Singapore Selects: Team Picks for the Singapore Fair

Alan Koh, our charming Singapore Fair Director, feels drawn to Gilles Massot’s ‘Singapore Boy, Time Flies With You – Green Pillar’

”I relate immediately as these are familiar sights in Singapore that one does not usually give a second look. It serves as a reminder for me to be aware of the little things in our lives that make us feel a sense of closeness.” 

Gilles Massot is a multidisciplinary artist and academic in Architecture and Photography, working in Marseille. Massot explores the theory of photography and painting in relation to time and space. Inspired by David Hockney and others, Massot’s works began leaning into visual styles reminiscent of cubist and surrealist art, creating what he calls ‘cubist photographic collages’. In ‘Singapore Boy Time Flies With You’, he continues this surrealist approach, juxtaposing traditional imagery with a modernist approach to photography.

Anson Koh, our upbeat Finance Coordinator, is particularly drawn to Sacha Yasumoto’s ‘Ting Kau Patina’. The vibrant turquoise blue initially drew him in, but it was the peeling paint that truly resonated. This artwork left an impression on Anson as he sees this as a metaphor for personal growth, reflecting our own journeys of self-discovery “unlearning values that no longer speak to us”.

Sacha Yasuomoto’s photographic works invite viewers to explore poetic narratives of loved, then abandoned, spaces, documenting a method for immortalising the disappearing residences and forsaken spaces in Hong Kong. They archive the culture and preserve a piece of history for generations to come. Yasumoto’s imagery poignantly captures the lingering memories and emotions that still haunt these once-cherished places, evoking a sense of beauty amidst decay.

Our free-spirited Fair Coordinator, Kelly, finds Kumiko Tamura’s ‘pop ukiyoe SANSEN’ particularly captivating. She admires the strong contrast between the bold greens and blues as well as the depth in the depiction of city and nature imagery. This artwork piqued Kelly’s interest, making her wonder more about the artist’s process.

“It’s a really soothing statement piece.” Kumiko Tamura paints her landscapes all around the sides of the canvas to give the scene a three-dimensional appearance, creating a space with a sense of depth and pushing the boundaries of the two-dimensional canvas. The calm yet bold atmosphere of Tamura’s paintings makes them fit well into most interior spaces, making them a popular choice amongst many art buyers in Japan.

Demetria, our Gallery and Programmes Intern for this year’s fair, enjoys the juxtaposition between elephants and the urban home setting in Nathan Neven’s ‘The Apprentices’.

She adds, “The warm colours also make the library seem so inviting, which makes me feel like I’m being welcomed by the artist to step into the room.” This original oil painting on canvas presents a delightful scene of three baby elephants set in a domestic setting, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

The artist’s impressionistic style and use of warm colours add a sense of cosiness and whimsy to the artwork, juxtaposing the familiar domestic space with the fantastical wildlife. This makes it the perfect piece for those who appreciate a touch of imagination and wonder.

As the Marketing Intern for this year’s fair, Hui Xin’s top pick is Andre Tan’s ‘Chinese Bride #43 (Red)’.

Her background as a printmaking student leads her to be especially captivated by bold colours and intricate linework. These visual qualities from this piece, along with the craftsmanship, make this artwork a standout piece to her.

She appreciates how the artist combines this quality of elegance and femininity with strength and confidence in his portrayal of a bride, integrating multiple cultural motifs into the background and attire of the bride.

Singaporean pop artist, Andre Tan, employs Chinoiserie in his paintings – the application of Chinese influences in traditional European art styles. Andre explores visual icons through the use of monochromatic colours, asymmetrical forms, and oriental motifs to offer viewers an alternative cross-cultural vision of Asian aesthetics in a globally connected and often Westernized environment.