Singapore Art Week 2020: Programmes At Gillman Barracks

While a little off the beaten track, Gillman Barracks remains one of Singapore’s premier visual arts destinations with its host of galleries all gathered in a single location. For Singapore Art Week (SAW) 2020, the venue will host an array of inspiring and innovative art experiences from 11th to 19th January 2020. Expect to see work by over 80 artists from Singapore and beyond, including the highly anticipated return of boutique art showcase S.E.A. Focus, Gillman Barracks’ signature lifestyle open house event Art After Dark and brand-new exhibition openings specially curated by its resident art galleries.

A focal point for the presentation and discourse of Southeast Asian art, STPI’s S.E.A. Focus will be holding its second edition, which aims to build on its mission to showcase contemporary art from Southeast Asia by providing a platform that nurtures artistic development and encourages greater appreciation and engagement. From 16th to 19th January 2020, it will feature 20 leading galleries, including Gillman Barracks’ very own Chan + Hori Contemporary, FOST Gallery, Yavuz Gallery, Richard Koh Fine Art and Sullivan+Strumpf. Together, these galleries will present a stellar line-up of works by 39 artists that are based in or connected to Southeast Asia, of whom half are emerging professionals aged 35 and below. Their exhibitions will be accompanied by programmes and panel talks to foster artistic dialogue, led by renowned curators, museum directors and art professionals such as 2010 Young Artist Award recipient Robert Zhao and Mae Anderson, chairman of Art Outreach.

Gillman Barracks’ flagship night-time open house Art After Dark will also return on 17th January 2020, promising an exciting spectrum of programmes including new exhibition openings by resident galleries such as Ota Fine Arts, ShanghART Singapore and Yeo Workshop. Beyond visual art experiences, visitors to this perennial crowd favourite will also be treated to a memorable evening of electrifying live music performances as well as delightful F&B offerings.

In addition to these SAW 2020 highlights, Gillman Barracks will be hosting activities as part of Singapore Biennale 2019, with opportunities to learn more about the featured artists and artworks through specially designed Biennale walking trails and curator-led tours, explore their creativity in a hands-on assemblage workshop with Biennale artist Khairullah Rahim, and watch young people leave their artistic mark in Youths Take Over.

Art lovers can also immerse themselves in on-going exhibitions by Gillman Barracks’ resident galleries throughout SAW 2020, such as NTU Centre of Contemporary Art’s Residencies OPEN, which provides visitors with a rare glimpse into the often-introverted sphere of artist studios; Pre-Heaven, Singaporean artist Ruben Pang’s first solo show since 2017 presented by Chan + Hori Contemporary; Richard Koh Fine Art Gallery’s 10-year anniversary celebration, which kicks off with a special presentation by artists Natee Utarit and Nadiah Bamadhaj; and Rooted in Bali by Mizuma Gallery, a group exhibition of Balinese artists, curated by Hermanto Soerjanto.

Says Ms Natalie Tan, Assistant Director, Gillman Barracks Programme Office: “Gillman Barracks is thrilled to feature such a rich line-up of art exhibitions and programmes as part of Singapore Art Week 2020. The extensive programming at Gillman Barracks showcases a wide range of contemporary art practices, making it one of the best places for Singaporeans and international visitors to gain a better understanding of the arts.” She adds, “We hope all visitors enjoy the variety of activities available – from discovering Southeast Asian art at S.E.A Focus to experiencing the precinct in a different light at Art After Dark and participating in the Singapore Biennale programmes – as well as deepen their appreciation for the visual arts in its many forms and mediums.”

For programme updates and previews, follow Gillman Barracks on Facebook and Instagram via @gillmanbarracks

Singapore Art Week 2020 takes place from 11th to 19th January 2020 across various locations. For a full list of events and more information, visit the website here