Today in Singapore, the visionary Art Singapore (ART SG) unveiled its second iteration at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands within the lively capital city, on view through January 21. Alongside Fair Director Shuyin Yang and Co-Founder Magnus Renfrew, the dynamic event partners with UBS and The Art Assembly, bringing presentations from 114 galleries and 33 countries across the world.
This January, Art Singapore Uplifts 114 Galleries from 33 Countries
Courtesy of Art Singapore.
Distinguished international galleries returning to this year’s fair include Yavuz Gallery, Goodman Gallery, Thaddeus Ropac, Gagosian, Lehmann Maupin, White Cube, Kukje Gallery, and Xavier Hufkens, with 39 vibrant newcomers such as Poligrafa Obra Grafica, Asia Art Center, Kaikai Kiki Gallery, Taro Nasu, BANGKOK CITYCITY, Chi-Wen, Gathering, Sabrina Amrani, and BASTIAN. The forward-thinking fair will introduce visitors to a wealth of singular programming illuminated by Singapore’s remarkable myriad of private foundations, cultural institutions, and visual art museums, as well as allow a close look at the masterpieces of artists such as Lee Bul, Ai Weiwei, Bernar Venet, Simon Fujiwara, Mike Tajima, and Chu Teh-Chun.
“We are proud to be bringing an international art fair of this stature, magnitude and representation to Singapore once again,” said Renfrew. As the world emerges from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, galleries are setting their sights on new horizons, with Asia taking center stage. The region’s economic vibrancy and growing appetite for art collecting are drawing global attention. Singapore, positioned at the heart of Asia, stands out as an ideal destination for galleries seeking to expand their audience. Its strategic location, status as a key nexus in the region, and commitment to fostering a vibrant art ecosystem make it the gateway to a burgeoning art market. ART SG, together with the support of our partners, will continue to be a key driver in supporting Singapore’s ambition in becoming a distinctive art city and cultural hub.”
GALLERIES Offers Shows By 69 Regional and International Galleries
Yeo Siew Hua, “The Wandering,” Film Still, 2020; courtesy of the artist.
Three overarching categories reveal a meticulously curated Art Singapore lineup: GALLERIES spotlights the multi-faceted works of an array of artists; FOCUS calls attention to curated thematic shows, and solo or duo artist exhibitions; and FUTURES introduces galleries that have been operating under 10 years with unique activations. In addition, the PLATFORM sector will highlight must-see, site-specific installations. A riveting FILM program, curated by Sam I-shan (former curator for the National Gallery Singapore), is hosted alongside ArtScience Museum, and engages visitors in a noteworthy TALKS program with luminaries of the intentional art landscape.
Art Singapore’s main stage category, GALLERIES, offers vivid shows by 69 regional and international galleries with skilled artists in a variety of disciplines including video, sculpture, photography, and painting. Kaikai Kiki Gallery (Tokyo) offers a look at the inspired work of emerging and contemporary Japanese notables—including standout painter Aya Takano. Waddington Custot (London) unveils projects by Michael Craig-Martin, Hans Hartung, and Ian Davenport, with a dazzling sculpture by Jean Dubuffet titled Tour aux récits (Tower of Stories). FOCUS debuts 36 shows with a keen eye on new media, digital art, and the evolution of artists’ deft practices. Gathering (London) displays an experiential installation by 2019 joint Turner Prize Winner Tai Shani, while KOSAKU KANECHIKA (Tokyo) unveils the inaugural overseas solo exhibition of Japanese visionary Yutaka Aoki with abstract works using divine light as potent inspiration.
FUTURES Reveals Cutting-Edge Works Created in the Past 18 months
Kiki Xuebing WANG, “Broom,” 2023, Oil on linen, 190 × 140 cm.; © Kiki Xuebing WANG, courtesy of the Artist and LINSEED.
FUTURES reveals specially curated works which have been created in the past 18 months and never-before-seen in a gallery. The Back Room gives voice to emerging names from Southeast Asia and Central America: Red Hong Yi, Marcos Kueh, and Antonio Pichillá Quiacaín, in a booth with a sumptuous and fluorescent, multi-work installation. Themes of femininity, indigenous identity, and post-colonialism are explored with great nuance and sensitivity.
PLATFORM and TALKS Shines Light on Artists and the Southeast Asian Ecosystem
PLATFORM shines a light on five diverse artists—Gordon Cheung, Bondi Widjaja, Marcos Kueh, Donna Ong, and Ian Davenport—with sweeping installations throughout Art Singapore. British-Chinese artist Gordon Cheung offers mixed-media installation Home, which is reminiscent of traditional Chinese windows and uses bamboo and financial newspapers to investigate conquest and China’s swift urbanization. Zoe Butt, Director and Founder of in-tangible institute, curates the savvy TALKS program, discussing top concerns of the Southeast Asian ecosystem with cultural figureheads—including necessary support for up-and-coming curators, dealers, and artists.
Courtesy of Marina Bay Sands.
