Singapore Government Press Release

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SPEECH BY MR YEO CHEOW TONG, MINISTER FOR HEALTH & MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE EXHIBITION LEONARDO DA VINCI: SCIENTIST, INVENTOR, ARTIST, ON 2 OCT 1997 AT 7.30 P.M. AT THE SINGAPORE ART MUSEUM

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

In the current climate of encouraging creative thinking within our community, this Leonardo da Vinci exhibition is timely.

Born in the 15^th century, Leonardo was a multi-talented man ahead of his time. He conceived of inventions which were precursors to the modern day machine gun and helicopter, to name but two. During his time, what we have come to know as the Italian Renaissance was flowering, initiating a spirit of adventure and innovation. Explorers like Marco Polo had already ventured into East Asia, and Vasco da Gama would prepare to sail into the Indies. Christopher Columbus would also make that leap into new found lands before the turn of the century.

Why is Leonardo da Vinci so significant?

As an artist, Leonardo influenced many. As an inventor, his work has only come to fruition in the last 200 years or so. As a scientist, he proved that man could never take up too many disciplines, if he was to consider himself whole and universal. He advanced the discipline of botany, as well as anatomical and biological sciences through his careful observation and drafting of plants, animals and humans. Leonardo da Vinci embraced and delighted in his craft, he never grew tired of it, revealing a restless spirit that has overcome and touched many in the last 500 years.

The exhibition, "Leonardo da Vinci: Scientist, Inventor, Artist", is all set not merely to explain but also illustrate the crucial elements in the personality, life and achievements of the man.

Along with over 150 fascimilated drawings by Leonardo himself, wooden models built by men of the twentieth century bring to life two dimensional creative concepts. No less than thirty original paintings and sculptures will be on view, allowing the public to access history as closely as possible.

Our Government recently stressed the need for creative teachers to develop creative students. This exhibition is a ready tool for teachers to further the Thinking Schools, Learning Nation concept, and I would encourage all schools to visit the exhibition. If there is only one thing we may gain from this exhibition of Leonardo da Vinci’s work, it is that there is a method to creative genius. We can all learn from his example.

It now gives me great pleasure to declare the Leonardo da Vinci exhibition officially open.