Art Stage Singapore 2018 is here! Marking its eighth edition, the art fair will be held this weekend, Jan 26 to 28, at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre. This year, the fair gives special focus to Thai artists and galleries in light of their booming art scene, especially in the capital, Bangkok.
Here are 10 things at the fair we liked that you might want to check out!
Kang Hyung Koo. Self-portrait, 2010.
Talk about making an entrance. Be greeted by this imposing 6.9m long painting by Korean artist Kang Hyun Koo at the Expo doors E6.
Presented by Tiroche DeLeon Collection, Booth A9.
Kamin Lertchaiprasert.The Timeless Present Moment, 2012-2016.
One of the special presentations, this three-part exhibition comprises a painting, an installation of 365 raku tea bowls and a sculpture of the Thai artist. The installation depicts spiritual observance, revealing the ongoing process of the nature of life.
Presented by Numthong Gallery at Booth S2.
Natee Utarit.Untitled Poems by Theodore Rousseau, 2017.
An artpiece done exclusively for Art Stage, Thai artist Utarit presents a triptych that was inspired by his daily encounters with oak trees from the Forest of Fountainebleau near Barbizon Village.
Find it at Booth S1. Presented by Richard Koh Fine Art.
Naufal Abshar. Majulah Singapura, 2017.
Part of Abshar’s ‘HAHA’ series, this tongue-in-cheek painting depicts the imagined mind of an anthropomorphic Merlion (a metaphor for Singaporeans, perhaps?), filled with stereotypical Singaporean concerns. Art Porters Gallery exclusively represents the Indonesian-born Lasalle College of the Arts alumnus.
Find this artwork at Art Porters Gallery, Booth B8.
Geraldine Javier. Hysteria, 2011.
A special exhibition and the biggest gallery booth at the fair, the Tiroche DeLeon Collection displayed many fun and eye-catching works, such as this installation by Filipino artist Javier.
Check it out at Booth A9.
Alexander Calder. Split Boulders, 1974.
Presented by the Omer Tiroche Gallery, London, the fair features the 'Calder on Paper exhibition', a unique selling exhibition of gouaches on paper by the late American artist.
Find his brightly coloured gouches and his famous mobiles at Booth A10.
Ran Hwang. Healing Blossom.
This delicate beauty was put together with paper buttons, which were attached to pins and then hammered individually onto the wood base. Through the fragility of the medium and the depicted cherry blossom motif, the Korean artist reflects the transient nature of life.
Come see this at Ode to Art, Booth D4.
Agus Suwage.The Kiss #4, 2011.
Told you the Tiroche DeLeon Collection was fun. And provocative. I'll leave you to interpret this painting by the Indonesian artist.
Look for it at Booth A9.
Wang Du. Object No.9.
A piece of luggage dressed in hairy skin-like covering. Disgusted? Well, that is the desired reaction of its maker, Paris-based Chinese artist, Wang Du. It is work of cultural criticism that derides humanity's overconsumption of material goods, the senseless nature of the act of exchanging our physical exertion for mere things.
Tang Conteporary Art, A8.
If you're more inclined towards well-designed functional pieces rather than pure art, there might be something for you at The Artling Collectible Design Showcase. Find extremely covetable items, all exquisitely designed, such as this Measure of Reflection mirror by Ministry of Design for Industry+.
Find The Artling Showcase at Booth S7, or shop on their online store too.
Do catch performances such as live paintings and talks by notable speakers on the theme of the distinctions between art and design. For more information on the schedule for this weekend, visit Art Stage's website.
Have an artful weekend!