“Electric” Sales at ART SG
The second edition of ART SG had some worried that the fair would undergo a “sophomore slump”, but it seems that this was not the case. Despite fewer blue-chip alleries in attendance, many reported feeling “more energy” at the fair due to the various art events taking place across the island during Singapore Art Week. Several booths reported selling more than 50% of their inventory: Singapore-based Yavuz Gallery sold about 80%, predominantly work by notable Thai artists such as Pinaree Sanpitak and Manit Sriwanichpoom. Sundaram Tagore Gallery also sold most of its booth, with total sales exceeding $1 million. Veteran art dealer Pearl Lam observed that Singapore’s economy “has attracted a significant number of high-net-worth individuals”, making the nation the ideal place to grow a thriving private art market.
Local Artists Take Over Peace Centre
Meet PlayPan: the once-seedy Peace Centre, now given a new lease of life — at least, until its demolition at the end of January. In its final days, the owners of the doomed mall underwent the decision to open the building up to artists’ activities, resulting in a frenzy of mural painting, guerilla installations and impromptu art exhibitions. A total 80-100 participants are estimated to have taken up temporary residence in Peace Centre, and this isn’t counting the thrift store owners, social service workers and even recycling companies that have found a use for the space in the last few months. As PlayPan co-founder Yvonne Siow explains: “In providing [artists] the space to showcase their talents and empowering them to produce exceptional works of art, we awaken their passions and level the playing field.”
Hong Kong’s M+ Undertakes Ambitious Year-long Programme
Based in the heart West Kowloon Cultural District, the leading global arts institution M+ has announced a vibrant 2024 programme, packed with innovative events that feature some of Asia’s biggest creative names. In February, visitors will be treated to an interdisciplinary exhibition titled Shanshui: Echoes and Signals, which draws on the relationship between landscape and humanity in a post-industrial virtual world. In March, the museum will open Noir & Blank: A Story of Photography, its first-ever photography exhibition that features photographers across the world. Following that, M+ will unveil I.M.Pei: Life is Architecture, a retrospective on the influential architect who designed buildings like the Grand Louvre in Paris. In the winter, the museum’s cinema programme will explore the history of Beijing in its programme Once Upon A Time in Beijing, featuring blockbuster films such as The Last Emperor (1987) and other independent films/documentaries. The museum will also be showcasing its collaboration with China’s first couture artist Guo Pei, whose work blends Chinese cultural heritage with international elements and artistic expression.
Pearl’s Hill Terrace, Once an Artists’ Enclave, Now Facing Extinction
Though few are likely to be familiar with any artist independent spaces in Singapore, 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace, located in Chinatown, has become a hotspot for upstart creatives in the last few years. Under the management of master tenant Jerry Tan, this once-barracks has been transformed into an eclectic selection of independent spaces, hosting several artist’s studios, pottery spaces, tattoo shops, jewellery ateliers, music schools, and even a taxidermy workshop. This has been made possible by the place’s remarkably low rent, which has allowed creative startups to find a home there. However, this rare space is slated for redevelopment in March 2025, which means that this tight-knit artists’ enclave wil vanish unless the government changes its plans.
See more: https://www.straitstimes.com/life/arts/singapore-s-independent-arts-clusters-fight-to-lay-down-roots
Amidst Economic Crosswinds, London’s Art Scene is Thriving
Despite an international economy bogged down by global crises, London’s contemporary art scene continues to attract international galleries. This week, art enthusiasts will flock to the sixth edition of Condo London, which features 27 international dealerships across 23 London galleries, and will feature works by emerging artists, priced under a very affordable range of $20,000 and below. The challenge, according to gallerist Venssa Carlos, was keeping Condo London “small and intimate” at a time when demand for art is spiking. Last year, a cluster of galleries opened in the Bloomsbury district, not previously known for its art offerings; at the same time, dealerships such as Emalin and Niru Ratnam were able to expand their spaces across the cities, suggesting that post-COVID London has become an unlikely hotspot for up-and-coming sellers.
See more: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/22/arts/design/condo-london.html
Ke Dong is a seasoned art writer and current double major in English Literature and Art History at NTU. Having worked with esteemed art institutions in Singapore, Ke Dong now regularly contributes his keen research skills, adept writing abilities and passion for art to the Art Works discourse.
