Khai Hori is no stranger to the arts scene in Singapore — or the world. The talented and creative curator, who has an eye for artistic talent, previously worked in Singapore’s art world in the form of being a part of the National Heritage Board and the Singapore Art Museum. After leaving his tenures there, he was invited to Paris to head up an exciting and important institution there. Now, though, he’s back in Singapore, in charge of a newly revamped gallery that is looking to shed perceptions in the art world and build new opportunities for artists in Singapore. Khai recently sat down with a reporter to discuss his life, career, goals, and the state of the art scene in Singapore.
Khai is using his vast knowledge and experience in the art world to bring a new concept of art gallery to Singapore — one that can bridge that gaps among government art organizations, museums, galleries, and artists to make sure that all possible resources are directed toward the promotion, preservation, and growth of art in Singapore. Right now, Khai says he is concerned about a perceived lack of diversity in different types of visual art in the Singapore creative world. While highly polished, finished pieces are the norm, Khai says that art comes in all shapes and sizes. He believes that it would be to Singapore’s benefit if the public was exposed to all kinds of different forms of art — from gritty to experimental. Part of the artistic process is seeing projects that fail. Oftentimes, new and wonderful conversations and projects can emerge from such failures.
During his time in Paris, Khai saw firsthand the government working together with galleries to make sure that artists were given every opportunity to succeed. He notes a disconnect between Singapore’s governments and the country’s numerous galleries. While he cited concerns over conflicts of interest as the main deterrent between such entities, Khai believes that for the greater good of art in Singapore, such relationships are needed. Artists need more resources and venues for the public to discover their work.
Khai eschews, however, the idea that people in the art world need to be concerned about a lack of a certain level of art collector. He waved off reports that there are only ten professional art collectors in the nation, saying that the more important thing was to engage casual collectors’ support of Singaporean artists. That way, a greater number of people from a more diverse background can promote and enjoy art within the nation.
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To read more of the interview with Khai Hori, go to http://thepeakmagazine.com.sg/lifestyle/curator-khai-hori-singapores-art-scene-need-trust-ownership-leadership-curatorial-teams-artists-engage/.