SINGAPORE.- Planet, a giant sculpture of a sleeping baby by internationally acclaimed British artist Marc Quinn, was unveiled at a ceremony at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore last evening. The sculpture has been donated for permanent display at the Gardens by Mr and Mrs Putra and Imelda Masagung.

Located at The Meadow, Planet is one of Marc Quinn’s most important works. The sculpture, which is a depiction of the artist’s infant son, appears to float above the ground and is a technical tour-de-force. It has been shown internationally to great acclaim in the Beyond Limits exhibition of contemporary sculpture at Chatsworth House in 2008, and in the exhibition The Littoral Zone at the Musée Océanographique de Monaco in 2012.

“To me, Planet is a paradox – hugely heavy, yet the bronze appears weightless; overwhelmingly big, yet also an image of vulnerability. It is both a reflection of ourselves and the earth upon which we live,” said Quinn.

Planet forms the newest addition to the over 40 artworks nestled among the horticultural splendour of Gardens by the Bay. It is also set to become a prominent landmark to the Gardens’ new city gateway, which connects the Gardens to the Bayfront MRT Station and provides greater access to the Marina Bay downtown.

The donation of Planet as well as an additional sponsorship of S$2m for the development and landscaping of the area where the sculpture is displayed are made possible by the generous contribution of Mr and Mrs Masagung.

Dr Kiat W. Tan, CEO of Gardens by the Bay, said, “Gardens by the Bay is home to a diverse collection of sculptures that complements the beauty of our plants and adds a new dimension to the landscape. Planet marks the latest step in our efforts to continuously enhance our Gardens’ offerings for the enjoyment of all. It is also our hope that the sculptures in the Gardens will engage and inspire visitors towards an appreciation of art andculture.”