Elephant Parade: Saving elephants through art
Elephant Parade: Join in the stampede to show these colorful beasts some love. They're cute, cuddly and very creatively decked out, and they need you to adopt them.
Earlier this month, 162 baby elephants marched into Singapore as part of the Elephant Parade project.
An open-air art exhibition dedicated to saving the Asian elephant, these life-size fiberglass statues decorated by celebrities and local artists are part of a fundraising effort to save the majestic beast.
Started in 2006 by father-and-son duo Marc and Mike Spits in Rotterdam, the current exhibition has visited various cities all over the world.
The past eight exhibitions have raised over €4 million (S$6.9 million) dollars.
Painted by celebrities Ricky Gervais, Joss Stone, Rupert Grint and Leona Lewis, with local artists like Mindflyer and Justin Lee, these elephants have been placed all around Singapore for the public’s viewing pleasure.
The exhibition will be staged until January 7, 2012 before the plastic pachyderms get herded into the Singapore Botanic Gardens for a final viewing.
On January 12 and 14, they’ll be auctioned off by Sotheby’s, with 25 percent of the auction proceeds going to The Asian Elephant Foundation and the conservation section of Wildlife Reserves Singapore.
To get a sense of how much the auction will raise, we asked a handful of Singapore’s personalities for their bid, and how these gentle giants speak to them –- the true “price” of these beautiful, awesome and vulnerable creatures.
Jo Soh, fashion designer, Hansel: “You and I” by Victor Tan
“The simple joy and harmony that emanate from this sculpture of a child and an elephant at play brings a smile to my face each time I see it.
“It is the perfect inspiring piece to place in my studio or home.
“Elephants are awe-inspiring not just because of their large size, but also because, to me, they represent wisdom.”
Her bid: S$10,000
Alvin Tan, artistic director, The Necessary Stage: “alldressedup” by Tina Tan Leo
“Tina Tan-Teo’s elephant is my choice because it is elegantly ornate.
“It brings out the majestic nature of the animal, reminds me of the sense of wonderment I had over elephants as a child, and of how great, yet humble, an animal it is.
“They are important creatures because of what they can do with their strength in service of human needs.
“They are non-threatening unless their lives are threatened. If bullies could learn from elephants, the world would be a better place.”
His bid: S$30,000
Kumar, comedian and drag queen: "Baker & McKenzie" by Chakrit Choochalerm
“I’ve always loved elephants, I feel like they can answer and understand you.
“Elephants deserve royal treatment. In fact, all Asian kings revere them as sacred beasts. They’re still being used for royal duties, and this piece shows what an elephant would wear for royal occasions like polo, prayers, a parade or being in an entourage.”
His bid: “More than S$20,000.
Carolyn Kan, jewelry artisan, Carrie K.: “Damaged Dumbo” by Renato L. Barja Jr.
“I love 'Damaged Dumbo' because it conveys a tough message about the loss of elephant habitats, with a sense of humor.
“I appreciate the hard truth rather than a false picture of perfection -- I have a soft spot for the ‘under-elephant.’
“Elephants are highly emotive, expressive and intelligent, they are an example for us to learn from.
“The way they grieve when they lose one of their herd and their elaborate way of greeting a returning member shows a deep sense of family ties.
“It’s humbling to see how they value each other.”
Her bid: “A round the world ticket for Dumbo so he can spread his message in his honest and enduring way.”
Andrew Loh, editor-in-chief of publichouse.sg: “Saving Richard III” by Gaurav Kripalani
“I like the simple designs and the black and white on this elephant.
“With the joker’s face it reminds me of the online group 'Anonymous' or one of my favorite movies, 'V for Vendetta.'
“I take it also to mean, night and day, yin and yang -- the dichotomy of our lives and of the universe.
“Elephants are really majestic and, in fact, are the biggest land animals on Earth as well as one of the oldest.
“They’re a reminder to us of just how much bigger prehistoric animals were.”
His bid: “I would start with S$500; but nothing more than S$1,000. But if I were a wealthy man, I wouldn’t mind paying up to S$50,000 since it is for a good cause.”
Kevin WY Lee, founder of Invisible Photographer Asia: Various Elephants
“I would bid for 'Dada The Surrealist Elephant' by Rosihan Dahim, as I’m a surrealist at heart myself.
“A close second would be the 'Durian Elephant' by Nat Posila and Ed Robinson because it’s so damn clever and the idea is very well executed.
“Third is 'Elephant Angels,' as I like its illustrations and its creator Mindflyer is a starving artist friend of mine.
“Elephants are noble creatures in a lot of Asian countries, respected and worshipped. They’re huge creatures, but afraid of mice -- or so I heard when I was a kid.
His bid: “Since I'm a poor photographer, I’d bid the price of my first multi-million dollar photograph (after I've sold it).”
Catch the Elephant Parade at various outdoor locations until January 11, 2012. Go to www.elephantparade.com for more information. Miniatures are also available for sale at Tangs Department Store (310 Orchard Road, +65 6737 5500; www.tangs.com.sg).
