Art Stage 2018 takes visitors into the heart of private collections.
Art Stage 2018 takes visitors into the heart of private collections.
Forget the stark white walls of conventional art galleries. The eighth edition of Art Stage features a more relatable setting in which to appreciate works of art – in the homes of the collectors themselves.
Called the Signature Collectors’ Visits, the programme sees art connoisseurs opening their residence to share how and what they collect. Visitors can gain insight, for example, into how couple Michelangelo and Lourdes Samson curate their South-east Asian collection, which includes pieces by Singaporean art duo Perception3 and Indonesian contemporary artist Jumaldi Alfi.
Meanwhile, at the abode of Richard Nijkerk and his wife, art from Japan mingles with those from the US, among them a waterfall painting by Hiroshi Senju, an artist famed for traditional Japanese-style works.
Says Lourdes Samson: “When we were asked to show our collection, we agreed because we felt that collectors should be part of the art discourse in Singapore and the region.
“We like to think that our collection reflects what we love about South-east Asian contemporary art – the diversity of artistic practices that draw from rich local histories and cultures.”
The programme was first launched at Art Stage Jakarta in 2016 and has since had two successful runs with important collectors such as Wiyu Wahano and Lo Hengky opening up their homes. It is exclusive to collectors and art professionals listed as Art Stage VIPs.
Art Stage Singapore founder and director Lorenzo Rudolf thinks the move is a much- needed one. “The art scene and art market in Singapore are stagnating, while the art scenes around South-east Asia are growing and developing.” But it hasn’t been easy to convince local collectors to show their pieces to other collectors, much less to the public. He adds: “But it is a mindset that’s changing in Singapore. At the core of it all, it is a discussion of their passions and it should be normal for this progression to happen here.”
Art Stage Singapore runs at Marina Bay Sand Expo Convention Centre Halls A - C, from Jan 26 to Jan 28. Preview on Jan 25. http://www.marinabaysands.com.
DESIGNED FOR ART
Disciplines blur.
Art is no longer limited to just aesthetics. A marriage of art and design can be observed at Art Stage with works by design studios such as the Singapore-based Dazingfeelsgood. Consider its “System” side tables, inspired by American artist Sol LeWitt’s Wall Drawings: a three-dimensional hypnotic steel interpretation accentuated by light and shadow. The functions that demarcate art and design have become blurred – a topic that will anchor Art Stage’s South-east Asia Forum this year. The Artling Collectible Design Showcase will see a curation of design pieces from South-east Asian designers. Says Rudolf: “There are more people who are collectively buying art and design pieces and we can see how these two fields go hand in hand in our homes and daily lives.”
ALL EYES ON THAILAND
Up-and-comers of South-east Asia’s next burgeoning arts scene.
01 ARIN RUNGJANG
The 43-year-old Thai artist is best known for exploring Thailand’s history and politics through video and installation works. On display is his 2015 multimedia piece, Mongkut, documenting his re-creation of King Rama IV’s crown and discussion of the country’s longstanding sovereignty.
02 KAMIN LERTCHAIPRASERT
Lertchaiprasert is best known for his sculptures. His pieces, some of which have been acquired by the Guggenheim Museum in New York, centres on spirituality and religion. Check out his No Past No Present No Future, a resin-cast life-size sculpture of the artist meditating.
03 NATEE UTARIT
Utarit draws aesthetic influences from Western paintings and adds commentary on Thailand’s society and identity. His latest series, Optimism Is Ridiculous, sees Renaissance Christian- style altar pieces in diptychs and triptychs with symbolic references to Buddhism.
