The Art Galleries Association (Singapore), (AGA), today
announced the launch of ARTSingapore 2001, the world's premier contemporary Asian art
fair. Following the success of the inaugural launch last year, ARTSingapore 2001 looks set to
be the crowning jewel in the region's 2001 art calendar. Catching the Asian wave at the right
time, the fair will feed the growing appetite for Asian art.
“Asia is enjoying a new cultural renaissance. It is producing a new generation of world class
filmmakers, musicians, painters, writers, dancers, designers, actors, etc. There is also growing
interest in Asians about Asian art as well as of the West in the East. ARTSingapore 2001 will
showcase some of Asia’s best artists,” said Professor Tommy Koh, Singapore’s
Ambassador-at-large and Patron of the Fair..
Fair Director and President of AGA Mr Chua Soo Bin said, “Our inaugural fair last year
received much interest and encouragement which strongly affirmed our belief that we have
successfully identified a void in the market. Last year, more than 9,000 international and
local art connoisseurs, collectors and auction season patrons thronged the five-day fair. We
hope to attract at least 15,000 visitors from around the world this year.”
He added, “With strong support from the Singapore
Tourism Board, ARTSingapore aims to position Singapore
as the focal point for galleries from the region to exhibit
and trade and to strengthen Singapore’s reputation as a
leading centre for Asian art. At the same time, we hope to discover and nurture young Asian
talents and promote the established artists.”
ARTSingapore 2001 promises to be a bigger and more prestigious affair with a bigger venue
and stronger international presence. To date, 15 local and foreign galleries have signed up
and more are expected to jump on the bandwagon over the next few weeks. More than half
of last year’s exhibitors will also be returning to the fair. The fair presents an excellent
opportunity for networking with the art dealers, collectors, artists, enthusiasts as well as new
buyers in the region.
Some of the Singapore galleries participating in this year’s
fair include Art-2, Art Forum, Gajah Gallery, Plum
Blossoms Gallery and SooBin Art Gallery. At present, the
foreign galleries taking part in ARTSingapore 2001 are Art Space from Japan, Hwa’s Gallery
from China and The Myanmar Gallery of Contemporary Art. The fair organisers hope to
include more international representatives.
ARTSingapore 2001 will also be held at a bigger venue – at the Singapore International
Convention & Exhibition Centre. There will be bigger booths this year based on feedback
from last year's participants.
Visitors can expect a real visual treat with its showcase of myriad paintings and other
two-dimensional works, sculptures and ceramics representing Asia’s finest contemporary
artists and artworks. Another main draw of this year’s fair is an installation by renowned artist
Mr Tang Da Wu. A series of talks and workshops on various topics of art collection and
preservation will also be conducted throughout the five-day fair to promote greater
understanding and appreciation of Asian art.
IMAGE:
Vasan Sitthiket
Golden Age, 2000
Oil on canvas
100 x 100 cm
Represented by Thabivu Gallery,
Bangkok, Thailand
Related Links:
