Text of the Label:

Chong Fah Cheong
Reaching Out, 2005
Canadian Jade, Bronze, Stone
7.5m x 1.7m x 1.5m
THis work is inspired by the legendary journey of hte Atlantic salmon – a theme that the artist has explored since the 1990s. A metaphor for NUS alumni, the salmon's unique life journey epitomizes indomitable spirit as well as the commitment to return to the original waterway to renew successive generations. The three arcs in this sculpture suggest the surge of water at the moment of upstream migration as the salmon make their arduous return to their birthplace sveral times to spawn. designed to be viewed from various angles, teh 3-dimensional fish forms are echoed by the ‘cut-out’ shapes in bronze. Conceived in Singapore, cast and shaped in Thailand with jade from British Columbia the work suggests the crossing of borders and enlarging of experiences.
Specially commissioned for the new University Hall, the work was created by Chong Fah Cheong, a notable sculptor and alumnus of the University who resides in Canada and Singapore.