You know what they say – you weren’t really there unless you snap a pic (or ten) and post it onto social media. So if you’re planning to hit up Art Stage this weekend, here are ten works that will prettify your Instagram account. So get ready to dive head first into art.
‘Water Dripping – Splashing’ by Zheng Lu
Public artwork by Sundaram Tagore Gallery, booth A7
The massive splashes of silver ‘ink’ seem as though they’re suspended in mid-air – but closer inspection reveals that the installation is crafted out of stainless steel, and comprises hundreds of thousands of Chinese characters.
‘Matchstick Men’ by Wolfgang Stiller
Galerie Mark Hachem, booth A1A/A2
They're not just gigantic matchsticks, they're gigantic matchsticks with faces of Chinese men on them. The German artist prefers to leave its meaning open to interpretation, so read what you will into it.
‘Made in China (Yellow)’ by Joe Black
Opera Gallery, booth C17
Same same but different are the miniature toy soldiers that make up this British pop artist’s piece, for each of them have been painted in a different colour. But despite their unique shading, they’re only a pixel in the larger picture of a boy soldier.
‘Sweet word #HAPPY’ by Anon Pairot
Southeast Asia Forum, in front of VIP Lounge
Ooh, a piece about positivity! But then you take a closer look and realise that it’s made entirely out of cockroaches. Are you still feeling #happy now? If you’re conflicted, then the Thai artist has done his job in getting you to question your feelings.
‘Mirrored Room’ by Yayoi Kusama
Sakurado Fine Arts, booth G7
It's easy to miss this red and white polka dot box. But peer through the little slit and you'll see… more red and white polka dots. An infinite amount of them. Ladies and gents, welcome to the dizzying mind of the renowned Japanese artist, and enjoy your trip.
‘Honesty’ by Nobuaki Takekawa
Ota Fine Arts, booth D11
‘All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players’, says The Bard. So how do you – and your government – play the game of life and politics?
‘Make Your Own Passport’ by Tintin Wulia
Southeast Asia Forum
This workshop-performance lets you try your hand at making and customising your own passports. The only twist is that you don’t get to pick which of the 142 nationalities you end up as. The artist is on hand to guide you through the process – think of this as the kids’ corner… but for adults as well.
‘Evolving Ink’ by Qin Chong
Public artwork by Da Xiang Art Space, booth H16
Here, the Chinese artist literally injects life into his piece by placing a number of black goldfish into tubs of varying sizes to show the fluid movement of ink. Who says art needs to imitate life when you can have both in the same bowl?
‘Set’ by Su Tzu-Han
Galerie Grand Siecle, booth D3
The whimsical nature of this piece reminds us of the Little Prince – pop by and wave hello to the miniature man on his miniature garden planet.
‘Through What It Has Become’ by Chris Jones
Marc Straus, booth F13
We love the sense of voyeurism in this 3D work, where rooms cut out from magazines and books are stacked around each other, seemingly oblivious to what lies on the other side of their protruding walls.
Art Stage is at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre until Jan 24.