SINGAPORE – From 5 February until 2 May 2021, people in Singapore will get to experience art in a new light as they discover works by emerging homegrown and Southeast Asian artists while they eat, shop or play. With different artworks to check out at each location, this unconventional “arts trail” aims to make visual art more accessible and invigorate Singapore’s arts & culture scene. The venues include F&B outlets such as Moonstone Bar, 8ASH, and Common Man Stan, lifestyle spaces like The Projector, Palm Ave Float Club and Goodluck Bunch, and recently reopened clubs-turned-snack bars NINETEEN80 and Upstairs.
The theme for the exhibition is Shaken & Stirred, and presents 62 new art pieces that reimagine iconic Western works from across art movements and history, in order to explore Southeast Asian identity and experience. These artworks are exclusively created for the exhibition by a diverse range of artists across the mediums of digital illustration, painting, mixed media and photography, presented in the form of art prints that are all available for purchase.
Bridging the gap for arts appreciation
Presented by creative collective GOFY, For Art’s Sake aims to allow a wider audience to experience and purchase art by infiltrating places they would visit in their day-to-day, encouraging them to open up their minds to creative cultures.
“We wish to show people from all walks of life just how much value art can bring to our everyday. Even for those who aren’t usually engaged with the arts, there’s something for everyone to connect with in our exhibition. From there, we hope that this would spark their curiosity and kickstart their journey into discovering and embracing more Southeast Asian arts & culture,” says Tiffany Soh, GOFY’s curator and creative producer.
Supporting emerging Southeast Asian artists and the arts sector
The exhibition seeks to examine the shared experiences and identities of the Southeast Asian people, especially in these difficult times, when art can help to deepen our connections and mutual understanding. GOFY hopes For Art’s Sake will bring greater visibility to up-and-coming artists and encourage Singaporeans of all ages to support and grow the creative industry through the purchase of affordable art. By investing in local and regional artists, visitors will enable them to continue pursuing their craft and furthering their passions.
Prints of the exhibiting artworks will be available for purchase at SGD 300 each, exclusively on www.GOFYForArtsSake.com.
The total lineup of 50 participating artists includes a mix of artists from diverse backgrounds and mediums, such as street artist Fivust (ID), mixed media artist Auracherrybag (TH), photographer Ennuh Tiu (PH) and 3D artist Onlyhuan (SG).
“Unlike the wonderful works that this series pays homage to, paintings or images with Southeast Asian elements did not have much of a place in traditional institutions of art until very recently. Hopefully this exhibition can put a spotlight and generate interest on what makes SEA unlike any other, especially when juxtaposed through the medium of traditional art,” says artist Asher Yeo (SG).
An unconventional arts trail to support homegrown businesses
To further encourage others to support local, patrons of the venues during the exhibition period will receive access to a Venue Exclusive Code that will entitle them to SGD 50 off their purchase of any art print. Portions of the profits from art sales using this code will go to the venues.
“At 8ASH, we celebrate food, art and a culture of inclusivity – from the different types of cuisine we serve to the art that we hang on our walls. We hope to be able to share more artworks with our guests who may not have had the chance to discover the talents that we have at our own doorstep,” says Norman Hartono, Creative Director at Ebb & Flow Group, a tech-focused F&B company behind brands such as 8ASH, The Dragon Chamber and more.
From long-time regulars to new customers, GOFY hopes that this initiative will excite Singaporeans to journey around the precincts with fresh eyes and support these homegrown businesses at the same time. Whether it’s a weekend itinerary or multiple visits spread out across the 3 months, visitors can create their own fun-filled experience with their loved ones.
