Posted on Wed, 16 Nov 2011
The Affordable Art Fair Is Back!
Shucks! I am going to miss this ‘cos Madam’s going to be out of town. The Affordable Art Fair (AAF) is back on the Singapore scene this weekend from Friday 18 Nov to Sunday 20 Nov. Into its second year, this casual, friendly, laid back art fair is such a treat, because it shouts out loud that art can be affordable and friendly, no need to be uppity and snobby like art’s traditional image.
Held in the F1 Pit Building, over 70 art galleries from Asia to Europe will be showcasing their art, which means it’ll be a visual feast extraordinaire! Sculptures,oils, prints, photography – they have it all. Only thing is, it’s all contemporary art.
I absolutely loved it when I visited last year. So much to see, I couldn’t afford to blink just in case I missed something! I can’t say I liked everything I saw, but they certainly drew a reaction. At the same time, there were some pieces I was tempted to buy – in particular, paintings showcased by Lakeer. I can’t remember the Indian artist’s name but look out for his watercolours which are just so gorgeously luminous and magical. I could just drown in them – and I’m still counting my pennies to buy a piece!
You’ll see art by big names like Takashi Murakami and Damien Hirst – half a sheep anyone? – alongside Singapore’s established names like Justin Lee and rising star Genevieve Chua, and even a ‘Recent Graduate’ section to promote young local talent.
As its name suggests, all the art there is affordable. Not exactly $5 a pop, but they are all below $10,000, with 75% of them below $7,500. What’s more, the organisers promise full transparency with the pricing – no surprises or hidden commissions, and you can cart your art away there and then.
There’s plenty of brain-enriching activities too, like free printmaking demonstrations, talks on contemporary art from Sotheby’s Institute and children’s workshops by Art Boot Camp. (See? art is also for all ages.) And for a touch of artsy glam, get your tix for the Artylicious Evening on Friday, 18 November. The only problem with this fair is, it spans only three days – just to short!
There’s an admission charge of $10 per person and $30 for the Artylicious Evening if you buy at the door. Tickets are slightly cheaper though if you get them online at www.SISTIC.com.
F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Boulevard, Singapore 038975
