Surely someone in Singapore is interested in Art??!!

[ArtyJames]

I'm a UK artist on the rise, just moved to Singapore....just had my first Singapore based solo show actually a few weeks ago....but anyway i'm not here to talk about that...
What I want to know....Is anyone out there interested in art??? Buying, collecting or viewing?? I have really got in on the art scene here in Singapore only to discover that most galleries either have closed or are closing or that all they care about is making a quick buck....such a short term view.....??!!
Anyway, everyone within the 'scene' I have spoken to reckons there is no interest here....they are so pessimistic. I can't believe that you guys out there aren't interested in art and art investment....I mean lets face it, when the economy slips, art is probably the one constant, it never decreases in value and more often than not increases.....looks like I'm going to have to do what every other artist and gallery owner seems to do...leave Singapore behind and go to Hong Kong, where people seem to value investment...!!!
Anyone have an opinion.....

[QRM]

ArtyJames what a strange post one minute you are saying Singapore is full of Philistines as they only want to make a quick buck with art, and then you want to move to HK where people value "investments"?

"investments" a nice term for making a buck?

If you are on the rise then you have nothing to worry about, people vote with their feet.

[ArtyJames]

investment in this instance denotes 'long term'....quick buck meaning to cover costs for next month....

You are right though, I am not worried....just disappointed, it's just surprising that Singapore is this way.......I was led to believe that there was some kind of 'Arts hub of Asia' type attitude........

and by the way, just making quick cash and not having an interest in art doesn't make you a 'phillistine'....I never said that!!

[sundaymorningstaple]

Arts Hub in the sense that the government said so! They think everything can be built and the companies and artists will come flocking in. Until they then refuse to let "all forms" of art to be displayed due to their basest dirty thoughts. Heaven help it if a boob or pubic hair is showing somewhere. This place has a long, long way to go if it is ever going to be an "arts" hub. With the censorship board here?


Additonal comment removed to do severe lack of humour.

edited by moderator (me)

[sierra2469alpha]

deleted by Sierra2469alpha

[bruinbear]

Art is a tad too advanced for most of the lifeforms here. Serious.

[ArtyJames]

oooooh controversial....!! haha

That's what is needed

[Bøe]

I would half agree to what was said here as not all are dumbos when comes to art. There are people out there who appreciates art and they are usually hiding somewhere that they will not be called "the different ones". Silly perception but very true.

[scoobydoo]

i was planning on importing art n having shows here in the future...this all sounds so not promising!!!

[digital12]

haha, oh no, now you've got me worried.

I'm in the film/tv sector and am considering a move to Singapore. But from the sounds of it, it doesn't seem like there's much in the way of a 'creative community'.

Interestingly, I heard the same stuff about Singapore being an 'arts hub'.

[Currymeister]

There are some good exhibitions and as art is still developing I believe you can get some bargains - art is subjective after all.
From what I've seen - don't touch the stores within the shopping centres - these people are really trying it on. Again, that's my subjective view.
try to buy from upcoming artists who need support. Graduate exhibitions are best.

[ArtyJames]

Digital12, it was the same for me when I was looking into it, everything said that Singapore was positioning itself as the arts hub of asia!! Having lived here now for nearly a year...not a chance..!!

Currymeister....I'm not talking about buying art really, just a general interest in it. There seems to be no 'scene' at all here...its just shocking thats all, especially coming from Europe....

Scoobydoo....importing art is one thing, but selling it a generating interest is the tricky part, you would think that would be easy and it would be relatively easy in most places, but it seems here in Singapore, you will have to change the entire viewpoint of a nation!

[QRM]

If you are a student in Singapore and you suggest to your parents you want to go down the arts or sports route, you will be locked in your room and told that are hanging around with the wrong sort of people who are a bad influence.

Which is why art, performing arts and sports are so poorly represented here.

They all want you to be a doctor or lawyer (mind you there seems to be a disproportionally large number of dodgy lawyers here running off with clients dosh)

You can see it in the graffitti culture here, all very organized and regulated allowed to paint in certain areas so that it has the "urban" look, bit like having mugging schools where muggers can practice in a safe and regulated environment.

[sundaymorningstaple]

bit like having mugging schools where muggers can practice in a safe and regulated environment.

You've seen them as well have you? In the US there are robbery schools run by the Southland corporation. Hasn't really taken off here YET!

[ArtyJames]

QRM...Surely you aren't suggesting that you have to be an artist to have an interest in the arts and culture??!