Singapore Art Week (SAW) returns from January 17 to 26, 2025, featuring over 160 events celebrating both established and emerging Southeast Asian artists. This year's edition is marked by a focus on the city-state's own artists while highlighting diverse talents from across the region.
Karin Oen, director of the Nanyang Technological University Centre for Contemporary Art (NTU CCA), describes SAW as a 'family reunion' for the art community, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among artists, collectors, and the public. Richard Koh, founder of Richard Koh Fine Art, notes that SAW has become a pivotal gathering for art enthusiasts and collectors in Southeast Asia.
Among the highlights is Koh's exhibition at The Private Museum, showcasing 33 works acquired over two decades, including pieces by Agus Suwage and Ben Puah. The S.E.A. Focus art fair will feature Thai artist Natee Utarit, who addresses post-colonial themes in his work.
The Singapore Art Museum (SAM) is hosting the group show 'Everyday Practices' featuring 20 Southeast Asian artists, alongside solo exhibitions of notable figures like Thailand's Pratchaya Phinthong and Malaysia's Yee I-Lann. The National Gallery Singapore (NGS) is presenting retrospectives of Kim Lim and Teo Eng Seng, highlighting their significant contributions to the local art scene.
NTU CCA will also present 'Techno Diversions: Nothing has to be the way it is', which explores the intersection of technology and artistic research. The week is expected to attract a strong cohort of Southeast Asian collectors and art enthusiasts, along with international artists participating in various events, including symposiums and exhibitions.
As Singapore continues to establish itself as a hub for Southeast Asian art, SAW serves as a vital platform for promoting regional talent to a global audience, showcasing the vibrant and evolving art scene of the region.