Art is just a click away
Visiting galleries, enjoying art, and just breathing in culture are among the many things we are deprived of during this pandemic. While some museums have opened their doors and operate on scheduled visitations, many—both art enthusiasts and galleries—have hesitations in attending and doing art events. But thanks to modern technology, our creative cravings are being satisfied online. And if you’re looking for great masterpieces and interactive art experiences, then this virtual art fest is the one to check out.
Long recognized as the pinnacle of Singapore’s Visual Arts scene, the Singapore Art Week (SAW) returns in this year, this time transporting art from gallery walls and physical spaces into the digital and virtual domain. Happening until Jan. 30, SAW 2021 is a joint initiative by the National Arts Council (NAC), Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB).
Now in its ninth year, Singapore’s signature visual arts season celebrates the coming together of the island nation’s vibrant artist community during unprecedented times—simultaneously navigating new modes of artmaking and presentation while looking forward to new possibilities for the future.
With the goal of “going beyond the confines of the physical into the digital space,” SAW 2021 will present over 100 arts events across both physical and digital spaces, featuring new works, transnational collaborations and virtual art experiences that allow audiences from around the world to discover and experience Southeast Asian art. Offering a diverse range of works from Singapore’s arts and cultural institutions, private galleries, nonprofit arts organizations, as well as independent artists and curators, audiences can enjoy SAW 2021 through physical presentations complemented by digital programmes accessible from the comfort of their homes.
“As a hybrid event, SAW 2021 continues to reflect the ever-evolving vibrant art scene in Singapore, featuring a range of quality visual arts projects, discussions, and exhibitions for the local and international audience to enjoy,” said Ruby Liu, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) area director for Philippines. “We invite Filipinos to reimagine their appreciation and love for art through engaging in our must-see events, as art crosses over to the digital space.”
Stroll on its 360 virtual gallery
Online visitors can enjoy SAW 2021’s 360-degree view function to explore the virtual exhibitions and live-streamed events. Viewers can also appreciate the largest number of commissioned works to date, with over 40 outstanding Singapore-based projects reflecting the diverse capabilities of Singaporean artists and curators.
Check out Filipino art
Art enthusiasts can check out the work of Filipino interdisciplinary artist Pow Martinez in S.E.A. Focus 2021—showcase of some of the finest contemporary art from across Southeast Asia.
Marvel on augmented reality
Anyone with a smartphone can try the Instagram augmented reality (AR) filter enabled Wild Critters, where five artists and collectives—Tell Your Children, Machineast, SuperCyberTown, ClogTwo, and UFHO—have created a fictional endangered critter that lives across five different habitats in the Gillman Barracks.
Discover more of the beauty of nature
Filipinos can also immerse themselves in Inner Like The OutAR, an art installation featuring psychotropic digital environments through augmented reality—bringing viewers closer to the magic of nature.
Visit www.artweek.sg for the full SAW 2021 event line-up.