In a new initiative that reflects Singapore’s insatiable appetite for Chinese art, the Affordable Art Fair has introduced two fun filled specialist activities into the programme of its new May Fair which will be held at the F1 Pit Building on 23-25 May 2014.
CHINESE ART DIALOGUE
An informal panel discussion in Mandarin featuring experts in contemporary Chinese art, and an interactive pottery demonstration – are designed to re-connect local Singaporeans with their heritage and give them the opportunity to brush up on their knowledge of contemporary Chinese art in a hands-on experience.
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 Art Gallery, will host a dialogue on contemporary Chinese art. The 45-minute discussion will be moderated by Mr Lim Choon Jin, President of the Modern Art Society Singapore (MASS), and is designed to give the audience a chance to ask those burning questions on everyone’s lips direct to artists and experts involved in the art world.
Exploring ideas such as context, location, tradition and impermanence of an artwork, thoughts and questions for the session will be focused around a key question. “How are new ideas and locality, expressed through current Chinese ink practices?”
INTERACTIVE POTTERY STUDIO DEMONSTRATIONS
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 participants the opportunity to try their hand at creating their own clay masterpiece.
Built in 1940 for the production of consumer pottery wares such as latex cups and orchid pots for the local market, the dragon kiln is now a cultural icon and tool for educating the younger generations on traditions, heritage and Chinese culture, particularly that of the Teochew dialect group. The magic of the wood kiln is that pots are engulfed in a river of fire as ashes react with the glaze to produce unpredictable colours and textures, producing unique pieces that have a blush of flame not found when firing in gas and electric kilns.
SCHEDULE:
Both activities are offered free to visitors to The Affordable Art Fair and will be held according to the following timings:
CHINESE ART DIALOGUE
24 May, Saturday, 3.30pm
Location: Affordable Gastronomy Restaurant , Level 3, Paddock 3
中国艺术对话
5月24日 星期六 下午三点半
地点：Affordable Gastronomy Restaurant, Level 3, Paddock 3
INTERACTIVE POTTERY STUDIO DEMONSTRATIONS
23 May, Friday, 4pm – Big Objects
24 May, Saturday, 4pm – Functional Ware,
6pm – Finishing Touches
25 May, Sunday, 12pm – Functional Ware (teapots),
4pm – Finishing Touches
Location: Level 2, Paddock 1
About Affordable Art Fair
Founded in London 15 years ago, the Affordable Art Fair demystifies the world of art for its visitors in a fun and accessible way. The Fair’s mission is to inform and inspire visitors to feel empowered to view and buy from a huge variety of art – all within a pressure-free environment.
With an emphasis on displaying clear information and prices, so that there are no surprises, the Fair also offers a wrapping service on site, so that must buy artwork can be taken home on the spot.
Over 1.4 million people have visited an Affordable Art Fair since its launch in London in 1999, and over £203 million (SG$427 million) worth of art has been sold. A truly global brand with 17 Fairs annually on four continents, in cities from Singapore to New York, Milan to Mexico City, Affordable Art Fair focuses on the fun side of viewing and buying art and seeks to put art into every home, large or small, whatever the budget.
Compelling art tours and fun arty activities are held on-site over three days to provide a creative, inspiring and informative atmosphere – helping visitors of all ages to increase their understanding and enjoyment of art. Works from young emerging artists are displayed alongside established,
well-known names, so whether visitors are looking for a traditional piece or something contemporary and stylish, there really are works of art for everyone.
The first Affordable Art Fair Singapore in 2010 saw huge success with the participation and support of over 15 partners and sponsors, 50 galleries, 9,500 visitors and S$1.75 million in sales. Last November, the fair welcomed 17,800 visitors and achieved S$4.9m of art sales, reflecting the public’s growing appetite for contemporary art.
For the past five years, the Affordable Art Fair has received a CoolBrand award in the UK for being one of the coolest brands as nominated by the British public. http://www.coolbrands.uk.com.
Opening Times:
Special Event Days
22 May, Thursday, (Private View by-invitation only): 1800 – 2200
Public Days
23 May, Friday: 1200 – 2000
24 May, Saturday: 1200 – 2000
25 May, Sunday: 1100 – 1800
Ticket Prices (at the door):
General Admission (public days): $15
Students & Seniors: $8
Group Package (4 adults): $50
Children under 16: free admission
SISTIC advanced sales (booking fees may apply)
General Admission: $12
Students & Seniors: $8
Group Package (4 adults): $40
