I recently received a letter from
a fan of my work. In the letter he included newspaper clippings with articles
from an art critic that describes and interprets the recent sculptural works
that I have created. I have found this critic’s train of thought to be similar
to mine and his interpretations quite accurately portray my intentions and
would like to share them with you:
This HDB-commissioned sculpture has a decidedly nationalistic slant, with the descriptive plaque suggesting that it celebrates “integration and harmony”. Anthony Poon seems to have portrayed this succinctly and effectively.
The sculpture is composed of two distinct ribbon strips that somewhat interlock. The composition of the work as a whole is well balanced – the visually heavy lower side of the bottom strip (bottom left in the photograph) is balanced by the protrusion of the top strip in the opposite direction. The interlocking of the ribbons is arranged such that the duo is visually permeable, but leaves no glaring gaps and empty, unfilled space. Overall, the compactness seems to portray integration and togetherness fairly well.
The individual ribbons seem to carry symbolism in themselves. The bottom ribbon is contorted into a heart-like shape, carrying the significance of passion and love for country and for other members of society. The position of the heart-like ribbon at the bottom could imply that the ties that bind form the basis of society.
The top ribbon emerges in a spiral from within the heart and reaches for the sky in one gentle but dynamic motion. A possible interpretation of this spiral is that it is symbolic of the nation’s aspirations and goals. This aspiration, originating from the bottom ribbon, is shared among society’s collective members.The intimate interaction of the two symbolic ribbons could suggest an inseparable relationship between concepts within and without the heart – togetherness and aspiration. The careful consideration of how the two forms interact is characteristic of Anthony Poon’s attention to detail and eye for composition.