Kinetic Rain

Kinetic Rain by ART + COM completed in July 2012.

After a short but sweet stay in Singapore it was time to head home. On arrival at Singapore’s Changi Airport there was the usual struggle with bags; looking for the right check-in desk and last-minute rummage through carry on luggage. Then suddenly and quite unexpectedly, amid the Departure-Check in Hall, I saw Kinetic Rain.

One part of a set of two installations

I was mesmerised.

For the Departure Hall, ART + COM were commissioned to make an artwork that captured the essence of the place. This group of artists, designers and developers came together in 1988 with a shared belief that ‘the computer was more than a tool’. They have a practice that creates unique installations, environments and architecture made possible through the development of technological innovations and inventions.

My mind and memories set in motion through this artwork.

‘Glimpses of ideas, abstract and concrete hover in the air between the clouds in the sky and the rippling water surface below, contemplating the dream of flying… of dreams becoming reality through determination and feats of engineering and science.’ ART + COM’s Artist Statement, Changi Airport.

After experiencing the afternoon showers and humidity of Singapore this artwork resonated strongly with me. The array of hundreds of droplets seemed to float through space as they completed their programmed sequence of movement. It was like experiencing rain in slow motion close up.

How beautiful and perfect and moving. Infinite patterns, sequence and…

The reflective surface of each droplet captured the people looking on in a beautiful state of distraction within the space of the terminal. The artwork had no sound but in my mind I could hear the sound of each sequence and pattern of rain; the pitter patter of a sun shower; undulating rain blown from wind squalls; to a relentless torrential downpour hitting a tin roof.

The movement of Kinetic Rain took me back to my childhood memories of rain and its cleansing and life-giving force to the land. I was prepared to miss my flight only so I could stay a little longer with Kinetic Rain.

Kampong Glam Collage

Kampong Glam Collage 01

Kampong Glam Collage 02

Kampong Glam I love! Relaxed cooling oasis with colour, life and kindness! XXX

Red Dot Design Museum Singapore

Red Dot Design Museum, Singapore: Entry on Maxwell Road. Love the striking Red Facade!

The Red Dot Design Museum, Singapore holds the largest collection of International Design in Asia. Their collection and exhibitions encompass all facets of design from Communication Design (Editorials, TV Ads, Poster Design, and Websites) to award-winning and futuristic product design.

The Red Dot Design Museum’s website.

The museum also hosts the red dot award celebrating the latest product innovations from around the world. You can actually ‘reach out and touch’ the prize-winning products on display.

How essential and simply beautiful!

You have to check out The Red Dot Design Museum’s Website or just GET THERE to witness their collection, events and exhibitions and appreciate their forward thinking philosophy…

Simply Wicked!

Waking Up in Singapore

Waking to Kampong Glam.

Waking up in an unfamiliar place can be really beautiful. The street noises, the comings and goings of guests, and light are quite different and specific to the place. Singapore is no exception.

I am staying in Kampong Glam, the Malay/Arab enclave of Singapore. My hotel is within walking distance of the Sultan Mosque, heritage shop houses, and colourful textile and carpet shops.

I awoke to the sound of an extremely strange noise. A loud wolf whistle, followed by a screech, then another wolf whistle. What the hell was that!

Looking out

I opened the beautiful doors and shutters that front the street and listened for the noise again… and there on the other side of the street was a little house with two bird cages on either side of the entrance.

Beautiful Bird having a little rest as the street wakes up.

I have nicknamed him Gonzo Bird. I have become quite fond of him.

I watched as a man walked past the bird cages. One of the birds let out another sweet loud wolf whistle. This bird has real character! After he let out another deep screech (like a car skidding around a corner), a car lock beep beep noise and another wolf whistle, I broke into uncontrollable laughter.

Singapore Arrival

Raffles Hotel Courtyard at night from Table Cam.

Arriving quite late in Singapore, I headed over to Raffles for a quick snack and a Singapore Sling, before retiring to bed. I am in Singapore for some recon for How We Create and to develop an exciting project!!! STAY TUNED!