All The Thai Artists Joining ART SG, Southeast Asia’s Leading Art Fair, in January
ART SG, the largest international art fair in Southeast Asia, is set to return for its third edition from January 17 to 19, 2025, at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Marina Bay Sands. Presented by Founding and Lead Partner UBS, this highly anticipated event will feature 106 galleries from 30 countries and territories, showcasing a diverse array of artistic perspectives.
This year’s edition emphasizes cultural exchange and aims to present Southeast Asia’s vibrant art scene within a global context. Over 30% of the participating galleries operate in the region, highlighting local voices alongside internationally recognized names such as Gagosian, White Cube, and Thaddaeus Ropac. New participants like Galerie Gmurzynska and Haridas Contemporary will also contribute fresh perspectives to the fair.
ART SG 2025 will include curated sectors designed to deepen engagement with contemporary art. The PLATFORM sector will showcase large-scale, site-specific installations, featuring works like Miya Ando’s evocative Moon Ensō and Khairulddin Wahab’s maritime-inspired pieces, which explore historical geography and Southeast Asia’s relationship with water. The FILM program, curated in collaboration with Bangkok Kunsthalle, will present a mix of artist-made films and documentaries about renowned artists, focusing on themes such as “Constructing Landscapes” and “Voices and Signs.”
A robust TALKS program will facilitate discussions among thought leaders and artists on critical themes in the art world. Highlights include a focus on collecting practices, curated by Aaron Cezar of Delfina Foundation, which will examine the philosophy and politics of collecting, as well as solo talks by internationally acclaimed artists Mandy El-Sayegh and Korakrit Arunanondchai, known for their boundary-pushing multidisciplinary works.
ART SG 2025 will prominently feature Thai artists and galleries, underscoring Thailand’s significant role in the evolving Southeast Asian art scene. Notable contemporary art spaces such as Bangkok CityCity Gallery and SAC Gallery will showcase innovative works. Among the highlights is Naraphat Sakarthornsap’s latest series, A Hopeless Hope, which challenges societal norms through conceptual floral arrangements. Additionally, Warin Lab Contemporary will present A World in Parallel, a thought-provoking collaboration by emerging talents Nakrob Moonmanas and Eri Imamura.
UBS’s involvement in the fair reflects its commitment to contemporary art and community engagement. The bank will commission new works by Thai artist Mit Jai Inn for the UBS Lounge and launch its “Art for All” program, which includes a public tapestry project inviting visitors to participate in creating a large-scale artwork commemorating Singapore’s 60th year of independence.
ART SG coincides with Singapore Art Week (January 17-26, 2025), offering a city-wide celebration of art through gallery exhibitions, museum showcases, and cultural activations. Highlights during this period will include museum exhibitions such as Kim Lim: The Space Between at the National Gallery Singapore and Everyday Practices at the Singapore Art Museum, alongside numerous private collections and gallery events. Participating galleries will present a variety of mediums, from painting and sculpture to cutting-edge digital and installation art, featuring works by artists including Maria Farrar, Suzann Victor, and David Hockney.
With its focus on cultural exchange and the representation of local artists, ART SG 2025 promises to be a landmark event in Southeast Asia’s art calendar. The inclusion of Thai artists and galleries not only highlights the region's dynamic art scene but also reinforces the fair's commitment to fostering a vibrant dialogue within the global art community.