Is bigger always better? Not according to Singapore Art Book Fair, at least. The annual event celebrating contemporary art books and zines is back for its 14th edition. But instead of upsizing, this year’s fair is intentionally scaling things down, with an intimate setup featuring 43 exhibitors and five programmes that explore the theme of closeness. But beyond trying to close the (literal) gap between buyers and sellers, this year’s edition is also focused on reducing passive consumption, encouraging visitors to slow down and form deeper connections with the books, their makers and fellow collectors at T:>Works’ cosy space.
Expect a thoughtfully curated mix of familiar SGABF names and first-time exhibitors, bringing together independent publishers, artists and collectives from around the world, with a particular spotlight on Asia. Among the new names to look out for are homegrown exhibitors Part Time Book Club, Thumb Books and artist Angelica Ong.
To add to this new experimental format, there will also be opportunities to create your own zine and a live radio broadcast from the event, which you can tune in to for interviews and a selection of local music as you walk the fair.