ARTSingapore 2002 leads the way to be the hub for contemporary Asian art.

Amidst the current economic downturn, the art industry in Singapore is still growing. A conservative estimation by the Art Galleries Association (Singapore) (AGA) puts the worth of the art industry at around $10 million. In just 5 days of ARTSingapore last year, it generated sales of $1 million. This year, the organizers hope to increase it to $1.5 million.

As the only contemporary Asian art fair in the world, ARTSingapore 2002 announces that all the booths at the art fair are completely taken up by art galleries from New York, Australia, Japan, Myanmar, China, Philippines, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and India, - 32 in total. Nowhere can you see exclusively Asian works from 11 countries under one roof. Many of the diversified art works are also on the museum’s wish list and contain the kind of hallmark works collectors will buy now and sell later in auctions. See the all time favorites, lust for the blockbusters, check out the new comers and bet who will be the dark horse.

Amongst the many returning galleries, the newcomers are coming in force this year to take advantage of ARTSingapore in its 3rd year. Top Asian artists such as Latiff Mohidin, Ang Kiu Kok and Toko Shinoda will be shown amongst many emerging talents this year. Expectedly, Singaporean hot favorites such as Chua Ek Kay, Yeo Hoe Koon, Tan Swie Hian, Choy Weng Yang and Tan Teo Kwang are on the list. All artworks are chosen under the strictest vetting conditions. The vetting committee was impressed by the ‘strong and exciting’ presentation to look forward to in October. The committee consists of Kwok Kian Chow, Director, Singapore Art Museum, Dr. Ho Kah Leong, Principal, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Tan Boon Hui, Assistant Director, International Relations, National Arts Council and Seah Tzi-Yan, partner, Art-2 Gallery and AGA founding member.

“Everyone who takes part in this world-class fair wins new business while having a good time. As the fair is organised by art dealers for art dealers you can be sure of very well selected art works.” Said Marjorie Chu, Fair Organizer. She added that since the who’s who of the art world is coming to this fair, it is a great place to see how the stylish art dealers work with the elusive art collectors.

ARTSingapore 2002 also brings together leading dealers, museum curators, private collectors and connoisseurs. Prices of art works start from below $1,000. Items on view include paintings, drawings, sculptures, tapestries and photography from established and emerging artists.

“Those who buys at auctions also buys at ARTSingapore.” Said Seah Tzi-Yan, partner of Art-2 and an exhibitor. “The wide range of art works showcased in this art fair caters to the diversity in taste from the cutting edge to the new comers and from the established names to the all time favorites.” added Seah, who is also an art consultant. She continues to say that many of her clients buy at the art fair, fresh works now and sell them at the auction years later to double their investments.

“Art Galleries Association (Singapore) is encouraged to organize this Asian Contemporary Art fair because Asian Art is attracting attention and growing in popularity internationally”, says Chua Soo Bin, President of the association. He said that AGA hopes that ARTSingapore 2002 will continue to project its belief that Asian Art transcends all boundaries.

From 19 art galleries taking part in the MITA building atrium in 2000 to 23 art galleries taking part in Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Center in 2001, the art fair has created a name for itself and established a faithful following. Poised as the Center for Contemporary Asian art, Singapore enjoys a reputation of a global city for the arts. ARTSingapore is grateful to the Singapore Tourism Board and National Arts Council for their continuous support and marketing assistance. Our sincere thanks to our sponsors and supporters: Lee Foundation, Citigroup Private Bank, Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Michelle Art Transport Pte Ltd, Asian Art News, CNBC Asia, Kingsmen Exhibits Pte Ltd and Straits Times Life ! Advertisers of the Art Fair Catalogue: City Developments Limited, United Overseas Bank Group.

This press conference is made possible by the kind sponsorship of Coriander Leaf.