As Singapore’s Gillman Barracks continues to play host to more and more galleries showcasing contemporary artworks, the neighborhood itself is enjoying newfound respect as a bastion of the creative world. However, challenges remain for everyone involved as galleries look to strike a balance between success and giving back to the community.
Many new galleries devoted to all things contemporary art are on the rise in Gillman Barracks. A number of these new locations have recently opened, including several that are openly embracing new, young, and emerging Singaporean artists. Though it is not unprecedented for art galleries to feature such creative presences, it is rare — galleries must look out for themselves and try to include art that is accessible and desirable to collectors. Galleries such as these do take on a risk by featuring art by artists that haven’t yet shown pieces in other exhibits or sold anything, but giving the artists a chance is a noble pursuit.
However, recent history has shown that Singaporean art itself is on the rise. During a recent auction at Christie’s Hong Kong, nearly all the Singaporean masterpieces on the auction block were sold, bringing in a record amount of revenue. This goes to show that the world is taking notice of the art that is going on in Singapore. But what is perhaps even more important to recognize is that while so-called Nanyang-style classical Singaporean artists are still valued, it’s the up and coming contemporary Singaporean artists who have the most to gain as their masterpieces come into prominence. While galleries in general and those in Gillman Barracks in particular have no real imperative to feature Singaporean artists, the idea is that these facilities would want to do good in the communities where they are located. That is why galleries in Singapore should work to give back to the community. By giving Singaporean artists a chance to break through and be successful, galleries can help boost the communities and neighborhoods that host them. Galleries should also work alongside larger art museums in Singapore so that everyone can win, providing a pipeline of opportunities for Singaporean residents to experience a wealth of unique art, and for artists to have a chance to gain visibility for their work. Though it is usually art galleries’ main goal to make money and remain open, going out on a limb for local artists would be an excellent way to make a gallery more at home within the community it wants to be a part of.
Give art a chance in your own life by enrolling in art classes today via SGArtClass.com. Lessons are available in everything from digital art to acrylic painting, collage art to pointillism painting, 3-D sculpture to printmaking, and everything in between. Whether you’re a beginning artist or an accomplished artist looking for a little direction and feedback, we have the right art instructor and class for you.
To read more about the contemporary art boom in Gillman Barracks, go to http://www.todayonline.com/entertainment/arts/gillman-barracks-now-hotbed-local-contemporary-art.