A SCULPTURE inspired by the Australian landscape and the imagery of forest life has been gifted by the Government and people of Singapore to the Australian Parliament.

The art work by Singapore Cultural Medallionist, Ms Han Sai Por, is titled entitled “Genetic Plant.” Carved from black granite, it could be interpreted as stems but also fingers reaching out in a gesture of friendship.

Ms Han visited Melbourne in the 1990s and witnessed the aftermath of a bushfire, where the stretches of black charcoal made a considerable impression.

“Genetic Plant” was exhibited at this year’s London Biennale.

Today at Parliament House the Singaporean High Commissioner Burhan Gafoor formally presented the gift to the Presiding Officers of the Australian Parliament, Senator Stephen Parry, President of the Senate and Anthony Smith, Speaker of the House of Representatives. Also on hand was MP Ian Goodenough, Member for Moore in WA, who was born in Singapore

The gift, High Commissioner Burhan Gafoor said, represented the special relationship between Singapore and Australia and was also intended to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Australia and Singapore.