A highlight of Singapore Art Week, Singapore Contemporary 2017 showcases one of the biggest displays of modern artworks
‘Tis the season for the arts, and culture vultures will surely have their ‘lil black books packed with chin-stroking performances from the likes of the Aliwal Urban Arts Festival and M1 Singapore Fringe Festival through the month of January. But for those curious about the latest movers and shakers in the world of modern art (and even better, if you have a couple of bucks to spare), the Singapore Contemporary is the place to discover new and established artists from Singapore, Asia, Europe, Australia and America.
Held at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre from 19-22 January, this year’s edition will feature exhibitors from over 25 countries showcasing a diverse range of investment-worthy works. It’s a mind-boggling selection to go through and lucky for you, we’ve done the legwork ahead of its launch. Whether you’re looking for a statement pop art piece for the home or if you’re just someone sussing out local art, here’s a quick guide on what’s on offer.
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If you’re looking for…works by local artists
Neo traditionalist pieces from Singaporean artists Ling Tang Chang and Simon Wee, both established talents in the local art scene, stand out with their unique juxtapositions of contemporary techniques and traditional Chinese style of painting. Another up-and-coming artist to have on your radar is Andre Tan, whose unapologetically brash work take inspiration from cultural and pop icons.
If you’re looking for…provocative conversation starters
Nothing gets a dinner party going like a thought-provoking mealtime discussion. Want to impress your arty-farty posse? Then have a look at these prints by famed Japanese photographer Daido Moriyama, known for gritty street photography with a deliberate, out-of-focus finish. Here, works such as “Eros or Something Not Eros” and “Fishnet Tights in Shimotakaido” imbue a subtle eroticism.
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If you’re looking for…crowd-pleasing pop art
Pop art pieces are always fun additions to any collector’s stash and at Singapore Contemporary, you’ll find fail-safe options from world-famous artists like Keith Haring. South Korea’s Lee Young Ha offers a decidedly different interpretation on the art form. Instead, he juxtaposes the images of 44th US President Barack Obama and civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. in a single portrait – if you’d like to proclaim your love for two of the world’s most prominent icons in history, this one’s for you.
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If you’re looking for…experimental mediums
One of the show’s major highlights is photography as an increasingly popular artistic medium that’s worth investing in, and the Singapore Contemporary Art Show shines the spotlight on artists Kate Baker and Olivia Marty. While Baker, an Australian photographer, fuses photography, printmaking and sculpture into her works; France’s Marty integrates photography, architectural elements and street art, all inspired by scenes from Vietnam’s past.
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If you’re looking for…soothing landscapes
Zen out to these calming vistas by Roger Dean and Shen Gubo. Sci-fi fans, don’t miss artist, designer and publisher Roger Dean’s futuristic print of a topographic ocean. For something closer to Earth, Shen Gubo’s elegant ink paintings may inspire your next trip to the Orient. Influenced by Buddhism and traditional Chinese culture, he brings picturesque scenes of China to life with vibrant mineral colours.
Besides browsing through the exhibits, there are fun and enriching activities such as complimentary talks, tours, and painting demonstrations, and a specially curated platform dedicated to photography – so save the gallery-hopping itinerary for another day, and mark this event in your calendars now!
The Singapore Contemporary is on from 19-22 January at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Tickets start from $25 for a one-day pass to $48 for a three-day pass. Special 2-for-1 prices are available for tickets purchased online and before the show opens – buy one ticket, and bring a friend for free! Book them here!
This article is sponsored by Singapore Contemporary