art stage

[dropcap size=small]F[/dropcap]orget 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.

NEW IN ACTION The eight edition of Art Stage Singapore sees more interaction between art and collector.

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.

(RELATED: Revisit last year’s successful Art Stage.)

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.”

ALL EYES ON THAILAND: Up-and-comers of South-east Asia’s next burgeoning arts scene.

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.

BACK AT HOME Local collectors open up their homes and art collections to Art Stage VIPs for the Signature Collectors’ Visits.

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. 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.”

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