Despite the heavy downpour earlier in the afternoon and the fact that it was a Thursday evening, the crowds turned out in force on the opening day of the annual Affordable Art Fair. And while the crowd comprised a varied mix of art lovers, buyers, supporters of galleries and local artists, a fair amount of transactions seem to be taking place. One key reason for the Affordable Art Fair's success may be that visitors will be sure to find something to fit their taste as well as budget too. The Home & Decor team did a quick tour of the fair and rounded up 10 booths worth checking out. So here's our Editor's Picks in alphabetical order.
(18-20 November at the F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Boulevard)
Despite the heavy downpour earlier in the afternoon and the fact that it was a Thursday evening, the crowds turned out in force on the VIP-nite of the annual Affordable Art Fair. The Home & Decor team did a quick tour of the fair and rounded up 10 booths worth checking out. So here's our Editor's Picks in alphabetical order.
1) Art Front Gallery (3B-14)
Helmed by Watson Tan, a veteran in the fashion industry, Art Front represents a large stable of Asian artists, such as Edo Pillu, Iqi Qoro (work shown here) and Suyeun Lee. The works on display reflect some of the more unique styles that's gaining popularity among art collectors in the West.
2) Barnadas Huang (3B-19)
We're in love with this piece by Angola-born artist Alvar Farre. Drugstore & Phone Nakuru showcases a scene with the Mwela people in Southern Angola, from the area of Huila. The interesting technique draws you into the image and instantly transports you into the scene. The details in the ladies' dressing are also something you can pore over and appreciate.
3) Duru Art Space (3A-15)
Feautring artworks from South Korea, this piece captivates simply because you can't tell where the frame ends and where the art begins. This visual illusion also brings to mind the question of how one defines art because if art is all about craftsmanship and skill, then the intricately gilded frame should be considered an artpiece on its own, no? Welcome to the Matrix.
4) Eye Storm (2C-18)
This 'almost-anime' like piece is called Puppets, by Jacky Tsai. It features a mix of Eastern and Western well-known cartoon imagery blended into the scene of a fight breaking out across the stage of a Chinese theatre hall. We like it because there's so much action packed into one print, and if you're looking for something interesting to fill that wall in your living room, this could well be it! Psst... this piece goes for $2,095 (unframed) and $2,595 (unframed).
5) Gamo Gallery (3B-18)
Fancy something unique with a bit of technology as well? Check out Gamo Gallery's range of glowing pictures by Hwang Seon Tae. The homely settings of the images are enhanced with artificial sunlight streaming in from the LEDs embedded behind. While some may find this a tad too tacky, it's still refreshing to see how natural and real the effect looks. Not sure how to hang your artworks? Find out more here.
6) H-art Beat Gallery (3B-04)
Artist Masayuki Tsubota utilises aspects of Japanese minimalism in his 3D artworks, allowing the shadows and wall to become a part of the work as well. Profound or plain, it's up to you. After all, beauty does lie in the eye of the beholder.
7a) La Lanta fine Art (3A-20)
We had to dedicate two mentions to this booth simply because it's got so much interesting works on the walls. Meet Bruce, by olivier Duhamel. Bruce's Adonis-like pose and torso is created from diagonally-cut wood panels. Resembling a topographical map laid over a human body, the artwork is fascinating because it changes its form depending on where the viewer is standing and the way light is shone on the undulating yet sexy curves. And at $5,500, we think it's quite a steal.
7b) La Lanta Fine Art (3A-20)
Artist Chamnan Chongpaiboon uses dots to create interesting patterns across the faces of his portraits. It's like a collection of many small mandalas. The paintings themselves come in huge canvases, perfect for filling those bigger walls.
8) Lethbridge Gallery (2C-13)
While contemporary artists tend to shy away from using realism in their paintings, one can't help but admire the finesse and technical perfection in artist Brett Lethbridge's paintings. The collection depicts different ways a red cloth is flung into the air or tied up (as shown). what's amazing is the way the artist managed to successfully recreate the depth of the shadows and the flawless shading on the redness of the cloth. There's a lot of strength and vibrance in his work, which needs to be seen to be believed.
9) Space1326 (3B-05)
We're still not sure what to make of artist Kwak Dong-Hoon's glass sculpture of his crumpled shirt, but there is a an alluring factor about the way the artwork meticulously depicts something so random, so ordinary. Perhaps it's similar to what Andy Warhol was trying to capture with his depictions of soup cans. The booth also showcases other South Korean artists, such as No Soon-Cheon, No Eun-Hee and Gam Seung-Bin.
10) Seoshin Gallery (2D-14)
If you prefer something more down-to-earth and easy to digest, this mixed-media piece by Choi Jee-Yun will be sure to satisfy. The circular shape also makes it a unique piece that can be placed on a statement wall in an apartment. If you're in need of some inspiration, check out what this homeowner did with his artworks.