Public Works

Pedas-Pedas
Kumari’s larger-than-life “Pedas Pedas” (Spicy Spicy) commands attention beside the historic Fort Canning Spice Garden, as if it has tumbled down from the hill into the National Museum’s back gardens.

Nutmeg & Mace
A striking bronze sculpture by Kumari Nahappan, Nutmeg & Mace at ION Orchard celebrates Singapore’s spice trade history and Orchard Road’s nutmeg plantation past.


Melting Pot
A sculptural tribute by Kumari Nahappan at the Indian Heritage Centre, inspired by the South Indian kudam, symbolising South Asian migration, cultural exchange, and Singapore’s rich heritage.


Pembungaan
Pembungaan by Kumari Nahappan is a large-scale mural at OUE Bayfront, inspired by natural forms like chili and nutmeg. It celebrates nature’s cycles and Southeast Asian identity through flowing, organic motifs that connect the building’s façade with its interior.

The Golden Grain: Exposed!
A symbol of life and considered the fruit of the earth, the unassuming rice grain is associated with purity and is seen as a blessing from the divine. Created in a celebratory mood, the form pays homage to this life-giving source.

Road to Fifty
For SG50, Kumari installed 50 enlarged crimson saga seeds across Empress Lawn—each symbolizing a year of Singapore’s independence. Rooted in local heritage, the seeds honored the nation’s journey, expressing growth, vitality, and the enduring spirit of a young but resilient state.

Saranggong
Saranggong, named after the stork once common near the Serangoon River, symbolizes birth, protection, and renewal. Revered across cultures for fidelity and longevity, the stork evokes a higher spirit—quietly embodying life’s enduring values of trust, prosperity, and grace in its silent presence.

The Heron
Poised in mid-flight at Jewel Changi Airport, the Grey Heron embodies quiet strength and grace. Echoing a plane’s ascent, it symbolizes patience, power, and reflection. Suspended between motion and stillness, the sculpture offers a serene moment amid the rush of travel, reminding viewers of nature’s quiet resilience.

Bunga Bidadari
Bunga Bidadari is a sculpture by Kumari Nahappan inspired by the rare Tiger Orchid. Set in Singapore’s Bidadari Park, it reflects themes of resilience, renewal, and the quiet strength of nature.