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ART SG 2025: A Celebration of Diversity and Creativity from Gutai to Contemporary Art

2025.01.29
ART FAIR

Whitestone’s Anticipated Return

Building upon its recognition at ART SG 2024, Whitestone Gallery proudly returns to the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre with an even more extraordinary presentation. This year, the gallery has expanded its artist roster to feature 23 exceptional talents, encompassing diverse artistic backgrounds from Western, Asian, and Southeast Asian art scenes. With over 190 remarkable works on display, Whitestone Gallery offers visitors a vibrant and immersive artistic experience that celebrates cultural diversity and creative excellence.


Spotlight on Gutai Collection

Our Gutai collection attracted significant interest, whether from passersby or focused collectors. These remarkable bodies of works have been a sight to admire and a key part of our booth. Our collection’s popularity increased by Whitestone Gallery Singapore's 2025 opening exhibition—Gutai: Beyond the Canvas, which received widespread acclaim.

ArtSG

Yasuo Sumi 《Work SY-397》 (Year unknown), Oil on canvas, 45.5 × 38.0 cm; Atsuko Tanaka 《Work(T01037)》 (Early 1960s), Synthetic enamel on canvas, 53.0 × 53.0 cm; Shozo Shimamoto, 《Untitled SHIM-84》 (2010), Acrylic and Glass on canvas, 150.2 × 143.5 cm (Left to right on wall)

GUTAI: Beyond the Canvas

Dynamic Expressions of Contemporary Japanese Art: Kohei Kyomori & Miwa Komatsu

Whitestone Gallery received widespread acclaim for its diverse showcase of Contemporary East Asian Art, highlighting some exceptional works of Kohei Kyomori and Miwa Komatsu. Kohei Kyomori impressed audiences with his innovative use of mediums such as indigo dyeing, UV resin, and mineral pigments, creating pieces that draw from Japan’s rich heritage while incorporating influences from across East Asia. His works resonated deeply with art enthusiasts, blending tradition with modernity. Similarly, Miwa Komatsu’s vibrant creations, featuring her signature depictions of shrine and temple guardians, offered a striking fusion of traditional motifs and contemporary aesthetics. The enthusiastic response to both artists’ works underscored the enduring relevance and global appeal of this dynamic artistic movement.

ArtSG

Kohei Kyomori, 《Flowing River Peony F》(2024), Mineral pigments and UV resin on canvas, 180.0 × 120.0 × 4.0 cm; Kohei Kyomori, 《Flowing Hill God F》(2024), Mineral pigments and UV canvas, 116.7 × 91.0 × 5.0 cm

ArtSG

Miwa Komatsu, 《Singapore summer》(2024), Acrylic on Canvas, 116.7 × 233.4 cm; Miwa Komatsu 《Guardian Dog Un, Wearing the Wind Element》(2024), Acrylic on Canvas, 91.0 × 72.7 cm (Left to right)


A Vibrant Showcase: Philip Colbert’s Lobster Army Returns

Whitestone Gallery delighted visitors with the return of Philip Colbert’s iconic Lobster Army, an engaging and colorful display that once again captivated audiences of all ages. Alongside the beloved army, the showcase introduced Colbert’s limited edition prints and featured the highly anticipated sale of his sought-after Lobster Shark sculpture, the undeniable highlight of the exhibition. Families and children, in particular, were drawn to the playful and whimsical nature of the display, snapping countless photos and enjoying the charming, larger-than-life characters. The display proved to be a vibrant and joyful celebration of Colbert’s imaginative world.

ArtSG

Lobster Shark sculpture surrounded by an army of lobsters; Philip Colbert, 《Bedroom in Arles (Pink 1/100)》(2021), Giclee Print on Paper, 80.0 × 98.0 cm; Philip Colbert, 《Hunt Scene (2020) (2/100)》(2021), Giclee Print on Paper, 80.0 × 109.6 cm (Wall left to right)


Whitestone Gallery’s Inaugural Presentation of Southeast Asian Artists

For the first time, Whitestone Gallery proudly showcased Southeast Asian (SEA) artists at this edition, presenting a diverse selection of works by talented creators from Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. These captivating pieces resonated strongly with a wide audience of collectors and art enthusiasts, reflecting the growing global interest in the region’s dynamic art scene. This initiative highlights Whitestone’s dedication to fostering a thriving and inclusive platform for Southeast Asian artists, both in Singapore and on the international stage.

ArtSG

Maharani Mancanagra, 《Karatau Tumbuah #1 and #2》(2022), Charcoal on Wood, 57.0 × 72.0 × 12.0 cm (each) (left wall, left to right); Chen Sai Hua Kuan, Together #1 (2021), Brass, 5.0 × 15.0 × 13.0 cm; 《Together #2》(2021), Brass, 19.0 × 7.0 × 11.0 cm; 《Together #11》(2024), Brass, 250.0 × 19.0 × 13.0 cm (right wall, left to right); Pencil In I (2021), Pencil, 20.5 × 0.5 × 0.5 cm; 《Erlang Shen》(2021), Carbon Frame, 21.0 × 14.0 × 6.0 cm; Pencil In II (2021), Pencil, 16.5 × 0.7 × 0.7 cm (Pedestals, left to right)


A Visual Voyage Through Maritime History

At ART SG this year, Khairulddin Wahab’s installation captivated visitors with its grandeur. Comprising three canvases, the work explores the profound connection between the Malay Archipelago and its surrounding seas, blending maritime history with geographical narratives. The piece reflects the vital role of water in shaping the region, highlighting its life-giving power and historical significance. Suspended from the ceiling and reaching down to eye level, the installation drew much attention, contributing to the fair's engaging and thought-provoking atmosphere.

ArtSG

Khairulddin Wahab's installation The Lands Below the Winds at Art SG, presented by Swiss bank UBS. Photo in courtesy of ARTSG


United Through Art Appreciation

At ART SG, Whitestone Gallery welcomed a diverse array of visitors from various nationalities and ethnicities, reflecting the breadth and richness of the works and artists on display. The gallery created an inclusive environment where art lovers from all backgrounds could connect and appreciate the creative expressions shown. This experience reinforced the powerful notion that art transcends borders and language barriers, serving as a universal language that unites people all across cultures.

ArtSG

Whitestone Gallerist conversing with visitor

In summary, ART SG 2025 was a highly successful fair for Whitestone Gallery, with standout moments including the popularity of key works, strong interest in SEA artists, and the fostering of an inclusive, global art community.

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