In the vibrant tapestry of Singapore’s art scene, the Affordable Art Fair stands out as a gateway to the world of contemporary art, with its ethos of making quality art accessible to everyone.
2023 marks the 14th year of the Affordable Art Fair’s presence in Singapore, and this year’s fair offers an impressive collection of over a thousand original contemporary artworks across a diverse array of artistic expressions, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and limited-edition prints.
Now, for those new to the fair, navigating through the wondrous chaos of an art fair is quite arguably an art form in itself. Amidst the hustle and bustle of galleries, the hum of artistic conversations, and the eclectic array of artworks, the experience can be simultaneously exhilarating and overwhelming.
To make the most of your visit, we present five tips to guide your way:
1. Wear Comfortable Shoes and Bring a Jacket
If there’s ever a time to don your comfiest footwear, this is it. You’ll be traversing through sprawling aisles, labyrinthine booths and extensive displays, so opt for sneakers or well-padded flats to ensure that no aching feet will distract you from the art. We like Nikes (Air Jordans and Dunks in particular), but any kind of supportive footwear will stand you in good stead (literally). Your feet will thank us later.
Art fairs can be notorious for unpredictable ambient temperature fluctuations. With thousands of people packed into a centrally-controlled air-conditioned hall, optimising the temperature for comfort is understandably a logistical nightmare – and with so many artworks on display, art fair organisers tend to err on the side of frigid. Bring a jacket or shawl just in case, to avoid having to make trips out into the tropical heat to thaw out.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Talk to Gallerists
Navigating an art fair like the Affordable Art Fair can seem daunting, especially when faced with its impressive array of offerings from 81 galleries across 20 different countries. At the Affordable Art Fair, all artworks are clearly labelled with information and prices, so it’s easy to find the items within your price range. The price
However, for insider insights, here’s where the expertise of gallerists comes into play. Don’t be shy to engage in conversation with them; they’re a treasure trove of knowledge about the artists, their techniques, and the stories behind the art.
If you’re a first-timer, there’s no need to be nervous – art fairs tend to have a convivial atmosphere and these conversations are definitely perks of the experience! It can help to come prepared with questions – try asking about the artist’s background and artistic journey, their inspiration and intentions for the piece, and how it fits into their overall body of work.
Gallerists tend to be passionate about the pieces they exhibit, and their insights provide a deeper understanding of the art beyond what you can derive from the wall texts. Furthermore, they might be able to connect you to speak directly with the artists, who are sometimes present at the fair.
To kick off your explorations with a more familiar flavour, swing by one of the many renowned local galleries who have helped invigorate the arts scene here in Singapore and learn more about the local talents they represent. Says the always-approachable Marjorie Chu of Art Forum (one of Singapore’s most established galleries set up in 1971, and a regular participant in the Affordable Art Fair), “Everyone can buy art because art is in our DNA: we have built-in confidence for this. Take up the challenge as you approach your first investment, as long as the price is affordable to you.”
Kenneth Tan from Utterly Art and Wasuka Art advises, “If you are an introvert, just smile. Your smile may put us at ease. We could be nervous too, it’s not easy to strike a conversation with everyone who comes into our booth. If you want to know about the work or the artist, a simple “can you tell me more about this work and the artist?” will go a very long way. We will take over and do the talking.”
3. Remember to Eat, Drink and Be Merry
If this is your first art fair outing, you will be pleasantly surprised to see that wine, beers and champagne are sometimes served up alongside the art. For the ravenous, the Gastro Park and café will be open, serving a variety of delicious food and beverages to help fuel your quest for art. Grab a sandwich and some tacos at Strong Flour, coffee from Group Therapy or wines and champagnes at the Champagne Lounge. Take a break to enjoy some nibbles and reflect on the art you’ve encountered, discuss your favourites, and perhaps even make new friends who share your passion.
By all means enjoy your art fair experience with a drink or two in hand, but be sure to be sober when swiping your credit card – your art collection (and bank account) will thank you for it!
4. Plan to Come Back More Than Once
Art fairs, especially ones as extensive as the Affordable Art Fair, can be a sensory overload of creativity. Unless you have the well-seasoned stamina of an art fair connoisseur, we highly recommend returning across multiple days to get the most out of your experience.
Consider your initial walkthrough as a reconnaissance mission, where you identify the pieces and galleries that pique your interest the most. Returning on a separate day gives you the opportunity to revisit these favourite works with a fresh eye and clear mind, and is also an excellent way to catch any parts of the fair you may have missed initially.
Art can be an emotional journey, and giving yourself time for an encounter with an artwork to percolate and marinate can help you reflect on the depth of your connection, and decide if it is the right fit for purchase. If it’s your first time buying art, check out our handy guide here!
5. Figure Out the Logistics of Your Purchase
So you’ve fallen in love with a piece of art and decided to make it your own. Before you smack your money down on the table, be sure to consider these essential logistics to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ownership experience.
First and foremost, inquire about the artwork’s documentation. Does it come with a certificate of authenticity? This document is vital for verifying the legitimacy of the artwork, which is particularly significant when investing in art – so make sure that you receive it along with your purchase.
Next, think about the logistics of getting your artwork home – flesh out the costs, timelines, and safety measures involved in the shipping process, including insurance if the work is expensive. Some galleries offer shipping services for free, and others may require you to arrange your own transportation or pay an additional fee for them to arrange shipping. The Affordable Art Fair offers free wrapping for all artworks purchased, and buyers can swing by the DSV Solutions desks conveniently located on each level to enquire on quotes for delivery and installation.
Installation is another crucial consideration, especially for larger or more complex pieces. Will you need a professional art handler to mount it? Does the piece come framed, or will you have to arrange for museum-quality framing yourself? How much will framing cost – sometimes, if works are very delicate, framing charges can amount to more than the cost of the work itself! Are there specific places where you should not hang your work? (For example, many works should not be hung with direct sunlight falling on them.) Gallerists are well-trained to handle these questions, so be sure to discuss your requirements with them.
Finally, consider if your work will come in a crate or with unwieldy packaging of some sort that will require separate disposal – this can be expensive and annoying. If so, ensure that your art handler is able to assist with responsible and environmentally-friendly disposal.
Taking care of these logistics during your purchasing process will help ensure that your new addition to your art collection arrives safely and seamlessly.
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The Affordable Art Fair opens to the public on Friday 10 November and runs till 12 November. Get your tickets here.
Header image courtesy of Affordable Art Fair Singapore. Artwork images courtesy of the respective galleries.
Want to learn more? Complement this read with our article on tips provided by experts on how to navigate art fairs.
This article is produced in paid partnership with the Affordable Art Fair. Thank you for supporting the institutions that support Plural.
