ArtSingapore aims to be largest contemporary art fair in Asia
Carla Bianpoen, Contributor, Jakarta
Contemporary Art is nothing new in Asia today. That will be particularly highlighted in the ArtSingpore art and trade fair which runs from Sept. 29 through Oct. 3 at Suntec Singapore.
Fifty galleries covering art from 14 countries will be showing their best in 65 booths at Suntec Hall 402. Participating art galleries are from Singapore (29), Australia (3), Indonesia (1), Italy (1), Japan (3), Korea (5), Malaysia (1) The Philippines (2), Taiwan (2) and Vietnam (3).
This year's event sees a diminished participation from Indonesian galleries, probably due to financial difficulties here, but the works by Indonesian artists remain well-represented in Singapore's galleries.
Another disappointment was when a U.S. gallery with authentic works by European masters (Picasso, Mtisse, and Rembrandt) canceled its participation.
Nevertheless, Chen Shen Po, who has for the past three years organized ArtSingapore as a consultant, retains a big vision for the Art Fair. Now heading ARTREACH Pty. Ltd., the organizer of the event, she plans for it to be the biggest and best art fair in Asia.
Expecting 17,000 visitors and targeting a US$3 million turnover in sales this year, she is confident that participation, which grew from 19 to 50 exhibitors this year, will rise to 100 art galleries next year. "We are already planning to double the space for next year's ARTSingapore," she revealed.
According to Shen Po, collectors of Western art are now taking an interest in Asian art, and Asian collectors who used to buy art by artists of their country have taken an interest in art from their neighboring countries as well.
On the other hand, in the West, the big-name masterpieces are being priced out of the market. The supply is getting less or the art collectors are getting tired of the same old things; they are looking east to discover what is "fresh" and "exciting".
"We hope ARTSingapore fills this gap and presents this niche of Contemporary Asian artists on an International platform. This is the place to discover the Asian flavor and see hundreds of established and new names in the art world. Being located in Singapore, we understand Western psychology and speak a Western language, yet remain very Asian in our offering: A perfect bridge for the East and West," said Shen Po.
The amazing variety of art spanning works of established and emerging artists worth $20 million in total, is particularly highlighted by the event's achievement to have the works by the renowned Japanese avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama, who, at age 76, is still considered to be among the best in the world.
Residing in a private psychiatric hospital well-known for its advances in art therapy, her major works are this year being shown at the National Museum of Modern Art in Kyoto, Japan (Eternity, Modernity); at Bunkemura Gallery in Tokyo; Eight Places for the Burning Soul in Hiroshima; Kusama: Part 1-Painting (recent work 1980-1993) at the Fuji Television Gallery in Tokyo, and as a special feature at ARTSingapore 2005.
There is also Zhu Wei, who is recognized as one of the leading contemporary Chinese artists. The art offered was made during his residency at the Singapore Tyler Print Institute (STPI) in 2004 where he was invited to work with the STPI team and use their facilities to create and publish a limited edition of fine art prints and unique experimental print and paper forms.
New Pictures of the Strikingly Bizarre #2 was made with 14 colors, staining, stencil, woodcut, lithograph, screenprint on STPI handmade white cotton paper, printed from four stencils, 31 woodblocks, one aluminum litho plate and three screens, 127 centimeters by 101.6 cm.
Another artist who worked at STPI Singapore Tyler Print Institute is senior Indonesian senior artist Srihadi Soedarsono (b. 1931), who is known for his mastery of color.
The Serenity of Borobudur' 101.6 cm by 127 cm, made with seven-color woodcut, a lithograph on off-white handmade paper, sublimely captures the spiritual atmosphere of the Borobudur temple and can be considered a revival of his early genius.
Other highlights include works of Singaporean artist Chua Ek Tay, Min Wae Aung from Myanmar, Ahmad Zakii Anwar from Malaysia, Tran Luu Hau from Vietnam, MF Hussain from India and many more.
The ARTSingapore was initiated by the Singapore Art Galleries Association in 2000. Their objective to promote an art gallery trade was based on ethical practices. They also wanted to highlight the role and responsibilities of reputable art dealers.
In its fifth year now, it has grown into a reputable art and trade fair. While still enjoying strong support from the Singapore Art Galleries Association, the event also benefits from MeesPierson The Private Bankers of Fortis as a sponsor. It is also supported by the Singapore Tourism Board and the National Arts Council.
in box: ARTSingapore Sept. 29 through Oct.3 Level 4, Hall 402 Suntec City, International Convention and Exhibition Center Singapore
For more information: Contact Ms Chen Shen Po Tel. ++65 6235 4113, e-mail info@artsingapore.net, website www.artsingapore.net