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Affordable art on offer at two weekend events

SINGAPORE – The Affordable Art Fair Spring Edition returns this weekend, after increasing its price ceiling for the art pieces on offer from S$10,000 to S$15,000 last November.

SINGAPORE – The Affordable Art Fair Spring Edition returns this weekend, after increasing its price ceiling for the art pieces on offer from S$10,000 to S$15,000 last November.

The fair organiser said the increase was meant to allow a more inclusive showcase for mid-career artists, and has not affected overall sales.

“The new price-ceiling increase allows artists who began showing with the fair several years ago to continue to exhibit with us even as their careers evolve and grow, and their prices naturally increase, as well as opening up participation for more mid-career artists,” said fair director Alan Koh.

Mr Koh noted that based on previous years, the average amount spent per visitor is about S$2,800. He added that the majority of art pieces — 75 per cent — cost under S$7,500, which been the case since the fair started in 2010. “Last year, we saw 1 per cent of (visitors) buying in that S$10,000 to S$15,000 range,” said the event’s regional managing director for Asia, Camilla Hewitson.

“You got works walking out the door at S$200, and someone selling something at S$14,000,” she said, adding that they “are thrilled” to be able to also accommodate galleries with clients who have varied demands.

“Fundamentally, it does not change the buying habits of the fair ... it’s about people coming in and buying art and walking out the door, and making sure we are still relevant to that audience here in Singapore,” Ms Hewitson said.

Featuring 42 local and international galleries and 300 artists, the Spring Edition of Affordable Art Fair presents a smaller and more intimate version of its autumn version, which saw more than 80 galleries and over 600 artists participating in November last year. This edition also involves the fair taking on site-specific and live painting installations.

Some highlights include artist collective, Wowwowwow, led by Singapore photographer Francis Ng, creating an on-site installation comprising an assemblage of ancient Roman Corinthian columns and pillars in different states of ruin. There will also be a live art performance by Japanese street artist Shinichi Tashiro presented by Tokyo Gallery By Musee Collection, who will be creating live collages during the opening evening of the fair, #ArtHappy Evening.

“As markets change, grow and develop, we have different demands on us. We are beginning to embrace more installation work, pushing people’s perception of art a little bit more and engaging in site-specific works, which I think is very challenging, and fantastic that we are going inside that arena,” said Hewitson.

Meanwhile, another art fair also taking place this weekend has decided to take the mickey out of the Affordable Art Fair.

Kult Gallery launched its cheekily titled The $200 Show: Actually Affordable Art yesterday, which will run until May 22. But, for the next two days, visitors can purchase quality art from the gallery’s archives, including originals, silkscreens, Risograph prints, digital prints and 3D artwork, all priced at S$200 or less.

Ms Tulika Ahuja, assistant curator of Kult Gallery, said: “We’re always finding different ways to make art accessible, and a conversation with our creative consultant, Steve Lawler, concluded that we should put out a show with an affordable price point that literally forms the theme of the show. That’s how The $200 Show was born.”

“It did strike us that Affordable Art Fair was around the corner, and so, in comparison, The $200 Show, with the most expensive art pieces priced at S$200, is unapologetically, actually affordable art,” she added.

There will be over 50 pieces on show, including work by Singaporean artist Fragiledarkness paying tribute to a fading culture of imagination, innovation and creativity in play with his range of rare all-vinyl toys, as well as Singapore-based artist Steve Lawler (Mojoko), who will be featuring instalments of a Chinese New Year “Year Of” silkscreen print series with Chinese zodiac signs with pop culture imagery; for example, the Rooster next to an illustration of KFC’s Colonel Sanders.

Ms Ahuja said: “The show basically examines the culture surrounding the value of art, subverting the notion that art is exclusive and expensive. We just want to celebrate a low-brow atmosphere, proving art, too, is entertainment, meant to be experienced and enjoyed by everyone.”

On the simultaneous affordable art show, Affordable Art Fair director Mr Koh is unperturbed, but rather, encouraged. He said: “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. It’s great to see organisations getting behind new and emerging contemporary artists.” Reena Devi

The Affordable Art Fair runs from today to Sunday at the F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Boulevard. Tickets are available at www.apactix.com

The $200 Show: Actually Affordable Art runs until May 22 at Kult Gallery, 11 Upper Wilkie Road. Admission is free.

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