GROUP EXHIBITION

Exhibited works include several sculptural pieces from the collection of Jim Amberson. On view will be two bamboo and rattan sculptures by well-known Cambodian artist Sopheap Pich (b. 1971), The Duel (2008) and The stone is thinking (2016). The latter is one of the unique pieces by Pich that juxtaposed the different materiality of rattan, stone, and silk. A large sculptural work by Delhi-based artist Asim Waqif (b. 1978) at the centre of the exhibition space is representative of the artist’s interest in the crossover between architecture, art and design, with a strong conceptual reference to contemporary urban design, particularly in systems of ecological management of water, waste, and the built environment.

Singapore artists are well represented with the generous contribution of Ann Mui Ling with works by the late Chua Ek Kay (1947–2008) made during his second residency with Singapore Tyler Print Institute in 2007, Moth Series #2 and #3, Second Sight (2015) by Genevieve Chua (b. 1984), New Mountain (2012) by Hong Sek Chern (b. 1967), Gerry Gender 3 (2012) by Jimmy Ong (b. 1964), and a collaborative cinema billboard painting by Ming Wong (b. 1971), part of his presentation at the Singapore Pavilion at the 53rd Venice Biennale in 2009 which was awarded a Special Mention.

As a key Asian art collector and museum supporter, Satesh Kumar collects notable international names but is also dedicated to supporting emerging artists. Showcased from his collection are works by Singapore artist Robert Zhao Renhui (b. 1983) who is known for a practice his unique docu-photography that challenges the boundary between fact and fiction, and two abstract and phantasmagoric paintings by Iranian artist duo Peybak (Peyman Barabadi & Babak Alebrahim Dehkordi, b. 1984), shown for the first time in Singapore.

Adding to the diversity of the selection are works from Mr and Mrs Stephen Ng, who started collecting Chinese and Indonesian contemporary art during their stint in Hong Kong, including paintings by established Indonesian artists Handiwirman Saputra (b. 1975) and Yunizar (b. 1971), and a collage by Chinese artist Xue Song (b. 1965) who is known for his ‘innovative integration of contemporary elements with elements manifested in the collective cultural memory.’ Young collectors Ryan Su and Adrian Chan present two works of Chinese artist Xu Zhen (b. 1977), known for his provocative works that entail theatrical humour and social critique. The exhibition also features a special contribution of a work by acclaimed Thai artist Apichatpong Weerasethakul (b. 1970) by a collector who does not wished to be named.

Re|Collecting Asia is the first collectors’ exhibition at Gillman barracks and presents an opportunity for Singapore collectors to not only share their prized collections with the public, but also achieve a renewed appreciation of these works as they are put in dialogue with works from other collections, as well as with a wider audience. Through the generous contribution of the collectors, the exhibition also puts the spotlight on patronage of the arts through collecting, presenting, and encouraging discourse.

Curated by Khim Ong.

Organised by The Ryan Foundation and supported by ShanghART Gallery Singapore, with additional support by Gillman Barracks Programme Office and Lotus Fine Arts.

Re|Collecting Asia - Selections from Singapore Private Collections

Artists: Apichatpong Weerasethakul (Thailand), Asim Waqif (India), Chua Ek Kay (Singapore), Genevieve Chua (Singapore), Handiwirman Saputra (Indonesia), Hong Sek Chern (Singapore), Jimmy Ong (Singapore), Ming Wong (Singapore), Peybak (Iran), Robert Zhao (Singapore), Sopheap Pich (Cambodia), Xue Song (China), Xu Zhen (China), and Yunizar (Indonesia).

For interviews & enquiries, please contact: Shao Hui Kwok, ShanghART Singapore. 9 Lock Road, #02-22, Gillman Barracks, Singapore 108937. T: +65 6734 9537 | F: +65 6734 9037 | shaohui@shanghartgallery.com