Meet Utterly Art And Andre Tan

Andre Tan, A Brave New World ed.2/5, mixed media painting, £3,300 (S$5,391), Utterly Art

Founded in 2001 by Kenneth Tan and Keng Hock Pwee, Singaporean gallery Utterly Art started out from hotel exhibitions to establishing a brick-and-mortar space the following year. A veteran specialising in Singaporean and Asian art, Utterly Art will be returning to Affordable Art Fair Singapore (18 – 20 November 2022, F1 Pit Building) with a spectacular art collection by local head-turners such as Andre Tan and Aaron Gan, alongside emerging talents identified by the founder-duo.

We got together with Utterly Art to learn more about the gallery’s inspiration, ethos and artists across their 20-year journey — hear more from Keng Hock and Andre Tan below!

KENG HOCK

What was your vision when you and Kenneth created Utterly Art?

Coming initially from experience with an online art marketplace, we wanted clients to be able to engage with the physical work in front of them; next to a comprehensive body of work by the artist, which would give them confidence about the artist’s technique and better understand their oeuvre.

We also wanted clients to use us as a friendly resource for any queries they might have, and as a sounding board for choices they might be considering. In short, we wanted clients to get the full traditional gallery experience! At the time we opened the doors to Utterly Art’s gallery space, we fortuitously became an outlet for the pent-up demand of several Singapore artists who wanted to exhibit for the first time. We helped them demystify the process and logistics of holding an exhibition, and assisted with publicity, funding and sales.

Does Utterly Art specialise in a specific genre of art?

Right now, our gallery’s strengths are in watercolours and pop art, reflecting the talents of our artists. Ultimately, our foundational strength is our representation of Singaporean artists. Their strengths are our strengths, and as a trusted local gallery, they often approach us. Kenneth and I also seek out new talents at graduation and group shows. We have no qualms about approaching young, emerging artists or artists with no formal training if their work engages us. The work we show is the work we like.

What new names can we expect this year at the fair?

Our exciting new artists this year are Diana Francis and Nathalie Laoue – neither of them are new to the fair. Understandably, the pandemic woes affected all of us in one way or another. Diana had to relocate to the United Kingdom. Though she’s miles away, Diana is fond of the Singaporean art market and wanted us to continue representing her locally. We collaborated with Nathalie and in doing so, she was able to refresh her works from her former gallery. We very gladly accepted her excellent pieces!

ANDRE TAN

How long have you been represented by Utterly Art? What does gallery representation mean to you?

This year would be my fourteenth year with Utterly Art. I think trust and honesty are the key factors in a working relationship. My focus is to hone my craft while the gallery’s job is to be the mouthpiece for my artworks. Over the past thirteen years, we have established a healthy relationship based on mutual understanding and respect for each other. We work as a team. That’s how I think a good gallery representation should work.

What inspires your creative practice?

I seek inspiration from F.A.M.E- Fashion, Art, Music and Everything. Daily life, random stuff I come across on TV or online, music … all documented in the form of a visual diary. I enjoy taking familiar images and icons and breaking them down to present a new perspective of interpretations. I constantly explore the aesthetics of my works by juxtaposing found imageries and try to make sensible relationships between the spaces and images so as to create a harmonious balance within the work itself. It’s the mishmash of elements that interests me. It’s always about the joy of exploring aesthetics.

What does a day in your studio look like?

A good day starts with a full stomach. Usually, I’ll plan the day ahead and go through my emails. It takes about an hour to settle down upon reaching my studio. I will either be working on the paintings or in front of my Mac working on new designs. After a good 8 -12 hours of solitary happiness, I’ll pack up and head back home for dinner. Then spend the next hour or two on some family time, the internet or TV, looking at random stuff till I feel tired. The next day I wake up and repeat the whole process like clockwork, 7 days a week.

How has a day in your studio changed from before, during and after the pandemic? 

I live a stone’s throw from my studio, so transportation was never an issue. I’m a solitary painter so social distancing wasn’t even an issue too. With everything cocooned, I experienced a drastic decrease in art events. I did however used the time to reflect on my craftmanship and in October 2020, I experienced a breakthrough in my solo exhibition, P.O.P (Portraits of Patterns) series. Although Utterly Art staff were unable to participate physically in the Affordable Art Fair in Hong Kong in 2021 and 2022, we were still able to sell the works. The artworks were very popular with the patrons as we managed to sell out 13 works in 2021 and 19 works in 2022. It definitely went extraordinarily well!

What has been the most memorable moment of your career, so far?

When my Mum took a photo of herself posing in front of my artwork, and used it as her profile pic on her social platforms. This simple gesture meant a lot to me.

Don’t Miss Utterly Art at the Singapore fair

Thanks to Keng Hock and Andre’s insights, we got a snapshot into the life of a gallery-owner and artist, and the relationship between the two. To first-time visitors joining us in November, here are Keng Hock’s top three tips to get the most out of your fair experience:

1. Look at the fair page and social media, and come prepared by making a note of the booths whose artists caught your eye.

2. Approach the galleries one by one to find out more about the artists and other works they have. This might mean visiting the fair multiple times, but bear in mind that the longer you take to make a decision, the likelier your favourite pieces might be sold off to someone else!

3. You could persuade a more experienced collector friend to go along with you to offer opinions, but keep in mind that you are the buyer and the piece must satisfy you and not anyone else!

To meet the team behind Utterly Art and see Andre’s funky works in person, mark your diary with the Singapore fair dates (18 – 20 November 2022, F1 Pit Building), and be sure to purchase your tickets early (save up to 25% off with early bird tickets — available till 25 September)!