Contemporary Indian art is in much demand in Singapore

Gallery owners in Singapore are keen to promote the contemporary Indian art in the country. For instance, the Gallery of Gnani Arts curator and co-owner Vidhya Gnana Gouresan says it has taken time to establish the gallery which opened in 2003, and adds that they complement group and solo shows by Indian artists based in India with those of artists who are based in Singapore. The idea is to add to the local arts landscape and create new platforms for creative exchanges."

Ms Adiba Hashim, who plans to open a gallery in Singapore early next year, claims the market has space for more Indian art: "I feel the Government's efforts to promote the arts, Singapore's location and the art lovers it has been drawing make it the perfect place to launch a gallery. In keeping with global art trends, Indian art is much in demand in Singapore too."

But the best part about being in Singapore is the window it provides to various cultures. "In London, people are often concerned about the last train. The conversations in Singapore are a lot more relaxed. Whether I am at an arts or cultural event or at a dinner party with expats, I can access different worlds with ease," she says."I see Singapore as a rojak cultural facility, a bridge which connects so many different cultures of the world."

A news report by Deepika Shetty (asiaone.com) mentions: “Among the successful Indian artists based here is Ms Kumari Nahappan, an interior designer who became a full-time artist at the age of 37. The Malaysia-born Singapore citizen is well-known here and abroad for her paintings, sculptures, installations and mixed media work. Ceramic artist Madhvi Subrahmanian, who moved to Singapore from the United States, has had several successful shows here and in India.

Another artist Sunaina Bhalla, who moved here from Japan in 2003, has her work in several important collections. She says her initial years in Singapore were difficult and, after a few group shows here, she decided to concentrate on showing her work in India. Singaporean artist Manjeet Shergill, who became a full-time artist in the 1980s, agrees there are more avenues for artists now.”

(Information courtesy: asiaone.com)