On 17 December 2025, the Embassy of Mexico in Singapore marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Singapore through the unveiling of Axolotl: El Espíritu del Agua at the Sustainability Gallery, Gardens by the Bay. The gift, presented by H.E. Agustín García-López Loaeza and Mdm. Katya Anaya de la Fuente, celebrates the enduring warmth and partnership between the two nations.
Image by Gardens by the Bay
The sculpture draws inspiration from the axolotl, a critically endangered amphibian native to Mexico’s Xochimilco wetlands, renowned for its extraordinary regenerative abilities. Symbolising resilience, renewal, and healing, the artwork captures both the beauty of nature and the power of recovery. Its vibrant surface is adorned with hand-painted Talavera motifs, a traditional Mexican art form influenced by Chinese porcelain, reflecting centuries of cultural exchange along the historic Acapulco-Manila trade route.
Created by Somos Axolotl, the piece not only serves as a visual delight but also advances the organisation’s mission to protect wild axolotls and their natural habitats. By integrating art with environmental consciousness, the sculpture underscores the importance of conservation and sustainable practices.
This addition to Singapore’s public art collection is a meaningful symbol of friendship between Mexico and Singapore. It represents a shared commitment to cultural appreciation, environmental stewardship, and the strengthening of bilateral ties that have flourished over five decades.
Visitors to the Sustainability Gallery are encouraged to experience this eye-catching sculpture firsthand, conveniently located just steps from the Gardens by the Bay MRT station. Its presence offers both aesthetic inspiration and a reminder of the deep-rooted connections between Mexico and Singapore.
Source: Gardens by the Bay
