Monumental Rice Grain Statues Emphasize Concepts of Personal and Collective Power
# **A Grain of Rice: An Epic Tribute to Shared Strength**
Alone, a single grain of rice may appear trivial—too small to notice or appreciate. Yet, when united in numbers, these grains transform into nourishment, sustenance, and, symbolically, a bountiful reservoir of remarkable strength and promise. This concept of collective strength inspired the creative studio [Based Upon](https://www.basedupon.com/) during its collaboration with the global financial organization HSBC to celebrate its 150th anniversary.
Following two years of careful design and fabrication, the creative group unveiled two breathtaking sculptures in 2015, both named *A Grain of Rice*. These monumental artworks, located in London and Hong Kong, act as enduring emblems of resilience, solidarity, and history, encapsulating HSBC’s legacy through exquisite artistry.
## **The Grand Change of a Tiny Grain**
The two sculptures, despite being geographically apart, serve a unified purpose. One sculpture, measuring 5.94 meters (19.5 feet), greets visitors at HSBC’s London headquarters in its entryway. The other, significantly larger at 10.36 meters (34 feet), draws attention outside HSBC’s Hong Kong headquarters. Each artwork mimics an enormous grain of rice—their forms magnified to a size that challenges perception while highlighting the power of something seemingly inconsequential.
Crafted from bronze, the sculptures feature an exterior that radiates in natural light, rendering them not just visually arresting but also imbued with symbolic depth. Their surfaces display a striking “narrative tapestry” of 150 archival engravings, honoring HSBC’s rich history. These engravings illustrate key moments in the bank’s timeline, global locations, and the many individuals whose efforts and contributions have influenced its heritage since 1865. Thus, *A Grain of Rice* evolves into a historical narrative etched onto a sculptural form—an aesthetic storytelling technique that engages and informs simultaneously.
## **Entering: A Space for Contemplation**
While the exterior showcases a detailed and textured tapestry, the interior of *A Grain of Rice* offers a different experience. The sculptures are hollow, their interiors carefully smoothed and polished into reflective gold surfaces. This cavity provides visitors with a unique chance for reflection, akin to entering a cocoon of peace amidst bustling financial environments. It is a space that invites contemplation—not merely about HSBC’s history but also about the broader idea of individual contributions leading to collective greatness.
### **A Whimsical Contrast in Scale and Significance**
One of the most enchanting elements of these sculptures lies in their skillful contrast between the ordinary and the remarkable. The conversion of a simple grain of rice into a monumental, durable piece plays with the viewer’s cognitive perceptions. Based Upon articulates this artistic aspiration by stating:
*”The grain of rice, beautifully magnified, adopts a monolithic form. The diminutive perishable transforms into a stunning and dominant permanence, and this rigorous manipulation of scale perplexes the cognitive senses.”*
This intentional amplification of size encourages viewers to reassess their notions of value and importance. It implies that no contribution is too minor in the larger scope of things—whether in business, the arts, or life itself.
## **A Decade of Legacy: Reflecting on Creation**
Now, a decade after the sculptures emerged, Based Upon honors their lasting significance by sharing an exclusive look into their creation journey. The newly released collection of images offers a close-up view of the craftsmanship, illustrating the dedicated efforts that shaped *A Grain of Rice*. From initial sketches to detailed bronze casting, these visuals celebrate the commitment needed to convert an abstract notion into a concrete, impactful statement.
For those keen to delve deeper into this extraordinary endeavor, [Based Upon’s website](https://www.basedupon.com/) provides more insights and behind-the-scenes visuals.
## **Beyond Art: A Symbol of Individual Empowerment**
In the end, *A Grain of Rice* signifies far more than mere artistic expression. It stands as a testament to how individual endeavors, regardless of their scale, coalesce to form something monumental. Whether in finance, industry, or creativity, each individual contributes to the shaping of a legacy.
As the sculptures continue to stand proudly in London and Hong Kong, they serve as a reminder to countless visitors of this essential truth: greatness is the culmination of numerous small contributions, and even a solitary grain of rice holds the power to alter the course of history.
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**Explore More From Based Upon:**
– [Website](https://www.basedupon.com/)
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