A clear sign of Singapore’s vibrant visual arts ecology, S.E.A Focus is returning for its fifth showcase, and will be joined by ART SG — the largest art fair to launch in the Asia-Pacific region in the last decade — as the anchor events for Singapore Art Week (SAW).
Unlike South-east Asian contemporary art fair S.E.A Focus, which is commissioned by the National Arts Council and run by non-profit art practice STPI – Creative Workshop & Gallery, the new entry is part of The Art Assembly, a group of major international art fairs, including Taipei Dangdai, India Art Fair, Sydney Contemporary and PHOTOFAIRS Shanghai.
Taking place from Jan 12 to 15 at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, ART SG is presenting over 150 leading galleries from around the world, many of which are making their Singapore debut. They will be accompanied by a line-up of art installations, panel discussions, and experimental film.
Centred around the theme “a world anew”, S.E.A. Focus 2023 explores the vast potential that can be found in humble sources as the region looks forward to new opportunities post-pandemic. It also introduces Collaborations, a new platform within the exhibition space for large-scale works that are made possible through collaborative and synergised efforts. This year, the fair also moves beyond static imagery to shine a spotlight on short films, animations, and video works at the Fringe Film Programme, titled OFF Focus, curated by Objectifs – Centre for Photography and Film, and organised in collaboration with The Projector. S.E.A. Focus returns to Tanjong Pagar Distripark from Jan 6 to 15.
Besides the two highly anticipated fairs, SAW offers a programme of over 130 art events featuring new works and transnational collaborations across the island and online. Other highlights include the return of the Singapore Pavilion from the 59th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia (Biennale Arte 2022) and the ongoing Singapore Biennale, which runs through March 19.
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