The fair's second edition aims to showcase art in an artistic context by supporting special projects and presentations: Asian galleries are juxtaposed against a limited amount of carefully selected Western top galleries. The 120 exhibitors from 18 countries add unparalleled value to the fair by creating over 50 special projects and presentations.
Art Stage Singapore 2012 is proud to present a lineup of world-class exhibitors
and incomparable special projects. Held at Marina Bay Sands from 12 to 15 January 2012, the fair’s
second edition presents the best and most exciting of Asia’s artistic creativity – the most important,
interesting and stunning artists and galleries. The fair aims to showcase art in an artistic context by
supporting special projects and presentations: Asian galleries are juxtaposed against a limited
amount of carefully selected Western top galleries. The 120 exhibitors from 18 countries add
unparalleled value to the fair by creating over 50 special projects and presentations.
Japan-based Gallerist Tomio Koyama described Art Stage Singapore as a “contemporary art fair
which shows the new direction of the Asian art market. The context of an Asian, instead of Western,
aesthetic point of view is what makes Art Stage Singapore appeal to the entire art market.”While
American artist David LaChapelle said, “The fair is at once global and intimate. It isn’t just all about
anonymous selling; it’s about relationships and art.”
The fair’s focus has always been directed toward quality over quantity, so despite a large increase
in the number of applications, there has been a substantial jump in the quality of presentations and
the level of presenting exhibitors. This year’s applications had to pass even more stringent and
rigorous admission criteria, so there is a definite difference and improvement in the quality of
works and projects.
Only in its second year, the fair has managed to attract new, high profile exhibitors including:
prestigious international galleries such as Galerie Eigen+Art (Leipzig/Berlin), Lehmann Maupin
(New York), Victoria Miro (London) , White Cube (London), etc; leading Asian galleries such as
Gana Art Gallery (Seoul/Busan), Gallery Hyundai (Seoul), Mizuma Art Gallery (Tokyo), Ota
Fine Art (Tokyo), Contemporary Art (Bangkok/Hong Kong/Beijing), etc; and interesting young
Asian galleries such as Takashi Murakami’s Kaikai Kiki Gallery (Tokyo, Taipei).
Jumping from 30 entries last year to 40 this year, the fair’s Project Stage platform is the go-to place
for the discovery of rising Asian stars in the world. For the 2012 edition, the works here will be
even stronger and more impressive than in the year before –several of which feature site-specific
projects, stunning installations and innovative concepts.
Art Stage Singapore is definitely not a typical art fair - people will find not just smaller and
commercially-popular art pieces on exhibition within the participating galleries’ booths, but they
can also expect to see – and participate in – performances and interactive projects such as the Gao
Brothers’ “World Hug Day”; many spectacular large-scale installations including like the specially
created works by world-renowned Antony Gormley; and, inspired by the fair’s eye-catching
publicity campaign, established Thai artist Navin Rawanchaikul created especially for Art Stage
Singapore a new 12m long painting, titled, “We are Asia!”
There is also a significant increase in the Asia-Pacific representation, especially from the
Philippines and Thailand. All the leading and most interesting Philippine galleries shall be
participating, including new exhibitors Silverlens and Finale Art File. Despite the floods in Bangkok,
representation of Thai artists is strong and works by leading Thai artists like: Navin Rawanchaikul,
Manit Sriwanichpoom, Rirkrit Tiravanjia and more will be shown. Tibetan artist Tenzig Rigdol is
showcased with a solo exhibition (presented by Rossi& Rossi, Hong Kong / London), and Project
Stage has its first Kazak artist, Almagul Menlibayeva (presented by Priska C. Juschka Fine Art, New
York).
Art Stage Singapore is Asia’s necessary response to the market, a top event with a strong Asian
identity. The fair supports and defends the interests of Asian artists and galleries by elevating them
to a level of international importance, by positioning them as strong and competitive players of the
global market.
Held at the iconic Marina Bay Sands, Art Stage Singapore will launch on 11 January 2012 and is open
to the public from 12 to 15 January 2012. Tickets are available for sale at
http://www.marinabaysands.com/Singapore-Entertainment/Shows/Art-Stage-Singapore-2012.
Please visit the official website at www.artstagesingapore.com for more information.
About Art Stage Singapore
Art Stage Singapore is Asia’s necessary top event with its own strong (Asian) identity. Cooperating
very closely with the Asian art scenes, inclusive their collectors, the fair supports and defends the
interests of Asian artists and galleries by elevating them to a level of international importance, by
positioning them as strong and competitive players in the global market. Therefore the heart of the
fair will be the best and most exciting of Asia’s artistic creativity, the most important, most
interesting and most stunning artists and galleries of the entire continent.
In contrast to other art fairs in Asia, Art Stage Singapore puts the art in a context. The main criteria
for the fair are not trends and easy saleability. Art Stage Singapore showcases the art in an Asia
Pacific context, by presenting interesting and stunning artistic positions and galleries from all over
the region and supporting the best Asia Pacific emerging galleries. And it showcases art in an
artistic context, by supporting special projects and presentations.
And Art Stage Singapore is a rendezvous point for the movers and shakers of the Asian Art market
and provides an avenue for dynamic dialogue between collectors, artists, curators, galleries and art
aficionados. It embraces Singapore’s unique position as a bridge between the East and the West in a
celebration of both emerging new regional artists and international superstar names.
Talks and Discussions
Art Stage Singapore 2012 will have a series of expert talks and discussions that aim to offer
comprehensive insight on current trends and developments taking place in Asia by leading
curators, critics, artists and professionals working in the field of contemporary art. The series offers
an up-to-date overview of contemporary art in Asia, the influence of globalization on various arts
cities and how this is reflected in the art and culture that we see and experience today in the region.
At a broader level, discover the complex relationships between Asia and the international art world
at large. On the ground, expect a close look at the rapid development of the different, fragmented
art scenes of the many countries which make up Asia, from its major players such as China, to
Southeast Asia’s diverse art scenes, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.
Press contact:
Mina Sunico (Ms) Director, Marketing & PR Head, Communications
Tel: +65 6224 4751 E-mail: mina@artstagesingapore.com
Nithiya Nedun (Ms) Coordinator, Marketing & PR
Tel: +65 6224 4751 E-mail: nithiya@artstagesingapore.com
Opening 11 january
Marina Bay Sands Exhibition and Convention Centre
10 Bayfront Avenue Halls D, E & F Singapore
Open to Public from Thursday to Sunday.
12 Jan 2012, Thursday, 2–9 pm
13 Jan 2012, Friday, 2–9 pm
14 Jan 2012, Saturday, 12–9 pm
15 Jan 2012, Sunday, 12–6 pm
Tickets information:
General: SGD 30, concessions (NSF, Students, Senior Citizens): SGD 10, season Pass (4 Day pass): SGD 60
*Group Discounts are available to schools and educational institutions.