The best places to buy art in Singapore
Scout the next big local artist or shop for affordable prints to adorn your home at these art shops and galleries.
Whether you're making your first foray into the world of art appreciation or a connoisseur scouting for unique yet affordable pieces, buying art can be an intimidating process. The first step would be to figure out your taste and budget. Then, you'll have to source for pieces that complement your interiors. We get it, those new to art collecting probably wouldn't want to splurge on their first few pieces.
But if you want to transcend out of your IKEA rut but can't afford an original Monet or Basquiat, we've got you settled. We've rounded up the best studios and galleries that house bold works and aesthetically-pleasing pieces all year round – and they don't cost you a whole month's pay. Here's where you can buy art – both online and offline – in the city.
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LivingwithArt
Tucked in Tan Boon Liat Building, LivingwithArt has a wide range of premium art paintings and prints. You can find artworks of every style here, from vibrant paintings to black and white prints, if you prefer a monochromatic colour palette. Prices start from $144 for prints, and $800 for abstract art. The studio also has works from established Singaporean artists such as Amanda Lim, Andy Yong, and Pua Ann Chi.
Kult Studio & Gallery
Be prepared to forget everything you thought you knew about art. Perched atop Emily Hill, Kult Studio & Gallery is a refreshing studio space for “rebel creatives from all over the world”. Their originals by local artists are going for $200-$500. Need ideas? We love Mindscapes by Deepika Das ($300), an artwork on vinyl record inspired by 80s music (specifically Pink Floyd), and Doppelganger by Gabriel DeSouza, a skeletal painting made from gold ink on black paper.
Utterly Art Exhibition Space
Utterly Art focuses on Singaporean and Southeast Asian artists. It is one of Singapore's most active art spaces, changing their exhibitions to highlight a wide spectrum of artists, sculptors, ceramists and photographers from Southeast Asia and beyond. Previous exhibitors include established artists such as Loh Jahan, Robert Freeman, Chng Seok Tin, and Ansel Adams.
Arto Gallery
Collectors who know what they are looking for can turn to Arto Gallery and its intuitive app. Using an algorithm that creates a personalised list for users, it recommends pieces from its database of over 20,000 artworks and 65,000 artists based on tastes and preferences. Swipe left on images to pass or right to indicate if you’re digging a piece – sort of like Tinder but for the art world.
The Artling
Originally a platform for former architect Talenia Phua-Gajardo to showcase the work of Singaporean photographers, The Artling has turned into a thriving online art gallery that houses everything from limited edition prints to mixed media works. Its highly-curated collections include a range of styles: figurative, abstract, surrealist and minimalist works Particularly captivating are the gallery’s new media offerings - like Shanghai-based collective Liu Dao’s teakwood frames that intricately combine LED displays with paper collages and Chinese papercut. There's also Firat Engin's psychedelic neon pieces.
Taksu Gallery Singapore
Having been around for almost 20 years, Taksu Gallery is the go-to for discerning collectors. Featuring fine art with a distinctly urban edge from both fresh and renowned names, the gallery has amassed an impressive clientele, including top architectural firms, design agencies and museums. So you know you’re in good hands if you’re looking to spruce up your abode. Interior design and consultancy services are available as well.
Gallery and Co
Gallery & Co. brings together retail and F&B into one stylish package – it’s a far cry from your average museum store. Curated by heavyweights of the local creative industry, the shop stocks a suitably artsy range of childrenswear and accessories. There are also hard-to-find books, quirky knick-knacks and so much more (you'll just have to see for yourself). To fuel up, hop over to the restaurant and bar, most of whose dishes are inspired by the artworks on display.
Art Loft
Set up in 2013, the Art Loft houses contemporary artworks from emerging regional artists. Here, you find the works of local artists such as Joanne Pang, gold and bronze medalist at the 2012 Singapore Design Awards and Dawn Ang, whose spellbinding illustrative works draw from themes of growth, space and memory. Visit the studio for a close-up look or buy online, where you can filter your search according to price range, theme, and region of origin.
Society6
Source for chic artworks from independent artists from all over the world on this online marketplace. You can find everything from affordable art prints by fledging artists to stunning wood wall art for your feature wall. Recently, they've made it easier to buy prints y reducing international shipping rates. Shipping for a small art print to Singapore, for example, costs just $7 and takes about 8 to 16 business days to arrive.
Etsy
One of our favourite places to get art online is global online marketplace Etsy, which is basically a haven for independent art collectors. The artworks are shipped directly from the creator's home or studio, so you know you're not getting mass-produced pieces here. It's basically a Carousell for art.
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