As its name suggests, Prestige Art Gallery is all about showcasing some of the classiest and most prestigious art pieces and artists of today from Asia. Housed in the heart of Singapore’s cultural district at Stamford Court, in a two-storey art space, the Gallery has a clear mission of supporting collectors and artists and spearheading and advising on new collecting strategies and approaches. With that in mind, their presence is sure to be felt at this year’s SG Art Week, with a plethora of exhibitions and peripheral events lined up for visitors.

At Rust: Echoes of Memory 不朽 (xiù), 记忆的回响 – A Journey Through Time, a 5th anniversary celebration for the Gallery, explore the interplay between memory, materiality, and transformation through the lens of five visionary Singaporean artists—Han Sai Por, Koh Nguang How, Lee Wen, Tang Da Wu, and Vincent Leow. In this compelling exhibition, these artists delve into the impermanence of life, using mediums such as painting, photography, sculpture, and performance to address the themes of decay, regeneration, and the passage of time. The exhibition reflects on the gallery’s journey and its dedication to showcasing thought-provoking art that engages with contemporary issues, while honouring the legacies of the artists it represents.

In Chinese, the word for rust—锈 (xiù)—evokes a dual resonance: it speaks to both decay and the persistence of time’s marks. Rust stands as a metaphor for the transient nature of art, life, and memory. It encapsulates not only the inevitability of erosion but also the resilience of existence and renewal. In photography, rust becomes more than a symbol of deterioration; it transforms into a testament to resilience, capturing fleeting moments of impermanence and preserving them as enduring images. The exhibition takes inspiration from the rich legacy of The Artists Village (TAV), a space synonymous with experimentation and collaboration. As an evolving hub within Singapore’s contemporary art scene, TAV has become a metaphor for cities themselves—structures that layer over time, incorporating the traces of past narratives and collective histories. Through their works, the artists explore how cities, whether natural or constructed, serve as repositories of memories and symbols of socio-political and environmental stories.

Each of the featured artists brings a unique perspective to the exhibition’s exploration of memory and material transformation. Han Sai Por’s works examine the relationship between nature and human intervention, reflecting on how the environment becomes intertwined with personal and collective memory. Vincent Leow uses rust both as a material and a metaphor for loss and erasure, evoking the passage of time in its most tangible form. Tang Da Wu’s art engages with the effects of environmental and urban changes, presenting a dialogue between rural and city landscapes. Lee Wen’s performative gestures and physical imprints reflect personal transformation, while Koh Nguang How’s photography captures overlooked moments, preserving the fragile and enduring nature of memory within TAV’s history.

Rust: Echoes of Memory reflects not only the passing of time but also the enduring essence of what remains. Through these works, the artists offer an inquiry into how memory, transformation, and materiality intersect to create stories that resonate across time. The exhibition invites viewers to consider how art can act as a bridge, preserving the transient and fostering cultural and ecological awareness for future generations.

The Gallery also presents work at ART SG 2025, at Booth C30. Featuring artists Chua Ek Kay, Chua Soo Bin, Han Sai Por, Ho Ho Ying, Lee Wen, Liu Guo Yi, Qi Lan, Shi Hu, Shui Tit Sing, Tan Choh Tee, Teng Nee Cheong and Zeng Jianyong, the group of 12 artists represents the ethos and philosophy of the Gallery, ranking among the most renowned artists in Asia of today.

As part of the ART SG VIP programme, join art historian Kwok Kian Chow, auctioneer Felix Kwok, collector Chong Huai Seng, and artist-curator Dr Adrian Tan in Past, Present & Future: Contemporary Art in Singapore, a panel discussion about tracing the evolution of Singapore’s contemporary art scene. Moderated by gallery owner Audrey Zhang, these panellists are set to share insights into the rich history, current trends and future directions shaping Singapore’s art scene. The panel will take place on 20th January, 630pm, free with RSVP to info@prestigearts.com.sg .

Finally, Asia-Pacific Art Collectors Forum teams up with Art Agenda Gallery to present an exclusive lecture: from Artist Villages to the Million-Dollar Banana: Exploring Performance Art in Singapore and Beyond”. Join Felix Kwok (Guo Dongjie)—a certified auctioneer in China and former Head of Modern Art at Sotheby’s Asia—as he delves into the evolution of global performance art trends and the rise of contemporary art in Singapore, from the controversies of the “million-dollar banana” to the value of performance art, as well as learn all about, Western Dadaism, Asian avant-garde art, and a special segment on art investment. Taking place on 21st January at 830pm, Whatsapp +65 883181926 for more information.

Prestige Art Gallery is located at 61 Stamford Rd, #01-06 Stamford Court, Singapore 178892. For more information, visit their website here

ART SG 2025 runs from 16th to 19th January 2025. Tickets and more information available here.