into the destination as we know it today. Commissioned in the early 19th century by William Farquhar, the first British Resident and Commandant of Singapore, the collection of botanical drawings is very beautiful as well as scientific. Rendered in watercolour by Chinese artists as means of observing and recording nature and wildlife in the Malay peninsula, they are an important environmental record of how colourful Singapore’s flora, fauna and animals were at the time.
A watercolour of a white long armed ape from the William Farquhar Collection.
Opposite page, Matisse cut-outs; the garden at Raffles Singapore; Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.