Admiring Singapore's vibrant art scene

Singapore's arts scene is a dynamic and diverse tapestry of established and emerging artists and arts groups, each showcasing their unique works.Over the years, Singapore's artistic community has grown significantly, including artists, freelance practitioners, arts educators, arts managers, and technical and production crew. This vibrant mix, supported by public and private backing and partnerships, forms the foundation of a flourishing arts ecosystem committed to providing high-quality arts experiences to local and international audiences.The range of quality works in Singapore encompasses classical, traditional, modern, and contemporary visual arts. Deeply rooted in the multilingual and multicultural society, the arts unite Singaporeans and foster unity amidst its rich diversity.The Singapore art scene is witnessing rapid growth, with many art galleries springing up. There are 175 art galleries with websites and 117 without websites, and these numbers continue to grow. This expansion is not limited to galleries; there has also been a significant increase in the number of artists in Singapore, both local and international.The recent ART SG fair gained attention as a highly anticipated art event in the region, with over 160 local and international galleries participating at the city's iconic Marina Bay Sands convention center.The event attracted a strong presence of collectors from neighboring Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia and buyers from Australia, mainland China, Taiwan, Korea, Hong Kong, and Europe. Following their participation at Frieze Seoul, many collectors viewed Art SG, organized by international fair conglomerate The Art Assembly, as a complementary destination for contemporary art in Asia.One of the most captivating art venues visited by this writer was the Ode to Art Galeria, located at 252 North Bridge Rd, #01-36E F, Raffles City Shopping Centre, Singapore.Ode to Art showcases an international spectrum of artists with diverse collections of paintings, sculptures, photography, and installation art. The gallery has a vast, high-ceiling area painted in white, which makes the exhibited works of various international artists quite a spectacle. The multiple artworks are unique, heavily textured in mixed media, and feature unique applications and techniques. The artworks are truly incredible.With almost 300 art galleries in Singapore, the spirit of free enterprise, new ideas, and innovative art approaches is very much alive.What sets Singapore's art scene apart is its democratic nature, where international artists compete on an equal footing with local artists. This inclusivity and diversity are the driving forces behind the vibrant and unique art scene.Democracy in art is the name of the game; it squeezes the best in every artist, producing astounding artworks with upscale prices yet reasonable with their uniqueness and beauty.