Contemporary Art From Singapore and Around the World

With a view of an ever expanding cityscape and an ever progressing economy, art scene in Singapore has grown and developed rapidly since the year 1997. Singapore was just a small port with a small skyline when it got listed as a foreign trade agreement, which meant that trading with countries outside the European Union was allowed. Singapore remained so for another twenty years, during which time the country developed and grew at a rapid pace, attracting thousands of offshore investment. From the mid-90s onwards, Singapore became one of the fastest developing countries in the world, especially when it came to its infrastructure development. Since then, Singapore became a hub for the construction and development of infrastructure in Asia. And from that point on, the art scene in Singapore took off, as Singaporean artists travelled across the world to pursue their artistic interests.

Nowadays, Singaporean artists have a bright future, thanks to the open market and the willingness of the government to support their artistic pursuits. Singaporean government has been actively supporting the growth of the arts scene in the country, and this has led to the establishment of numerous galleries, theatres and museums throughout the country. In just a short span of time, the small country has transformed various historical landmarks into prominent tourist destinations and hot spots, turning them from mere tourist spots to major tourist attractions and an important part of the regional and global art scene. Some of the well-known local artists and studios include the following:

If you are planning to attend an art exhibition in Singapore, there are many places to go to indulge in some great art experiences. Gallery openings, exhibitions and seminars are often hosted by various local and international art organisations. The latest trend is the biennale concept, where a national or international exhibition is followed by a special art exhibition in Singapore, attracting not only to tourists and visitors from across the world, but also prominent Singaporean and international artists, who make their debut at the biennale.

A variety of art-related events are also regularly organised in Singapore, to mark various milestones and celebrate different art movements. Many prominent Singaporean artists have made it their career to participate and exhibit in such art events, which are conducted by local as well as international organisations. Examples of such internationally renowned exhibitions include the annual Singapore Arts Festival, the Art & Design Festival, Biennale: Singapore, the Singapore Biennale and Singapore Art & Culture Festival.

The local artists and studios have been showcasing their talent for several decades, and their work has been showcased at numerous art exhibitions and art events, both within the country and internationally. Some of the most notable contemporary artists who have gained international recognition are those from the younger generation of artists like youngsters Lim Siow Jin and Eng Ho, who were recently awarded the best-of-entry award at the Singapore International Artists Festival. Other notable contemporary artists from the country include Ong Koon Chee, Yishan Lin, Chee Eng Seok, Wee Tei, Wee Woong and Han Tao. Other popular artists from the region are Chin Na, Joo Yen, Ong Choy and Prabha Mathayun.

One of the most popular venues for contemporary art scene in Singapore is the Artscape, an open-air festival which takes place at the Orchard Road Shopping Centre every Sunday. Here, visitors can enjoy a variety of Singaporean traditional and contemporary arts and crafts products, including handicrafts, paintings, jewellery, pottery, metalworks, fabrics and furniture. For the past 25 years, this venue has also hosted the likes of global celebrities, including Britney Spears and Madonna, who were invited to participate in the popular annual Artscape. Another premier venue for Singaporean contemporary artists is the Shindig Festival, which is held during the month of April. Major attractions in the area include the Orchard Road Experience, which feature a food and wine tour; the Singapore Botanical Gardens; the Singapore Zoo; and the Penang Night Market, which feature a wide range of stalls selling everything from dried fruits to souvenirs.