A new international art fair – ART SG – has debuted in Singapore,
showcasing and retailing thousands of art pieces from over 1,000 artists
from 12 to 15 January 2023.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the event, Keith Tan, CEO of
Singapore Tourism Board congratulated and thanked the organisers of ART
SG for making this happening, citing the importance of arts and culture
in Singapore.
“Our multicultural and vibrant society gives us a unique identity as a
country,” Tan shared. “It differentiates us from other cities, and it
helps us to offer a very wide range of experiences for those who love
and enjoy art and culture.”
The inaugural edition of ART SG marks Southeast Asia’s largest art
fair to date, featuring over 160 exhibitors that represent some of the
world’s leading galleries. Prior to its public opening, ART SG had a VIP
preview day on 11 January where thousands of international art
collectors from Asia, Europe and the US turned up to appreciate and
purchase the artwork.
The art fair takes places across two floors at the Sands Expo &
Convention Centre. In addition to the main GALLERIES sector, there is
FOCUS, a contextualised sector featuring galleries presenting solo or
duo artist programmes, or curated thematic presentations.
There is also FUTURES, a sector dedicated to supporting young
galleries below six years, with specially created presentations, and
REFRAME, for galleries showcasing art that is engaged with, made or
presented using digital technology, including digital painting,
animation, immersive installations, augmented or virtual reality, and
non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
Other than creative art installations, the public can also look
forward to art programmes, experimental film, and panel discussions.
“Being in Singapore is emphasising the idea that the city might be
the new hub of the Asian art market,” said Eric Firestone, Eric
Firestone Gallery (New York, East Hampton). “The doors are swinging open
and it was great to meet so many new collectors from Singapore and
Taipei in particular. Magnus Renfrew is a fantastic fair promoter and is
firmly planting his flag in Singapore.”