Have you seen this 15-metre-long snake installation at Funan this CNY?

This Chinese New Year, real estate group CapitaLand is unveiling a vibrant showcase across 17 of its malls in Singapore from 1 January to 12 February. The campaign, titled "Weaving prosperity and joyous abundance at CapitaLand malls" features snake-themed installations and an augmented reality experience. 

At the centre of the festivities is a 15-metre-long "Fortune snake" art installation, created in collaboration with Chinese illustrator Tang Yiqi. The installation is crafted from uniquely designed fortune red packets, forming the basis of the 180 multi-panel hanging snake exhibit. In a statement, CapitaLand stated the installation symbolises endless opportunities at every turn.

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"A true testament to Tang's distinctive style, the artwork seamlessly blends animals and nature, with her artistry shining through her choice of colours and motifs, showcasing whimsical humour and surrealism to create vibrant visuals that captivate and inspire," the statement read.

The decorated red packets were designed with traditional Chinese motifs including pineapples, peonies, butterflies and gold coins. Additionally, the snake installation was purposefully crafted in the shape of the auspicious number '8' and the infinity symbol, designed to signify endless prosperity and joyous abundance. 

To complement the hanging snake installation, a free-standing art display will also be available for visitors to pose and engage with. 

Singaporeans across the country will be able to catch a glimpse of the installation at Funan from 8 to 26 January, and at Fountain Square at CQ @ Clarke Quay from 27 January to 12 February. 

To add to the festivities, CapitaLand has also introduced an augmented reality experience this CNY. Shoppers can explore the motif designs and symbolic elements of the snake installation through virtual animations via WebAR, send personalised digital new year cards powered by artificial intelligence (AI), and unlock rewards. 

In addition, the company is offering sticker packs across Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram, featuring festive icons to share with loved ones. 

Adding to the festive spirit, Funan has launched its public art initiative, "Creative Intersections", themed "Snake and ladders". With this initiative, the company aims to manifest the attributes of the snake zodiac sign, such as creativity, insightfulness and transformation, into forms of art, workshops and merchandise. 

Back for its fifth iteration from 17 January to 16 February this year, the campaign showcases 23 exhibits, including Funan's first interactive puzzle by its grand stairs.  Inspired by the classic board game and the reflective themes of the poem "Snakes and ladders", the installation is designed as an engaging activity for all ages. Visitors are challenged to solve a whimsical children’s poem by guessing the missing letters located on the stairs.

Created by art collective Vertical Submarine, visitors can scan the QR code on the stairs to access an online form where they can input their guesses for the missing letters on each standee. The first 25 shoppers to guess correctly each week will win SG$10 eCapitaVouchers in the CapitaStar app.

Funan has also launched a seven-storey digital art installation in light of the festivities, a first-of-its-kind in Singapore. The "Kinetic wall" measures 13 metres-high and nine metres-wide, and is constructed of 1,271 motorised light blades, embossed aluminum panels and mirror ceilings to complement the structure. 

The artwork draws inspiration from the enduring presence of snakes in popular culture, juxtaposing iconic representations that have captivated audiences through the ages. The piece also reflects the evolution of technology and its impact on consumers' entertainment experience. 

Designed by visual artist Umami Labo, the installation aims to honour the allure of snakes while critiquing the rapid changes in the media landscape. Visitors may view the new installation at the intersections between Coleman Street and North Bridge Road from 17 January to 16 February between 10am and 10pm. 

The final installations of Funan's CNY exhibits showcase the mall's six passions, chic, craft, fit, play, taste and tech through six "Passion snakes", designed to signify each passion respectively. 

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to CapitaLand for more information. 

CapitaLand isn't the only company to showcase a larger-than-life installation this CNY. Earlier this month, Yeo's unveiled two 3D fortune cat installations to bring the festive spirit to life. Made entirely from recycled Yeo’s plastic bottles, the immersive installations serve as both a festive centerpiece and a symbol of sustainability.

The 1.2-metre-tall Fortune Cat installations, each made from 1,700 Yeo’s recycled plastic bottles, are now on display at FairPrice Hougang Mall and FairPrice Xtra @ Jurong Point and will remain until 9 February 2025.

In a statement, Yeo's noted that the Hougang installation will officially be recognised by the Singapore Book of Records as the “largest 3D printed model (fortune cat) made from recycled plastic bottles”, setting a new benchmark for eco-conscious innovation in the retail and beverage industries. 

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