An exciting line up of new local and international artists sets the scene for the Affordable Art Fair’s second annual edition, which has also ramped up the fun and entertainment with a range of art-related interactive initiatives, educational tours and children’s activities.
Opened yesterday until Sunday (May 25) at the F1 Pit Building, The Fair marks Affordable Art Fair’s 100th global event, since the unique concept launched in London 15 years ago. The Fair’s founder, Will Ramsay, flew into Singapore to celebrate the occasion at the opening preview today.
Showcased at the Fair are the works of more than 600 new artists, presented by a total of 82 galleries, including first-timer, Noah’s Ark Gallery from Beirut, as well as returning galleries like Y2Arts from Singapore.
A wide range of up-and-coming international names and emerging local talents are a feature of the Fair, with wallet-friendly works to suit all tastes, priced at S$100 and everything under S$10,000 — with 75 per cent priced under S$7,500.
100 mini artworks
To celebrate the 100th Fair landmark, there will be an exhibition and sale of 100 mini artworks, donated from across the globe and from a range of artists, priced at $100 each, reflecting the staging of Singapore’s fifth Affordable Art Fair, the artwork have been created in A5 size, with proceeds going to the charity, The Red Pencil Humanitarian Mission.
Speak with the experts
And, in a first for the Singapore art scene, the Fair will introduce interactive experiences, educational programming and exhibitions, such as a Chinese art dialogue, educational tours like gallery speed dating, and an all new Children’s Art Studio.
The Chinese art dialogue will take the form of a panel discussion in Mandarin, featuring experts in contemporary Chinese art.
The 45-minute discussion will be moderated by Mr Lim Choon Jin, President of the Modern Art Society Singapore (MASS), and two Chinese artists — Goh Beng Kwan and Tung Yue Nang, as well as art specialist and collector, Mr Terence Teo, from the Cape of Good Hope Gallery.
Underscoring its aim to democratise the art world, the Affordable Art Fair will run a series of art programmes, including a new, gallery ‘speed dating’ tour for those who are looking to learn more from the experts while meeting other art lovers.
Visitors will have the chance to sign up for the half-hour, guided tours, tolearn about specific mediums and artists and to get tips on buying and collecting art.
Living with Art
Also for families, Dutch design company Bugaboo, will showcase a new range of Andy Warhol-inspired children’s strollers alongside an interactive Instagram photo wall for visitors to snap pics against a fun backdrop and post the photos at #AAFSGBugaboo, for a chance to win one of only six strollers Andy Warhol Banana strollers to be sold in Singapore.
Taking creativity to another level, the Fair’s Official Furniture Partner, Fred Lives Here, has given local artists the opportunity to turn four of the store’s casual chairs into special works of art. The chairs will be on show at the Fair and sold later at the furniture store.
Creative Fun with Pottery
For visitors to further immerse themselves in the creative fun, Thow Kwang Pottery, which owns one of the oldest surviving brick-built dragon kilns in Singapore for wood-firing, will present live pottery wheel demonstrations, featuring resident artist, Steven Low, while giving Fair visitors the opportunity to try their hand at creating their own clay masterpiece.
Especially for the kids, the Children’s Art Studio will be hosted by the Amazing Art Shuttle, and sponsored by GEMS World Academy (Singapore), and will offer a range of free, fun-filled workshops for children aged four -12. Rolling up their sleeves, they can learn art techniques such as paint blowing, leaf stamping and finger painting.
Rest and Relax in alfresco dinning
Fair-goers can rest and relax in the Affordable Gastronomy Restaurant, while enjoying a variety of delicious dishes, a glass of wine or other refreshing beverages, from merchants such as Dean & Deluca and Cold Stone Creamery.
Set in an alfresco, garden setting and created by gastronomy concept, Savour — the Group responsible for the successful annual culinary event , the restaurant will offer everything from sushi to burgers. Or, they can unwind at Nespresso Maison and sample free Nespresso while contemplating which artworks they have fallen in love with.
Will Ramsay, the Fair founder, comments: “The response to the new May Fair in Singapore is a true testament to Singapore’s enthusiasm for the concept. As awareness of the Affordable Art Fair grows globally, we will continue to ‘raise the bar’ with fresh experiences and a great range of the latest artwork.”
Fair Director, Camilla Hewitson explains, “We are so honoured to be hosting the 100th Affordable Art Fair here in Singapore. By introducing so many new and exciting programmes for the May Edition, we are truly celebrating with gusto as we continue to meet Singapore’s demand for more art by providing twice the fun!”
Koh Kar Siong, Regional Head of main sponsor, DBS Treasures and Treasures Private Client says: “As part of DBS’ commitment to be a leading wealth manager in Asia, we are always looking for unique sponsorship platforms that aim to engage, enrich and educate. The regional partnership with the Affordable Art Fair is one such platform and we have received positive feedback from our clients following the huge success of the Fair last year. We are delighted to be working with Affordable Art Fair again to cater to the increasing interest in the arts and culture among our clients,”
The Affordable Art Fair, Singapore
Venue: F1 Pit Building (1 Republic Boulevard)
Dates: 23 Friday – 25 Sunday, May 2014
