Art aficionados and the culturally-minded are in for a treat: The Year of the Horse kicked off with Singapore Art Week and Art Stage in January, and continues with an unfolding of more than 60 exhibitions, speaking engagements, tours and art events throughout 2014. Singapore proves it has more to offer than its financial prowess with these thoughtful showcases:
Singapore Biennale
Once every two years, this bustling city transforms into a playground for artists, collectors and art admirers. Organized by the Singapore Art Museum of the National Heritage Board, the Singapore Biennale allows local and regional artists to gather in the city-state under one common passion: contemporary art. The theme for this year’s fourth Biennale, “If The World Changed,” speaks true to the current state of Southeast Asia, as it continues to develop and grow, and as countries and cultures try to make sense of modernization, interaction and individualism. Using various forms of art and weaving in lectures and workshops throughout February, collaborators from around the region interpret how they see the world and what they envision in the future. The Biennale encourages visitors to explore the entire historic art district of Singapore (Bras Basah.Bugis); each modestly priced ticket (about $8 US for adults) includes a daily guided tour of the neighborhood including the Singapore Art Museum, National Museum of Singapore, Peranakan Museum and the National Library Building. Through February 16
“Flux,” Art Plural Gallery
Located near the historic art district is the beautiful four-story Art Deco building that’s home to Art Plural Gallery, a space dedicated to modern and contemporary art. The latest attraction is the acclaimed collective “Flux.” The multimedia exhibit bridging East and West was unveiled during Art Stage in mid-January. It features more than 20 local and international artists, including contemporary French painter Fabienne Verdier, American sculptor Jedd Novatt and Singaporean filmmaker-photographer Sherman Ong, showing off various media such as drawings, photography, sculpture and paintings. Through February 28
“A Changed World: Singapore Art 1950s-1970s,” National Museum of Singapore
For those wondering how Singapore has changed over the decades, visitors can take a deeper look into the country’s history and discover the pre-cosmopolitan Singapore, thanks to “A Changed World: Singapore Art 1950s-1970s.” The National Museum’s latest exhibit features paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures from Singapore’s very own greats such as Ong Kim Seng and Cheong Soo Pieng. The intriguing exhibit traces from immediately after World War II to the 1970s through more than 120 works of art from the National Collection. Through March 16
Affordable Art Fair Singapore
For purveyors and collectors of art, Singapore is a prime location with dedicated fairs and pop-up galleries where you can exercise your artistic eye (and wallet): Starting with Will’s Art Warehouse in 1996, Will Ramsay bridged the idea of unifying contemporary art and the London gallery scene with affordability. Thus the Affordable Art Fair was born and has been visited by millions and welcomed by metropolitan cities such as London, New York, Amsterdam, Hong Kong and now Singapore. Singapore’s fair takes place from May 22 to 25, with art tiers ranging from S$1,000 to S$10,000 ($784 to $7,838 US dollars), promoting galleries and dealers. The fair can feature various movements from abstract and conceptual to installation and pop art. May 22-25
Singapore Art Fair
Toward the end of the year, the city-state will host the Singapore Art Fair, an annual showcase of talent from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. The goal of the fair is to enrich cultural exchange and artistic development, while bringing together collectors, galleries and art aficionados from these different regions. The fair will showcase between 80 and 100 galleries, including 20 solo show projects from up-and-coming Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian artists. November 27-30
Photo Courtesy of Soe Naing-Yone Arts Gallery at Art Stage Singapore