SINGAPORE 24/08/2012. Art Stage Singapore, the eagerly anticipated Asian contemporary art fair, proudly presents the launch of the
‘Indonesian Pavilion’ in its upcoming 2013 edition, taking place from 24-27 January. Aiming to be the most reflective, orchestrated representation of Indonesia’s arts scene, the
‘Indonesian Pavilion’ will form a dedicated show space of over 1000 sqm, with its own entrance within the main Art Stage fair. This first-of-its-kind artistic platform will display key Indonesian galleries as well as featuring a curated exhibition of Indonesia’s leading contemporary artists, presenting the best of Indonesian art; whilst showcasing Indonesia’s place amongst the crème de la crème of the international art scene.
Indonesia’s art scene
After China and India, Indonesia has become one of the region's biggest and most prolific markets for contemporary art. In 2012, the participation of Indonesian galleries in major art fairs dropped by up to 50% compared to the previous year. The resulting limited access to international collectors and limited market access for emerging artists in Indonesia is a growing concern for the arts world, a concern Art Stage Singapore hopes to address with the Indonesian Pavilion.
Art Stage Singapore's Founder Lorenzo Rudolf explains, “The Indonesian art scene needs an internationally competitive platform in Asia where it can showcase its best. When a number of Indonesian artists came to me and expressed their anxiety over their limited access to the international art scene and market, I decided it is the right time for Art Stage Singapore to use both its regional advantage and resources to facilitate a new dynamic for both Indonesian artists and galleries”.
Dr Oei Hong Djien, the founder of the private OHD Museum of Modern and Contemporary Indonesian Art, also remarked on the importance of the Indonesian Pavilion by saying, “Indonesia, the fourth biggest country in the world with its rich in diversity and high quality contemporary art cannot wait any longer to play a bigger role and to have a larger share in the global art scene. Well-planned big promotions of international scale are needed. This is the aim of the Indonesia Pavilion which I fully support.” Deddy Kusuma, a respected patron of Indonesian art, also backed the initiative by remarking, "I fully support the Indonesian Pavilion at Art Stage Singapore because it is a good, and the only, chance for Indonesian art to go international."
The Indonesian Pavilion
Featuring over 30 of Indonesia’s established and emerging contemporary artists,
‘The Best of Indonesia’ is a
curated exhibition that showcases the true landscape of Indonesian art. Most of the works will be unveiled for the first time outside Indonesia, and many have been created exclusively for Art Stage. Heri Dono, one of the most internationally celebrated and recognised Indonesian artists also backed the initiative by saying, “I am both proud and enthusiastic to support the launch of the Indonesian Pavilion at Art Stage 2013. The Pavilion offers an opportunity for Indonesia’s contemporary artists to show their most inspiring works and celebrate Indonesia’s growing international reputation, whilst exploring their own artistic journey within the global art scene."
The Indonesian Pavilion’s
‘Galleries’ section will play host to a key selection of Indonesian galleries. To encourage participation and ensure a true representation of Indonesia’s burgeoning arts scene, Art Stage Singapore is offering a host of benefits and incentives to those galleries attending the fair, fostering the talent of the future. Biantoro Santoso, founder of the Nadi Gallery commented, “The Indonesian Pavilion is good for the Indonesian art scene. This pavilion is focusing on Indonesian art so that the audience will be aware of it, and see Indonesian art more widely. It will also be an opportunity for us to accomplish our mission to promote Indonesian contemporary art in a strong and more concentrated presence."
The Indonesian Pavilion at Art Stage Singapore 2013 aims to create an unprecedented representation of Indonesia’s contemporary art, establishing itself as one of the most sought after destinations for global art enthusiasts.
Endorsements:
“Indonesia, the fourth biggest country in the world with its rich in diversity and high quality contemporary art cannot wait any longer to play a bigger role and to have a larger share in the global art scene. Well-planned big promotions of international scale are needed. This is the aim of the Indonesia Pavilion which I fully support.”
Oei Hong Djien, Indonesian Art Collector
“The Indonesian Pavilion, which will be put forward at Art Stage Singapore 2013, is the only way and chance for Indonesian art to participate in a large-scale exhibition on the international… Only with a large-scale exhibition will our desire for Indonesian art to go international be achieved. The reason is that the other important international art fairs, such as Basel, Miami, New York, London, Paris and even Hong Kong, do not provide a chance for Indonesian art to be exhibited in such a total and great way.”
Deddy Kusuma, Indonesian Art Collector
“…Any event that helps to recognise the true value and beauty of art needs to be salvaged and spread to the world. Art is part of a cultural journey that must be observed as a sign of wisdom in a nation. On the other hand, art involves the elegance of a country's ability to consider the welfare of human life… Art should be like the pulse that keeps the heart beating.”
Melani W. Setiawan, Indonesian Art Collector
“The Indonesian Pavilion is good for the Indonesian art scene. This pavilion is focusing on Indonesian art so that the audience will be aware of it, and see Indonesian art more widely. It will also be an opportunity for us to accomplish our mission to promote Indonesian contemporary art in a strong and more concentrated presence."
Biantoro Santoso, Founder of Nadi Gallery
“The presentation of the Indonesian Pavilion at Art Stage Singapore 2013 could make established and young Indonesian artists even more well known and appreciated Internationally”.
Tommy Suprayitno, Founder of Galerie Canna
“It can be challenging for people new to the Indonesian art world to get the lay of the land. The country is so large, activity is spread across several art centers and infrastructure is evolving. ArtStage Singapore's Indonesian Pavillion will give the uninitiated an essential entry point. It will be like a friend with years of experience on the ground introducing you to the most notable artists, the key trends and the essentail background information. You'll walk away knowing why an understanding of this country and its artists is critical for anybody who really cares about what's happening in art globally.”
Entang Wiharso, Indonesian Artist
“I think the idea of the Indonesian Pavilion is a challenging new idea... It is a bold and risky move by the organisers of Art Stage Singapore. As an artist who likes new possibilities, I have a strong will and desire to be involved in this moment. Art Stage Singapore is a logical and strategic choice for Indonesian artists.”
Jumaldi Alfi, Indonesian Artist
“Indonesian contemporary Art has been growing rapidly… [but] sadly, the infrastructure is still weak. Art Stage Singapore will allow people to better understand the dynamics and cultural tensions [of Indonesian art].”
Krisna Murti, Indonesian Artist
“Indonesia is very rich in terms of cultural diversity. It's contemporary art scene has huge potential, but despite a large number of art practitioners, it lacks infrastructure. Art Stage Singapore will definitly support it's further development.”
Arahmaiani, Indonesian Artist
“I am very happy and proud to participate in this great exhibition. As artists we are also proud that we can carry the name of Indonesia…Thank you Art Stage Singapore, you have paved the way and opened the door for Indonesian artists.”
Yudi Sulistyo, Indonesian Artist
“It is always a great privilege and opportunity to expose “Indonesian Contemporary Art” to the world. As an artist, I am excited to participate in this special Best of Indonesia exhibition that will be the heart of the Indonesian Pavilion at Art Stage Singapore 2013.”
Sri Astari, Indonesian Artist
About Art Stage Singapore:
Art Stage Singapore is a unique artistic landmark fair both for Singapore and the entire Asia Pacific region. As one of the biggest social highlights of the year, Art Stage Singapore aims to promote and drive the Asia Pacific art market whilst encouraging collaborations with inter-related creative industries in celebration of the arts. Art Stage Singapore 2013 will continue to strengthen the fair's unique philosophy which emphasises three core values: quality, exhibition of art in context and presenting and supporting the art scenes and markets of Asia Pacific, with a specific focus on South East Asia.
Kick starting the 2013 international arts calendar, the third edition of Art Stage Singapore will take place from 24 – 27 January at Marina Bay Sands.
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For press enquiries, images and quotes please contact:
Regina Chan, Director of Communications
regina@artstagesingapore.com
+6582285613
