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The ART SG event is Singapore’s flagship art fair, and this year marks its second edition. Taking place from January 19 to 21, 2024, at Marina Bay Sands, it is one of the highlights of the Singapore Art Week, happening from January 19 to 28, 2024.
The event format this year differs slightly from the previous one (you can see a review of ART SG 2023 in the clip). The New & Now section, which used to feature artworks priced below $10,000, has been canceled. Additionally, the Reframe has transformed into the “Digital Spotlight” badge, awarded to exhibitors who distinctively integrate art and technology in a spectacular manner. Before diving into the exhibition, it must be noted that ART SG has been subject to belittlement even before it officially cut the ribbon.
@taeartman สวัสดีครับ เต้ Art Man กลับมาแล้ว!! วันนี้ขอเชิญชม รีวิวงาน ART SG งานแสดงศิลปะใหม่ล่าสุดที่ได้ประกาศไว้ว่าจะจัดงานให้ใหญ่ที่สุดใน Southeast Asia โดยงานนี้เพิ่งจัดไปในช่วงสุดสัปดาห์ที่ผ่านมา ระหว่างวันที่ 12-15 มกราคม 2023 ที่ Marina Bay Sands ประเทศสิงคโปร์ ต้องบอกว่าการจัดงานของ ARTSG ครั้งนี้สะท้อนอะไรได้หลายอย่างมากโดยเฉพาะเรื่องภาพรวมตลาดศิลปะใน Southeast Asia ครับ อยากจะให้ชมกันจริงๆเพราะมีอัพเดทข้อมูลล่าสุดจากผู้จัดงาน และ ผมจะทำ clip ภาค 2 เกี่ยวกับงานนี้ ติดตามกันด้วยนะครับ ปล. มีผลงานภาพวาด Collection ล่าสุดปี 2022 ของ Yayoi Kusama ให้ได้ชมด้วย น่าสนใจมากๆ ##ARTSG##Review##singaporeartweek##artsgallery#ศิลปะ #saw2023 #artcollector #marinabaysands #เที่ยวรอบโลก #ศิลปะภาพ ♬ original sound – เต้ Art Man
ART SG 2024- facing criticism before the opening
The anticipation surrounding ART SG 2024 ahead of its opening day is not particularly positive. In the previous year, it positioned itself as the largest art fair in Southeast Asia, showcasing 164 galleries from 35 countries. However, this time, it appears to be struggling to meet the expectations it set for itself and to contend with established events like Art Basel Hong Kong for the throne.
However, this year, 89 galleries—more than half of the previous edition’s participants—have decided not to continue with ART SG. This includes key industry players used for promotion and attraction, such as David Zwirner, Perrotin, Galleria d’Arte Maggiore (G.A.M.), Pace, and others. In an attempt to recover from this setback, only 39 new galleries have been incorporated, resulting in a total of 114 exhibitors this year. This marks a decline of over 30% compared to the previous year. Furthermore, the description or tagline for ART SG this year states, “The Southeast Asia’s Leading International Art Fair,” while last year it claimed to be “The Southeast Asia Largest Ever Art Fair.”
There are some analysis that the decision of numerous galleries to abstain from participating in ART SG may be attributed to the downward trend in the art market in the United States since the previous year. This economic uncertainty has instilled a sense of caution among galleries, deterring them from committing to additional expenditures. However, this rationale appears incongruent with the recent developments in Art Basel 2024, slated for March 28-30, 2024. Art Basel 2024 has witnessed a notable upswing in participating galleries, surging from 177 to 243—an impressive increase of 37%. Particularly noteworthy is the comparison to the year 2022, prior to the inaugural edition of ART SG. In that year, Art Basel Hong Kong featured a modest 130 exhibitors. This stark contrast implies a nearly twofold growth in the event’s scale within the span of just two years. (Thank to ART SG for contributing to the heightened competition in this region, art enthusiasts such as myself can enjoy the further development of art industry.)
ART SG 2024- vibe and energy on site
Upon entering the venue, a notable observation is the spacious layout, likely a reflection of the reduced number of exhibitors this year. Positively, the space is not densely packed, as was the case in the previous edition, and it also offers increased seating areas, particularly for enjoying coffee.
In the quest for exploration and conversation, some exhibitors reported the swift sale of their showcased artworks. This is in line with the overall vibe, energy, and the number of people I witnessed at the fair. Some booths attract a substantial flow of visitors, while others appear quieter and more secluded. In my observation, this variation is influenced by the meticulous preparation and presentation of the exhibits. Additionally, the range of activities within each booth, such as engaging artist discussions or showcasing artworks with innovative mechanisms or technologies, plays a significant role in attracting people to the galleries.
Here, I’ve collected the moment and some artwork for your appreciation.
The artwork titled “Immortal Word” by Singaporean artist Boedi Widjaja creatively integrates the playful concept of a gachapon dispenser, infusing it with the idea of intricacies of DNA structure. The piece reflects on the earliest spoken words by humans in Southeast Asia around 15,000 years ago, encompassing primal expressions like fire, father, mother, and give. Enabling audience engagement, individuals can partake in the experience by getting a random gachapon capsule for 10 Singapore Dollars to unveil a tube containing the synthesized DNA structure of a chosen word. Each tube is accompanied by a certificate as an NFT, serving as a souvenir. This artistic endeavor was endorsed by National Arts Council (of Singapore).
MadeIn Gallery’s booth by Xu Zhen, an Chinese artist renowned for his diverse artistic expressions in various medium and a two-time participant in the Venice Biennale, has been a continuous attraction. Personally, I waited quite long for the moment to capture images. Many of oeuvre in this booth possesses captivating and intriguing elements.
The Evolution-Standing Female Attendant, Bwa Bobo Mask, 2017 by Xu Zhen, almost 2 m. high scultpture which integrate the classical chinese believe with primitive art. The artist also combine the the cognitive changes that brought about by the development of the Internet. Personally, the sculpture face is look like emoji.
The Where do I click to unsubscribe?, 2023 by Xu Zhen. The artwork utilized only steel chains arranged to form various words on a mirror stainless steel , creating a reflective surface. When I visited, many people were eagerly waiting to take photos with this work, capturing their favorite words. After observing for a while, I realized that the artwork doesn’t reflect the words directly in front of it but instead mirrors the viewers through the words they choose.
The “Under Heaven” series employs oil paint within a cream piping bag, crafting an artful portrayal reminiscent of a cream cake surface. This confectionary dimension serves as a poignant reminder of life’s joyous and sweet moments for the viewers. The artist aims to convey the concept of hedonism through this creative exploration.
There are still more artworks to explore.
ART SG 2025- next bout and future of Singapore Art Ecosystem
In the latest official announcement, the number of ART SG visitors this year has reached over 45,000 people, surpassing last year’s figures by around 3,000. Although this falls short of the Art Basel Hong Kong attendance from the previous year, which exceeded 86,000 people (almost 50%), it is still an encouraging figure, especially considering the nearly 30% decrease in participating galleries. It’s also worth noting that ART SG has only been organized twice, while Art Basel Hong Kong has reached its 11th edition this year.
ART SG underlines Singapore’s steadfast commitment to becoming a prominent art capital in Southeast Asia. The nation’s well-planned and diligent experimentation, marked by learning from both successes and setbacks over the past decade, has led to a profound realization of the significance of establishing a central hub for the art market. This hub is essential for catalyzing growth across diverse sectors within Singapore’s art ecosystem, and in this equation, ART SG is inevitably the pivotal instrumental component.
ART SG stands as a prominent highlight within the expansive canvas of Singapore Art Week, a series of exhibition and artistic activities taking place nationwide from January 19 to 28, 2024. Having explored various highlights, including the immersive LighttoNight art and light show, an exhibition featuring works by artists such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Paul Gauguin, and a gigantic commissioned installation by Shilpa Gupta at the National Gallery Singapore, and a visit to the art-centric precinct of Tanjong Pagar Distripark, formerly an old port warehouse now transformed into the showcase venue for the Singapore Art Museum, it is evident that Singapore Art Week this year differs significantly from the previous edition. I perceive that Singapore endeavors to communicate a distinctive message to the international art community. Let’s find out what is it in Singapore Art Week 2024 Review here
The ART SG’s third edition next year will be scheduled on January 17–19, 2025 (with VIP & Venissage on January 16), at Marina Bay Sands.
Some samples image from Singapore Art Week 2024 Review
Bonus: The narrative of the exhibition featuring Liu Kuo-Sung, a master of contemporary Chinese ink painter, unfolds as one of the most exceptional highlights of last year’s Singapore Art Week. Hosted at the National Gallery Singapore, the showcase garnered immense acclaim, prompting an extension until February 25, 2024. Occupying two full galleries at the National Gallery Singapore, it unquestionably stood out as a transcendent highlight, inviting enthusiasts to witness this extraordinary exhibition.
Story: Tae Art Man
Photos: Tae Art Man / Tooh Athit
