Your guide to Affordable Art Fair Singapore 2024: See the best in paintings, mixed media sculptures and more

Be prepared to be dazzled – the Affordable Art Fair 2024 is far from your average pop-up event showcasing aesthetic photo cards, quirky stickers, or cute trinkets. Celebrating its 15th year in Singapore, this international art extravaganza offers an impressive array of high-end paintings, sculptures and contemporary masterpieces, all priced under S$15,000.

Whether you're an art collector looking to expand your collection, a homeowner looking to elevate your décor, or simply a curious soul with a free weekend, this fair is your gateway to the art world. It's also a perfect escape from everyday life, offering a serene space to engage with unique art and interpret each piece in your own way.

From 7 - 10 Nov, 2024, head to the F1 Pit Building to explore over 80 galleries from around the globe – from Brooklyn to Brighton, and San Francisco to Seoul. With interactive workshops and large-scale installations, this fair promises a comprehensive arts and culture experience.

Here’s a peek at seven stunning artworks you can look forward to at the Affordable Art Fair 2024:

1. “THE RAFT OF OBSESSED” BY YANG YUAN YUAN

Presented by Art District SG, this screenprint initially seems to depict a group of cute, fluffy sheep, but look closer and you'll discover a satirical commentary on modern compulsions – our addiction to mobile devices, overindulgence in drinking, and the relentless pursuit of trends driven by influencers.

This is just one example of the thought-provoking works you'll find at the fair, where artworks are designed not only to captivate but also to challenge perceptions and spark conversations.

2. “GLADIATOR ON VACATION” BY DENG XIAO

This intricate oil painting by Deng Xiao, presented by A Gallery, combines Renaissance techniques with whimsical surrealism. It depicts a young gladiator in battle armour, surrounded by serene angels removing arrows from his body – symbols of his struggles.

Presented by A Gallery, which celebrates art as a personal statement for both artist and collector, this painting invites deep reflection. The young gladiator's vulnerability, coupled with the angels' gentle care, is bound to evoke a sense of sympathy and tenderness. It invites you to reflect on the scars – both emotional and physical – left by violence, while offering a quiet sense of hope and redemption.

3. “MAGIC CLOUD” BY DAVID GERSTEIN

If you're seeking something dynamic and unorthodox, "Magic Cloud" is an experimental piece that’s sure to catch your eye. Made entirely from colourful heavy cotton paper, it defies traditional materials to create a bold, textured composition that seems to float with energy and movement. This striking artwork is sure to brighten any living room and serve as a conversation starter for your guests.

Presented by the Bruno Art Group, known for its expertise in Kinetic, Pop, and Dada art, "Magic Cloud" embodies innovation and a playful blend of different mediums – perfect for completely transforming a dull space and sparking curiosity.

4. “A NEW EARTH IS BORN” BY STEVEN LOW

Steven Low’s "A New Earth is Born", presented by Kalliston Art Gallery, is an abstract ceramic sculpture celebrating the raw, imperfect beauty of nature.

With its jagged edges and curves, this tactile piece adds a layer of sophistication and depth to any minimalist backdrop. It’s a celebration of nature’s complexity, encouraging you to think beyond conventional shapes and forms and adopt a fresh perspective on our ever-changing environment.

5. “THE COFFEESHOP SERIES 27” BY GILLES MASSOT

For photography lovers, there are also a handful of meaningful photographs in store at the fair. “The Coffeeshop Series 27” for instance, captures the quiet beauty of everyday life. This photograph of a man sipping coffee in an old-school coffee shop, surrounded by vintage decor, evokes a sense of calm and timelessness.

Presented by Intersections, a gallery that uses art as a universal language to connect diverse artists and disciplines, this photograph serves as a reminder that even the simplest scenes can carry deep emotional resonance and connect us to shared experiences – reminding us of the joy found in small, everyday rituals.

6. “TWO KISSES” BY VITA KOBLYKINA

This is not a photograph. This is “Two Kisses”, a hyper-realistic oil painting of two Kisses chocolates, so finely detailed that it tempts you to reach out and unwrap the chocolates depicted. Beyond its technical skill, the painting’s subtle composition leaves viewers to interpret its meaning.

Consider the subtle rift between the two chocolates – could this be a love story between two inanimate objects, separated by a barely noticeable divide? That’s for you to decide. Expect more fun and mind-boggling works like this one at the fair, each one challenging you to see the world in a new light and discover hidden meanings in average objects.

7. “SOLACE IN THE GARDEN” BY LYE YAU FATT

Finally, if you’re looking for something that hits closer to home, here’s an acrylic painting that expresses our local culture and heritage. Crafted in the traditional Nanyang painting style, “Solace in the Garden” beautifully reflects the richness of our Malayan past. It brings to life a scene filled with local charm, through women in intricately patterned Kebayas surrounded by a lush garden scenery.

Presented by homegrown Serenity Gallery, this piece does more than captivate – it takes you back to a time when such scenes were part of everyday life. Beyond its ability to draw attention through its soft and earthy colour palette, it serves as a preservation of our beloved heritage, offering a visual journey into the past and reconnecting us with the cultural traditions that shaped our identity.

So, grab your cheque book or a friend and head over to the Affordable Art Fair now till 10 Nov, 2024 at the F1 Pit Building.

Image credits: Affordable Art Fair, Yang Yuan Yuan, Deng Xiao, David Gerstein, Steven Low, Gilles Massot, Vita Koblykina, Lye Yau Fatt