QuikSpots Illuminating Fernando Botero’s Sculptures at Gardens by the Bay

Installed throughout the Silver Leaf Garden at Singapore’s iconic Gardens by the Bay, the exhibition showcased Botero’s celebrated works — Adam and Eve, Cat, Horse, Seated Woman, The Dancers, and Woman on Horse — allowing visitors to experience the sculptures long after sunset.

Fengmao, whose portfolio spans photography, film, experimental theatre, and interactive installations, was approached by technical production company True Colour Media (TCM) to develop a lighting concept that would enhance the artworks while extending the visitor experience beyond daylight hours.

After evaluating the project requirements, Fengmao selected Astera QuikSpots for their combination of high-quality light output, wireless operation, battery-powered flexibility, compact form factor, and rapid deployment capabilities. The fixtures were supplied to TCM by Astera’s Singapore distributor, Total Solution Marketing.

At the installation site, two QuikSpots were used to illuminate the front of each sculpture. The fixtures were set to a warm white colour temperature that complemented the sculptures’ copper finish, textures, and distinctive forms.

Working outdoors in Singapore presented several environmental challenges. High humidity, frequent rainfall, and sudden tropical thunderstorms meant that weather resistance was essential. The QuikSpot’s IP65-rated housing provided the durability needed to operate reliably throughout the exhibition’s four-month run.

Security was another important consideration. To help prevent tampering, Fengmao enabled Astera’s Anti-Theft Alarm feature, which triggers both visual and audible alerts if a fixture is moved. The system also reports alarm status directly within the AsteraApp, allowing technicians to monitor all fixtures remotely.

The exhibition required a lighting solution capable of adapting throughout its duration, including the ability to change colours, settings, and programmed sequences when needed.

Installing a conventional wired control infrastructure would have required significant additional work, making Astera’s wireless ecosystem an ideal alternative. Using the AsteraApp and a secured radio PIN, the team could manage and adjust fixtures efficiently while maintaining reliable operation in Singapore’s signal-dense urban environment.

The physical design of the fixtures also played a role in the decision-making process. Their compact footprint allowed them to blend discreetly into the landscape without distracting from the artworks themselves.

For Fengmao, the quality of light was one of the project’s most important considerations.

“The QuikSpot’s single-point light emission ensures a homogeneous output and shadowing compared to traditional LED PAR lights,” he explained.

This characteristic proved particularly valuable when lighting Botero’s instantly recognisable sculptures, whose smooth curves and exaggerated forms require careful illumination to preserve their visual simplicity and character.

Controlling spill light was equally important to maintain the atmosphere of the Silver Leaf Garden and prevent glare from affecting visitors’ viewing experience. To achieve this, the team used Astera AX5 snoots alongside the QuikSpot’s zoom functionality, allowing precise beam control and flexible fixture positioning.

“The zoom was extremely helpful,” noted Fengmao, providing greater freedom when angling and placing fixtures while keeping attention focused firmly on the artworks.

Opening as part of Singapore Art Week 2026 in January, the Fernando Botero exhibition ran through May and attracted strong visitor interest throughout its duration.

By combining thoughtful lighting design with the flexibility and performance of Astera QuikSpots, the project successfully transformed the sculptures into a compelling nighttime experience, enabling audiences to appreciate Botero’s work in a completely different light.