The contemporary Asian art fair, ARTSingapore 2008 (10th-13th October), has firmly established its name in the art world, attracting more than 15,000 art lovers from all over the world. 110 galleries coming from 16 different countries presented artworks that had a net worth of around SGD$80 million (US$55 million).
The galleries that saw good responses from Southeast Asia included The Drawing Room (Philippines), which surpassed last year’s sales, Zola Zulu from Indonesia, which sold most of their works and Singapore galleries Art Seasons, Drawing Gallery, Linda Gallery and Yisulang.
Galleries from Korea and Japan such as Gallery Tsubaki and Megumi Ogita did well, with Korean gallery Leehwaik Gallery selling a Kim Dong Yoo painting for almost US$300,000. Indian galleries were also not left out with Gallery 7 selling a TV Santosh artwork for US$73,000.
Chen Shen Po, the fair organizer, said, “Most visitors expressed that the quality of the artworks displayed was higher this year. Many participants also enjoyed the “Art Conversations,” with the interesting discussions and views from our international group of speakers and panelists. With the recent economic environment, gallery owners are seeking for participation in such events to excite the buyers and encourage their continued interest in the arts. Many galleries have already applied for their booths to return next year at ARTSingapore 2009.”