Art Stage Singapore 2012 is proud to present a lineup of worldclass 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).
Glenn Scott Wright, Director of Victoria Miro said, "Art Stage Singapore is set to be the most exciting addition in the international art fair calendar and we are looking forward to participating this year for the first time. With Singapore's investment in its cultural infrastructure and the addition of a world class art fair, the city is gearing up to become an important hub for the art market in South East Asia to add to its status as the region's financial hub.
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/SingaporeEntertainment/ Shows/ArtStageSingapore2012.
Please visit the official website at www.artstagesingapore.com for more information.
