Singapore Art Week 2023
Photography by Colin Wan
This year's event, helmed by the National Arts Council, will feature over 700 artists and curators from Singapore and around the world who will present over 130 programs and exhibitions. Over the past decade, SAW has established itself as a premier event in Asia's visual arts calendar, showcasing the best of Singapore's vibrant and diverse visual arts community. With a wide range of arts offerings, from art fairs and exhibitions to talks and tours, SAW 2023 will provide ample access to the arts and connect it to wider society.
Isamu Noguchi Octetra Five Element Pyramid constructed of fiberglass reinforced plastic, presented at ART SG.
The highly anticipated ART SG fair marked the beginning of a new chapter for the art market in Asia. Held over four public days, the fair showcased a diverse range of works, making it a global destination for contemporary art. As part of the dynamic Singapore Art Week, ART SG attracted a significant number of private collectors, VIPs, and representatives from leading local and international art institutions. With its rich programming, the fair provided ample opportunities for dialogue, discovery, and exchange, solidifying Singapore's position as a key player in the international art world. The first edition of ART SG was held at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre and welcomed over 42,000 visitors, demonstrating the city's vibrant cultural fabric. Leading cultural institutions and galleries across Singapore held exhibitions, performances, and special events, attracting a truly global audience. The success of ART SG confirms its critical role in developing the audience for contemporary art in Southeast Asia and connecting the region to the wider art world.
Jaume Plensa sculptures presented at ART SG.
“The launch of ART SG represents the beginning of
the next phase of the development of the art market in Asia. We are so grateful for the support of our
galleries and partners who have come together for the inaugural edition of the fair. Amongst a diverse
spread of arts events across the whole city, we are also deeply thankful for the support of the city and
the people of Singapore for making the first iteration a highly attended and celebrated moment in a
world-class art week. We firmly believe that the success of the fair through robust sales, exceptional
presentations and curated programming has cemented Singapore as a vital art market hub for the
Asia Pacific.”
- Magnus Renfrew, Co-Founder, ART SG
Installation view of Haegue Yang's The Hybrid Intermediates – Flourishing Electrophorus Duo (The Sonic Intermediate – Hairy Carbonous Dweller and The Randing Intermediate – Furless Uncolored Dweller) , as part of Singapore Biennale. Image courtesy of Singapore Art Museum
Over 50 artists and collaborators took part in the named Biennale: "Natasha," using their imagination and research to re-discover ways of seeing and relating to the world. The act of naming is seen as a prompt for intimacy and spontaneity, and serves as a reflection on the potential for transformation in relationships, from self to others, from human to non-human, and beyond. The artists and collaborators are described as "fellow travelers" in the journey of Natasha, making this Biennale a unique opportunity for artistic expression and discovery.
Installation view of Ong Kian Peng's The Vicious Sea (2022), as part of Singapore Biennale. Image courtesy of Singapore Art Museum
The Singapore Biennale is a premier platform for international contemporary art and a showcase for the creative vitality of Singapore and the region. Established in 2006, it brings together artists, arts organizations, and the international arts community for exhibitions, public engagement, and education programs. These programs include talks and tours with artists and curators, workshops, school visits, and community events. The Singapore Biennale enriches the cultural fabric of the city, further establishing Singapore as a thriving destination for art, culture, and lifestyle.
The Pierre Lorinet Collection – Gillman Barracks. Photography by Colin Wan
Pierre Lorinet is a distinguished figure in the business and arts worlds. He holds several high-level positions in companies such as Trafigura Group, Puma Energy Holdings, and Cofco International Limited. In addition to his corporate involvement, he is active in philanthropy through his family foundation and is a Non-executive Director of several organizations. His passion for visual arts is evident in his contributions to the arts scene in Singapore. He was a member of the National Arts Council from 2015 to 2021 and is currently the Chairman of the stART Fund, a private funding initiative for small arts organizations. He has also joined the acquisition committee of the Singapore Arts Museum and acts as an advisor to ART SG. Lorinet's long-standing commitment to the arts has earned him several awards, including Friends of the Arts, Patron of the Arts, and Distinguished Patron of the Arts. As an avid art collector, he has a particular interest in sculpture and minimalism, and he is proud to share part of his collection with the world.
The Pierre Lorinet Collection – Gillman Barracks. Photography by Colin Wan
The Pierre Lorinet Collection has brought together a stunning showcase of significant contemporary works for the first time, showcasing the connection between the pioneers of Minimalism and prominent Asian artists of the 21st century. The collection, which was founded by Pierre Lorinet in 2012 with a focus on Minimalism, has since been relocated to Singapore and has become a hub for Asian-born artists who have been influenced by this rigorous and influential art movement. The exhibition features works by renowned artists such as Ai Weiwei, Chen Zhen, Nam June Paik, Haegue Yang, and Korakrit Arunanondchai, all of whom have a strong background in art history and a deep commitment to their contributions to modern art and their respective countries. The exhibition is a testament to Pierre Lorinet's passion for art and his desire to experience emotions through radicalism.