Astera Provides Quick Solution for Fernando Botero Art Exhibition

	The aesthetic appearance and ergonomics of the fixtures themselves were considered, and how well they blended into the environment. Photo: Lee Jun Yan

Singapore-based lighting designer Fengmao specified 12 Astera QuikSpots to illuminate six bronze sculptures by the late Colombian artist and sculptor Fernando Botero, installed across various locations in the Silver Leaf Garden at the popular horticultural attraction Gardens by the Bay.

Fengmao has worked extensively in lighting photography and film environments as well as experimental theatre and spatial/interactive installations. He was approached by lighting rental contractor and technical production company True Colour Media (TCM) about developing a lighting concept designed to enhance the sculptures and extend the audience experience beyond daylight hours.

The QuikSpots were sold to TCM by Astera's Singapore distributor, Total Solution Marketing. On-site at Gardens by the Bay, two QuikSpots fixtures were deployed to light the fronts of each sculpture: Adam and Eve, Cat, Horse, Seated Woman, The Dancers, and Woman on Horse.

The QuikSpots were set to a warm white color, which resonated harmoniously with their form, copper finish, and textures. The IP65-rated units held up in Singapore's harsh tropical climate, withstanding frequent thunderstorms.

Security was also a consideration. Even in the extremely low crime environment of Singapore, the lights sitting on the ground were potentially tempting for pranksters or mischief seekers, but Astera's smart Anti-Theft Alarm feature minimized such concerns. When activated, the alarm triggers a visual and audible alert if the fixture is moved or tampered with, and the alarm status is highlighted in the AsteraApp, so technical crews can monitor if any lights have been disturbed.

Furthermore, Fengmao and the team wanted a fixture that could switch between programmed sequences, colors, etc., for the four-month duration of the exhibition. Also, it would have been extremely difficult to install a traditional control system at the location without extensive works.

The aesthetic appearance and ergonomics of the fixtures themselves were also considered, and how well they blended into the environment. Also, being able to work with the AsteraApp for control through a secured radio PIN provided peace of mind in a signal-dense environment like Singapore.

"The QuikSpot's single point light emission ensures a homogeneous output and shadowing compared to traditional LED PAR lights," Fengmao notes, adding that this was important for working with the distinctive contours of the Botero pieces.

Controlling stray light was another challenge, both for enhancing the meticulously curated space in the Silver Garden and eliminating glare. "We used the Astera AX5 snoot to maintain a clear profile and reduce glare," Fengmao explains, and the QuikSpot's zoom was "extremely helpful" in offering greater freedom for angling and positioning the fixtures.

The exhibition opened as part of the 2026 Singapore Art Week in January and ran until May.