Singapore’s newest and most interesting art fair, Singapore Contemporary, opens with an exclusive VIP program and Vernissage on Thursday January 21st, followed by three days open to the public on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, January 22nd, 23rd and 24th.
The inaugural edition of the show, with the theme “A World of Art,” presents more than 3,000 works of art from 65 exhibitors and installation art by 14 artists. Exhibiting galleries are from Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, South Korea, Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Russia.
Held across a stunning 6,000-square-meter space at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Singapore Contemporary unveils a number of works that have been specially created for the Show. Wellknown Australian artist Emma Hack has created a portrait commission of Singapore-born Adelaide City Lady Mayoress Genevieve Theseira-Haese, “Our Lady Phoenix.” Proceeds raised from the sale of the work will be donated to the Eurasian Association of Singapore. British ink-pen artist Jeff Murray presents “Singapore Sling” – works fusing Singapore’s natural beauty with the city’s state-of-the-art architecture. Renowned Korean sculptor Jang Seunghyo (known as Sho Jang) has created an amazing six-part installation for the show – comprising hand-made tiles, bearing sculptures of “Art Blossom” chess pieces and looked down upon by two huge “art” chandeliers.
Emma Hack will also conduct a live body-painting exhibition for the opening of the Show on Thursday 21st, taking eight hours to transform her muse with head-to-toe paint.
Show Director Douwe Cramer said that visitors to Singapore Contemporary have a lot to look forward to: “This is an exceptionally interesting show – most of the artworks have never been seen in Singapore before, and many are by artists who are just starting to break through on the international stage, winning prestigious prizes and achieving success at auction. We think Singaporeans and overseas visitors here for Singapore Art Week are going to love it! And all visitors are invited to join an extensive program of complimentary tours, live painting demonstrations and a fabulous children’s program.”
Added Michael Lee, Acting Chairman of the show’s Advisory Board: “The members of the Advisory Board are excited to be involved in Singapore Contemporary. The Organiser is making a real effort to reach out to the different sectors of the local visual arts community and we are very pleased to be asked to provide our insights. I believe Singapore Contemporary is a very welcome addition to Singapore Art Week and will contribute to further grow Singapore’s standing as a regional arts hub.”
Tickets for Singapore Contemporary are now on sale at www.singaporecontemporary.com or www.sistic.com. Tickets purchased before the show are S$30 for a single day, S$20 for a single day concession or S$54 for a three-day pass, and the ticket holder can bring a friend for free. Tickets purchased at the show door are the same price, but admit one person only.
Click here to view Singapore Contemporary’s list of exhibitors.
COMPLIMENTARY ACTIVITIES FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN
ART TOURS: Invited guests and ticket holders are welcome to participate in a series of show tours, which explore the artworks of various participating nations and different genres of art, plus the opportunity to meet with artists and learn what inspires their work. On a first-comefirst- served basis, visitors can select from these tour topics:
Meet the Artist
Learn what motivates and inspires six talented artists at the show
Hidden China
Discovering collectible Chinese contemporary paintings
Art of Southeast Asia
An introduction to works from Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines
Japan and Korea Revealed
Inside the mysteries of Japanese and Korean contemporary art
Contemporary Sculpture
A wonderful selection of works in bronze, ceramic, glass, stone and more
LIVE PAINTING DEMONSTRATIONS: Four artists with very different styles of work will present live painting demonstrations, Artist Talks and take questions on Friday January 22nd.
Simon Wee (Singapore)
2pm – See acclaimed local artist Simon Wee demonstrate his technique of painting on canvas and linen, and present an Artist Talk & Q&A.
3.30pm – Simon Wee will again demonstrate his technique of painting on canvas and linen, and present an Artist Talk & Q&A.
Jeff Murray (United Kingdom)
3pm – Learn about the works and techniques of British ink-pen artist Jeff Murray, who will give a live demonstration, and Artist Talk & Q&A.
5pm – Jeff Murray continues his live ink-pen demonstration, and presents another Artist Talk & Q&A.
Awiki (Indonesia)
4.30pm — See a demonstration of Awiki’s unique hand painting, and join his Artist Talk and Q&A.
Madeleine Ekeblad (Australia)
2.30pm – Watch a demonstration by this talented Australian artist who works with enamel, acrylics and old music manuscripts, accompanied by an Artist Talk and Q&A. Madeleine will explain how she incorporates musical themes into all her vivid paintings.
4pm – Madeleine Ekeblad continues her live painting demonstration, and presents another Artist Talk & Q&A.
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS: Children are welcome at Singapore Contemporary – we hope their experience at the Show will be the beginning of a life-long love of art! All programs are complimentary, and on a first-come, first-served basis. Thanks to Little Artists Art Studio for managing and conducting these programs with their qualified team of art teachers.
Macey and Sons Kids Art Tours
Conducted by Little Artists Art Studio, these fun and educational tours are open to children 5yrs to 11yrs of age. Please meet at the Macey and Sons Kids Art Tours counter right inside the main entrance at 10 minutes before the hour. Tours are limited to 15 children.
Tour Times – Friday January 22 – 4/5pm; Saturday January 23 – 12/1/2/3/4pm; Sunday January 24 – 12/1/2/3/4pm
Macey and Sons Kids Art Studio
Operated by Little Artists Art Studio, this is a fun place for children from 3yrs to 11yrs of age to engage in supervised painting, drawing and other art projects. Experienced art teachers will coach children in the creation of a unique artwork to either display at the Show or take home. There is also a great display of artworks by talented students from the Little Artists Art Studio – drop by and take a look!
Children’s Programs kindly sponsored by Macey and Sons Auctioneers & Valuers Limited.
