In 2022, Lakshmi Mohanbabu became the first Singaporean artist to send her artwork into space. A few years later, she is now involved in another groundbreaking project, this time alongside tech company NuStar and Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Instead of reaching for the stars, her latest art installation is heading deep beneath the ocean—7km under, to be precise.

According to a joint press release on March 19, this marks the world's deepest art installation, making Singapore the first country to have an artwork placed 7km below the ocean’s surface. The installation consists of three steel cubes, which were deployed on December 12, 2024, near the Mariana Trench—the deepest known point on Earth—off the coast of Japan. Beyond its artistic significance, the project plays a scientific role, as the cubes were placed as part of an early warning system for earthquakes and tsunamis, in collaboration with Japan’s Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology.

One of the cubes was produced using a cutting-edge 3D printing technique developed by NTU Singapore. Created with 80 layers of ultra-thin stainless steel fused together, this advanced method was pioneered by Assistant Professor Lai Changquan and his team at NTU’s Singapore Centre for 3D Printing (SC3DP). They worked closely with Lakshmi Mohanbabu to refine prototypes before finalizing the design.

Assistant Professor Lai highlighted the project as an example of the "potential of interdisciplinary research," emphasizing that creating a piece of art capable of withstanding extreme underwater pressure demonstrates the strength and adaptability of their technology. For Lakshmi, this collaboration with NTU SC3DP marks her third project with the institution. Having already sent two cubes into space in 2022, she now has her sights set on placing artwork on the moon in 2025. Reflecting on these achievements, the 55-year-old artist stated, "With these two art installations, Singapore is the first nation to have artworks both on the moon and in the deep ocean. This milestone reflects Singapore’s pioneering spirit and resilience as we celebrate SG60 this year."

The Artwork: The three steel cubes are painted in vibrant colors—red and white, ocean blue and orange, and purple and aquamarine blue—symbolizing the dynamic hues of the Earth, the ocean’s depths, and the vastness of space. One cube, in particular, holds special meaning. Designed in red and white, it represents the partnership between Singapore and Japan, incorporating elements inspired by their national flags, including the sun, stars, and the moon.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from AsiaOne.