Not Just a Little Red Dot: Merlion (Giclee print)

Limited edition framed giclee print on archival paper

The Merlion is Singapore’s national icon – a mythical creature that has the head of a lion and the body of a fish. The Merlion’s body symbolises Singapore’s humble beginnings as a fishing village when it was called Temasek, which comes from the same root as the word tasek (‘lake’ in Malay). Its head represents Singapore’s original name, Singapura, or ‘lion city’ in Malay.

The Merlion statue was built by local craftsman Lim Nang Seng, and was unveiled on 15 September 1972 by then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew at the mouth of the Singapore River.

I gave the Merlion a fresh coat of colours that represents the diversity and vibrancy of Singapore, and my wish for Singapore to always be able to ride the waves of change and emerge victorious.

Limited to 100 prints and is authenticated. Comes with a white frame.

About the ‘Not Just a Little Red Dot’ collection

When someone mentions ‘Singapore’, what comes to mind?

Despite its small land footprint on the world map, Singapore has taken huge strides and big leaps since independence to transform into one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. In Singapore’s transformation journey, iconic national symbols and landmarks were created along the way to represent Singapore in the world, and unite all citizens as one.

Created in my signature contemporary and tactile style, each piece in the collection is inspired by an iconic national symbol or landmark from significant milestones in Singapore’s history and present day developments.

The year when the symbol was created or when the landmark was completed is ‘stamped’ on the artwork, serving as a timestamp marking its historical significance at various points in Singapore’s history.