ARTSingapore 2009 Fair – new photography fair, high value sales and gallerists pick top fairs in Asia today

SINGAPORE CONTEMPORARY ART FAIR 2009

It is the most established art fair in Asia, having just completed its ninth consecutive year running, and it is uniquely different from other leading fairs in the region. ARTSingapore, despite being a major international art event, feels smaller and much more manageable than other leading fairs. ARTSingapore keeps its intimate feel in spite of the presence of 36 major international galleries and arts centers (complete list here), and also offers 2 new treats this year, with a ‘New Finds’ section for emerging artists and also the inclusion of a separate space dedicated to the photographic arts.

Traditional Fruitmarket, by Richard Winkler, 2009. Oil on canvas. 150x200 cm.

‘New Finds’ section for emerging artists

This year’s addition of a ‘New Finds’ section offers new artists and young galleries the opportunity to show their work to the international community. Regarding the decision to include this new section, Fair Director Chen Shen Po says:

“We are keeping in mind the current economic recession in Singapore and hope that ‘New Finds’ will provide emerging artists with a platform to develop and establish their career in the arts industry.”

Brand Obama!, by Hughie Doherty, 2009. Mixed Media. 76x50 cm.

This year’s 12 featured ‘New Finds’ artists include:

Brian Adams [Singapore]     Chankerk [Singapore, presented by Fill-Your-Walls, Singapore]     Christiane Wyler [Singapore]
Donovan Phity [Indonesian, presented by Adoramus Art Gallery, Indonesia]       Hughie Doherty [Hong Kong]
Hwang Ouchul [Korea]     Jennifer Tan Doherty [Hong Kong]      Kim Ki Soo [Korea, presented by Simyo Gallery, Korea]
Ling Yang Chang [ Singapore, presented by Momentous Arts, Singapore]     Marga Duin [Netherlands]     Nupur Chaube [India]
Shin-Young Park [Korea, presented by AndrewShire Gallery, Singapore & USA]

Within ARTSingapore: AIPF 2009- first Asian photography fair

The other new feature at ARTSingapore this year is the Asia International Photography Fair 2009 (AIPF 2009) exhibition, which is housed together with ARTSingapore and displays the works of 12 independent international photographers. This year’s inception of the AIPF marks the first Asian art fair dedicated explicitly to contemporary photo-based artworks.  The AIPF 2009 exhibitors include:

Andre Ruesch [Santa Fe, NM, USA]     Chris Enos [Santa Fe, NM, USA]       Henry Aeagoncillo [Santa Fe, NM, USA]
Lee Manning [Santa Fe, NM, USA]       Marcia Keegan [Santa Fe, NM, USA]       Sealey Brandt [Singapore]
Susan Herdman [Santa Fe, NM, USA]       Thea Witt [Santa Fe, NM, USA]       Thomas Vorce [Santa Fe, NM, USA]
Ward Russell [Santa Fe, NM, USA]       Willis F. Lee [Santa Fe, NM, USA]        Yuki Aoyama [Japan, presented by Wada Gorou]

Kiowa Fancy Crow, by Marcia Keegan, 2009. Cibachrome archival prints, print 40.6x50.8 cm, matted 129.5x193 cm

Satisfying sales and turnout, Richard Winkler emerging as hot star

Multiple presenters at ARTSingapore reported being satisfied with the visitor turnout and sales at the event. The obvious star of the show were the works by Richard Winkler, a Swedish artist who lives in Bali, presented by the Zola Zolu Gallery from Indonesia.  On Monday afternoon, the last day of the fair, at least 18 of Winkler’s paintings had sold to collectors from around the world. This is indicative of the prices that fair buyers were prepared to pay this year, as Winkler’s works started at $150,000 USD. Other galleries also reported encouraging sales, but some also mentioned that being present at this fair and making an impression was most important– immediate sales were not a top priority.

Which are the top fairs favoured by gallerists?

When questioned what fairs they will be attending this year, presenters stressed the importance of ARTSingapore, but also included ART HK, Art Dubai, the Korean International Art Fair (KIAF), and ART ASIA Miami on the short list of highly prioritized shows. Each show has its own character, and gallerists reported that ARTSingapore is known for its intimate and efficient atmosphere, and a dynamic mixture of art from anywhere and everywhere.

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