Conceptualised in tandem with the 2022 theme for i Light Singapore – ‘Spark of Light’, Ruffled Ice sought to contribute to the conversations about sustainability and environmental issues.

The installation draws attention to the pressing issue of melting ice caps, highlighting the role of ocean plastic waste in this global challenge. Examining the prevalent use of single-use plastic packaging in consumer-driven businesses reflects on how attempts to enhance product appeal generate substantial non-biodegradable waste. The installation encourages a contemplative engagement with both environmental impact and human consumption patterns.

Ruffled Ice repurposes redundant plastic packaging into thousands of sculpted ruffles, forming a monumental ice cavern that engages visitors in a contemplative, multi-sensorial experience. Its nine-meter-high structure fosters immersion, reduces ambient noise, while the materials act like an urban fabric supporting self-expression. The massive scale makes tangible the vast plastic waste from consumer culture, with backlit LEDs evoking the fragility of melting ice and encouraging photography opportunities.

The work balances environmental reflection with aesthetic and experiential engagement. Committed to sustainability, the installation was upcycled after the event.