The local art scene in Singapore has shown significant growth over the years and Singaporean artist Hong Zhu An is living proof of that. The artist’s works will be featured in the upcoming edition of Art Basel Hong Kong, along with other pieces from international artists.

Presenting these works of art is none other than the Singapore Tyler Print Institute (STPI), known for their collaborations with artists from all over the globe to push the boundaries of print and artworks on paper.

We were fortunate to have the opportunity to speak with Emi Eu, Director of STPI, to share her thoughts on the changing local art scene and their involvement with the prestigious Art Basel: 

What defines art in your opinion?

Emi Eu: What defines life?

How would you describe the Singapore Art Scene?

Singapore is at a very exciting and critical turning point, I feel.  There are so many diverse offerings in both performing and visual arts. In the last five years, the Singapore Government has made remarkable commitments to making arts and its industry relevant to many, especially in the Gillman Barracks and National Art Gallery initiatives. There is a continuing growth and expansion of art collectors, enthusiasts and appreciators of all ages.

How does the changing landscape of digital media affect the publicity of your artwork?

It’s a new platform from which we can broaden our outreach at a much faster pace, with facility and convenience for the receivers.  It certainly complements and enhances our marketing exercise for the gallery’s activities, including art fairs.

 

Tell us about Singapore Tyler Print Institute and its collaboration with HK.

STPI has been growing together with Art Hong Kong since its launch in 2008.  With growing attention on Asia from the West the fair continues to provide an excellent platform to engage a global audience with contemporary art development in this region. Art Basel furthers the good foundation Art Hong Kong has developed in the last 5 years and will strengthen Art Basel in Hong Kong’s regional emphasis on Asia.

Who are the artists you look up to and why? 

I have a great respect for all the artists STPI works with and would like to work with in the future.  They provide us an alternative view and means to articulate relevant issues, and help us to discover new realms of possibility. The experience is priceless and very special.

Can you share with us more about the works of art to be featured in Art Basel?

We are featuring UK Turner Prize winner Richard Deacon, sought after artist Eko Nugroho from Yogyakarta and Singaporean contemporary ink painter, Hong Zhu An.

STPI will be the first gallery from Singapore to present in Basel this year and proud to be showcasing works by Singaporean artists Heman Chong, Genevieve Chua and Ho Tzu Nyen. In addition, new conceptual projects by Haegue Yang (based in Berlin/Seoul) and Wu Shanzhuan and Inga Thorsdottir (China/Iceland) will be shown too.

What does having these pieces featured in Art Basel mean for you?

STPI’s admission to Art Basel is recognition and confirmation of our innovative, creative collaborations with outstanding contemporary artists and marks an important milestone in Singapore’s efforts to be a global arts player.

In your opinion, what do you feel is Art Basel’s best highlight?

Art Basel stages the best art shows for modern and contemporary art. It is recognized for its high quality works – both established and new – and is a leading platform for buying and seeing the best art from around the world.

What are you looking forward to most during the event itself?

I look forward to the new opportunities – especially to starting new conversations with collectors, curators and artists. But more importantly I look forward to our presentation of contemporary artists from Singapore.

Ho Tzu Nyen’s Gould has been selected for the Film sector.  Ho will also join curator Marc Glöde (Berlin film scholar) and Zurich collector, This Brunner for a dialogue session with the audience after the screening.

Have you ever been involved in an exhibition of this degree?

We have been participating in art fairs abroad since 2007 but this is definitely a very important year – back to back presentations at both Hong Kong and Basel. It’s challenging but definitely worth it!

Find out more about Art Basel at https://www.artbasel.com/

Singapore Tyler Print Institute is at 41 Robertson Quay, Tel: 6336 3663

http://www.stpi.com.sg

Photos Credit: Singapore Tyler Print Institute