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GLOBAL FIRST - 
World's Deepest Installation

DESCENT TO THE HADAL ZONE @ 7KM water depth

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​AN IMPRINT IN EVERY REALM - A Vision Connecting Humanity Across Borders, Space and Time 

Created through the shared dedication of all its collaborators, the Deep Ocean Floor Gallery honours those impacted by natural disasters, embodying a united commitment to remembrance and resilience
DEEPEST ART Installation - VISION 
Vision for the Deep Ocean Project
Interactions: A Visionary Fusion of Creativity, Technology, and Human Ingenuity
The Deep Ocean Project is part of the broader Interactions initiative—an ambitious vision that reimagines how we engage with the most extreme and unexplored environments on Earth and beyond. It is the culmination of decades of thought and two years of focused collaboration with partners who brought not only technical expertise but a deep belief in the project’s purpose.
This multidisciplinary journey united scientists, engineers, and institutions who trusted in what we could achieve together.
In a world-first achievement, the deepest art-technology installation now rests 7 kilometers beneath the ocean surface, within the hadal zone of the Pacific Ocean, near the Mariana Trench.
This pioneering collaboration between Lakshmi Mohanbabu, NuStar Technologies, Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore), and the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) stands as a powerful testament to what becomes possible when disciplines converge—where innovation is driven by purpose, and creativity is grounded in meaning.
From the outset, Interactions was never simply about creating art—it was about sparking dialogue around universal human experiences and social issues. This deep ocean installation honours those affected by natural disasters, and celebrates the quiet brilliance of science and engineering—the minds and hands behind life-saving technologies, boundary-breaking research, and the innovations that reshape our world.


International Firsts
This project has marked several global milestones:
  • Singapore becomes the first country to place creative work in both space and the deep ocean.
  • NTU Singapore is the first university to achieve this distinction.
  • The Singapore Centre for 3D Printing (SC3DP) becomes the first to send 3D-printed art into both these extreme environments.
Yet beyond these milestones, the greater impact lies in the ripple effect of a shared vision. This project has opened new doors for all involved. Many scientists and collaborators have seen their work recognised in new ways, with unexpected opportunities emerging from this collective endeavour.

A New Chapter in the Interactions Journey
The Deepest Ocean Gallery marks a transformative chapter in the Interactions story—extending the human footprint into one of Earth’s last great frontiers.
Following the earlier milestone of reaching the International Space Station, this mission becomes the first art-technology initiative to journey across both space and the deep ocean—a global demonstration of what becomes possible when we dare to think without limits.
But Interactions is not defined solely by its physical installations. It is shaped by stories—woven through every connection between people, places, and disciplines. It resonates through the environments it inhabits, the lives it touches, and the values it represents. Each piece becomes a living testament to those relationships.
Ultimately, this journey reflects our shared interdependence—finding meaning in the overlooked, and connection in the unexpected.
DEEP OCEAN CUbes: CONCEPT
The Deep Ocean Cubes are based on Lakshmi’s Interactions Art that are based on existential elements common to all humanity created as a universal language, one that belongs to everyone without being exclusive to any individual or group. For more on the Interactions art: ​click here 
​The three cubes, each with a side 10cm feature the five Interactions designs based on Lakshmi’s Interactions Art. ​These five designs are embedded in varying configurations on each of the five faces of the three cubes, with the top face of each cube showcasing a distinct design: Primary, Nautilus, and Dromenon.

​COLOURS & SYMBOLISM
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​Red and White Cube: The colors symbolize the national flags of Singapore and Japan. Singapore’s flag, with its Moon and stars, and Japan’s flag, representing the Sun, together encompass the universe—capturing the essence of the cosmos and the Interactions theme of universal patterns.
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​Purple and Aquamarine Blue Cube: Purple conveys tranquillity and the vastness of both the ocean’s depths and space’s infinity. Aquamarine blue, derived from "aqua" (water) and "marina" (of the sea), embodies the clarity and serenity of ocean waters.
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Ocean Blue and Orange Cube: Deep blue, found in both the ocean and space, represents depth and mystery. Orange, often associated with transformation, reflects the cycles of change seen in nature, from shifting seasons to the rhythm of life itself.
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PRIMARY
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NAUTILUS
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DROMENON
Each cube features the five Interactions designs on its five faces, with the top face showcasing one of three unique designs: Primary, Nautilus and Dromenon.
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THE NAUTILUS: Drawing inspiration from the Nautilus, a living fossil whose shape has remained unchanged for millennia, this artwork symbolizes the timeless connection between the infinitesimal and the infinite. Its spiral structure mirrors the unique blueprint of our DNA, a repeating pattern that makes each of us distinct, yet part of a greater whole. Similarly, the spirals of galaxies—each one unique—form an endless ocean of galaxies in the universe.

This repetition of spirals, whether in the coils of our DNA or the arms of galaxies, links the microcosm of life to the macrocosm of the universe. It reflects the continuity of forms, where the same pattern unfolds from the smallest scale of life to the largest scale of the cosmos. From the deepest ocean depths to the infinite reaches of space, the Nautilus becomes a symbol of humanity’s endless quest to explore the unknown, showing how the same patterns of existence connect us all.
About Interactions Art: ​click here ​
NUSTAR TECHNOLOGIES: Engineering the impossible
NuStar Technologies, a Singapore-based engineering company, specialises in delivering innovative solutions for complex onshore, offshore, surface, and subsea projects. With expertise in high-risk, high-precision engineering, NuStar plays a critical role in advancing deep-sea exploration and technology.

As part of the world’s first deep ocean art gallery, NuStar facilitated the integration of Singaporean artist Lakshmi Mohanbabu’s Interactions artwork into a specialized structure at 7,000 meters depth. This was achieved through NuStar’s participation in JAMSTEC’s (Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology) International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 405 JTRACK. This groundbreaking mission installed an advanced earthquake monitoring system in ultra-deep waters, using cutting-edge drilling technology to study seismic activity.

NuStar has a long history of supporting scientific exploration in extreme environments. In 2023, the same team was involved in JFAST (Japan Trench Fast Drilling Project), which gathered crucial data on the fault zone of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. That disaster triggered a tsunami that claimed 19,000 lives, highlighting the urgent need for deeper understanding of earthquake mechanisms.

Through JTRACK, scientists are investigating the processes behind large-scale seismic events by drilling into the Japan Trench subduction zone. The ability to track tsunamigenic slip across the trench provides invaluable data that could enhance earthquake prediction and disaster preparedness—ultimately helping to save lives.

NuStar’s involvement in this mission showcases how engineering, science, and art can converge to push the boundaries of exploration. Their expertise in deep-sea engineering not only enables pioneering research but also contributes to global efforts in earthquake monitoring, reinforcing the vital role of technology in safeguarding communities from future disasters.
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From Left to Right: Terence Lim (Project Engineer), Lakshmi Mohanbabu, Sim Guan Teo (Director Engineering), Goi Kim Kok (Managing Director), Gurtaj Padda
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NuStar Technologies’ Design for Housing the Deep Ocean Gallery

With the active support of JAMSTEC and JTRACK, the Deep Ocean Gallery was transported using the newly modified Long-Term Borehole Monitoring System (LTBMS). This specialised equipment ensured the sculptures withstood the immense pressures of the ocean floor while allowing interaction with ocean waters during descent.
LTBMS was developed under the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP), initiated in 2007 by JTRACK, to monitor activity near continental plate boundary faults. It was connected to the Dense Oceanfloor Network System for Earthquakes and Tsunamis (DONET), an undersea cable network that provides real-time pressure, strain, and seismological data. This real-time monitoring serves as an early warning system to help protect civilization from catastrophic events.
The Ocean Floor cubes were positioned above the LTBMS sensor tray (yellow) and below the running profile (green), ensuring they remained clearly visible to the camera while being sheltered from potential impact.
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Lakshmi Mohanbabu and Goi Kim Kok Managing Director NuStar Technologies
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NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY SINGAPORE - cutting edge technology
​A research-intensive public university, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) has 35,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students in the Business, Computing & Data Science, Engineering, Humanities, Arts, & Social Sciences, Medicine, Science, and Graduate colleges. 

NTU is also home to world-renowned autonomous institutes – the National Institute of Education, S Rajaratnam School of International Studies and Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering – and various leading research centres such as the Earth Observatory of Singapore, Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute and Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N).

Under the NTU Smart Campus vision, the University harnesses the power of digital technology and tech-enabled solutions to support better learning and living experiences, the discovery of new knowledge, and the sustainability of resources.
Ranked amongst the world’s top universities, the University’s main campus is also frequently listed among the world’s most beautiful. Known for its sustainability, NTU has achieved 100% Green Mark Platinum certification for all its eligible building projects. Apart from its main campus, NTU also has a medical campus in Novena, Singapore’s healthcare district.
For more information, visit www.ntu.edu.sg 

Artist Lakshmi Mohanbabu has collaborated with NTU scientists on pioneering projects that merge creative vision with cutting-edge engineering. In recent years, she has worked closely with NTU’s School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and the Singapore Centre for 3D Printing on two artworks sent to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Moon Gallery. These projects exemplify the seamless integration of art and technology, with NTU scientists playing a vital role in incorporating advanced techniques into their creation.

Building on these successful collaborations, NTU scientists contributed their expertise to Lakshmi’s Deep Ocean Art Gallery—the world’s first installation at a depth of 7 kilometres beneath the Pacific Ocean. This visionary project marks a significant milestone where art, science, and engineering converge to explore one of Earth’s most extreme and uncharted environments.

One of the most innovative aspects of this project was an Ocean Cube—one of three in the Deep Ocean Gallery—created using Laser Patterning and Incorporation of Sheets (LAPIS), a hybrid manufacturing technology developed by Dr. Lai Changquan, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, NTU, Singapore. Dr. Lai holds a PhD in Advanced Materials for Micro- and Nano-Systems and adopts a highly integrative, cross-disciplinary approach, combining design, materials science, and manufacturing innovation to engineer novel structures and surfaces. Learn more about Dr. Lai’s research; click here

LAPIS integrates 3D printing with laser cutting, enabling the production of fully dense components from ultra-thin sheets without the need for sintering or pressing. This results in a surface finish three times superior to conventional methods.

The Deep Ocean Cube was crafted from 80 ultra-thin stainless-steel sheets, each just 50 microns thick, fused into a 4mm-thick wall. This innovative approach produced a structure over 30% stronger than bulk steel, ensuring resilience against the immense pressures and corrosive conditions of the deep ocean.

By deploying this cube to the ocean floor, the project provided a rare opportunity to test LAPIS technology in extreme conditions, pushing the boundaries of additive manufacturing and materials science. This collaboration between Lakshmi Mohanbabu and NTU scientists is a testament to the power of cross-disciplinary innovation—where art and technology unite to overcome nature’s most formidable challenges.

Dr. Lai’s team—including Dominic Lim Kang Jueh, Jonathan Singham, Cai Chenhui, Hsu Thiri Zaw, Xu Lijian, Isaac Wong Ming En, Ray Lim Rui Yi, Chloe Tan Yi Ling, Goh Kim Wang Simon, Yuan Jiaxiu, Lee Hsien Ren Joshua and Fan Jie—played an instrumental role in developing this pioneering technology. Together, they have advanced the fields of additive manufacturing and materials science, setting new standards for the future of engineering and artistic exploration.

Through this collaboration, NTU scientists continue to drive groundbreaking innovation, demonstrating how creativity and technology can transform our understanding of the world.
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Prototyping and assembly of the LAPIS Cube
JAMSTEC: Advancing Deep-Sea Exploration and Life-Saving Research
​The Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) has long been a leader in deep-sea research, driving innovation in marine science and technology. Renowned for its expertise in extreme environment exploration, JAMSTEC has led groundbreaking missions that have expanded our understanding of the Earth’s most remote and least explored regions.

As a key partner in the world’s first Deepest Ocean Gallery, JAMSTEC provided the advanced technological capabilities and logistical support essential for placing this visionary art project at 7,000 meters beneath the Pacific Ocean. This installation was made possible through JAMSTEC’s extensive research initiatives and state-of-the-art deep-sea exploration infrastructure, which has enabled scientists to study the hadal zone in unprecedented detail.

JAMSTEC’s contributions go far beyond oceanic research, with a critical focus on enhancing global preparedness for natural disasters. Their pioneering work in deep-sea drilling, submersible technology, and ocean monitoring has not only led to major scientific discoveries but also played a pivotal role in understanding Tsunamigenic slip—an essential area of study for improving tsunami prediction and preparedness. This research is crucial for saving lives by providing the data needed to understand the mechanisms that trigger catastrophic underwater earthquakes and tsunamis, ultimately contributing to more effective disaster mitigation strategies worldwide.

This collaboration between JAMSTEC, NuStar Technologies, and artist Lakshmi Mohanbabu exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary partnerships. By blending art, science, and engineering, the Deepest Ocean Gallery becomes more than a creative project; it represents human ingenuity, exploration, and the life-saving potential of research. JAMSTEC’s unwavering commitment to discovery continues to shape the future of marine science, ensuring that the vast, uncharted depths of our planet not only inspire wonder but also contribute to safeguarding lives around the globe.​
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​The D/V Chikyu, the world's first riser drilling-equipped science vessel, holds the record for drilling deeper below the seafloor than any other science drilling vessel. 
JTRACK Expedition 405

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The Three Ocean Cubes Aboard the CHIKYU Before Their Descent into the Deep Ocean Gallery​
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OCEAN FLOOR DESCENT - TRIAL RUN October 2023 
The first phase of the Ocean Gallery project marked a historic milestone as the world’s very first art gallery descended into the deep ocean and journeyed back from its deepest depths. In October 2023, the sculptures were lowered to an unprecedented depth of 7 kilometers aboard JAMSTEC’s vessel Chikyu, the world’s first riser drilling-equipped science vessel. This groundbreaking trial descent into the Hadal Zone was a pivotal moment, testing the sculptures' resilience against the extreme pressures and harsh conditions of the deep ocean, ensuring their readiness for permanent installation in its mysterious depths.
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Deep Ocean Gallery aboard the CHIKYU (JAMSTEC)
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Ocean Cubes Trial Descent:  LM02   I   LM07   I   LM03
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COSMOS President Yamasati San
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Deep Ocean Cubes handed over to JAMSTEC
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Handover of Deep Ocean Cubes from Nustar project Engineer Terence Lim (Right) to JAMSTEC Nori Kyo San (centre) and Tomo Saruhashi San (Left)
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The First Deep Ocean art Images taken @7KM water depth
FINAL INSTALLATION- WORLD’S FIRST DEEP OCEAN GALLERY 12-12-2024
​On December 12, 2024, the final installation of the three ocean cubes took place at the bottom of the ocean, making the Ocean Gallery the first art gallery ever to be situated in the hadal zone. This groundbreaking installation reached a staggering depth of 7 kilometers, cementing its place as the deepest art gallery in the world. The cubes now rest at the most extreme depths of the ocean, marking a historic achievement in both art and scientific collaboration.
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Rainbow in the horizon pre descent seen from the CHIKYU
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The Final Cubes: LM05  I  LM06   I   LM04
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CHIKYU - Science Team with the Deep Ocean Gallery prior to descent
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 gallery images @ the Ocean Floor 7KM water depth
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JAMSTEC Science team
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Gallery on the move
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Start of Descent: 7KM Journey
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Reaching the Ocean Floor
Photo Credit: NuStar Technologies, JAMSTEC 
ocean cubes: image gallery
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Ocean Cubes Descent Trial  Descent 2023 October

​LM02   I   LM07   I   LM03
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Ocean Cubes Descent Final Descent & Installation 12-12-2024 @ 7KM
​LM05   I   LM06   I   LM04 - A
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Ocean Cubes Descent Reserve
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​LM10   I   LM08   I   LM09
Three sets of Ocean Floor cubes were created using 316-grade 3D-printed stainless steel for the Deep Ocean Gallery. The first set embarked on a trial mission, descending to a depth of 7 km before returning. The second set, designated for the final mission, includes one cube developed by scientists at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), led by Assistant Professor C.Q. Lai, using their proprietary 3D printing technology, LAPIS, using 304 stainless steel.
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Trial and Final Ocean Cubes serialised
Milestone commemoration event World’s Deepest Art Installation @art now
ART NOW TIK TOK
​ART NOW TIK TOK 

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Left to Right: Mr. Goi Kim Kok (Managing Director, NuStar), Mr. Sim Guan Teo (Director of Engineering, NuStar), Ms. Goh Swee Chen (Chairman, NTU Board of Trustees and NAC ), Ms. Lakshmi Mohanbabu
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Left to Right: Terence Lim (Project Engineer, NuStar), T.S. Wong (Director of Operations, NuStar), Sim Guan Teo (Director of Engineering, NuStar), Goi Kim Kok (Managing Director, NuStar), Lakshmi Mohanbabu (Project Leader, Deep Ocean Installation), Goh Swee Chen (Chairman, NTU Board of Trustees & NAC), Prof. C.Q. Lai (MAE, SC3DP, NTU), Prof. Paulo Bartolo (Executive Director, SC3DP), Gurtaj Padda (CEO & MD, Tune Talk), Jasmine Tay (Curator, Gallery Art Now)
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Ms. Lakshmi Mohanbabu presenting a memento of appreciation to Ms. Goh Swee Chen (Chairman, NTU Board of Trustees and Chairman, National Arts Council, Singapore)
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Left to Right: Mr. Goi Kim Kok (Managing Director, NuStar), Mr. Sim Guan Teo (Director of Engineering, NuStar),  Ms. Lakshmi Mohanbabu, Prof. C Q Lai (MAE, SC3DP, NTU)
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  • Main
  • ABOUT
  • PORTFOLIO
  • PRESS
  • INTERACTIONS
  • DEEP OCEAN - A Global First
  • MOON Shot
  • ON THE MOON 1
  • ON THE MOON 2
  • ON THE MOON NFT
  • INTERACTIONS Installations
  • INTERACTIONS Lenticular
  • Installations Lamps
  • Expressions
  • Colour Spectrum
  • Strata Morphosis
  • Jewellery
  • Contact