Singapore Art Week (17-26 January) brings together over 160 events for the city's biggest celebration of the visual arts. Read our special supplement here
The Art Newspaper: What project are you working on at the moment?
Yeo Shih Yun: I’m thrilled to present about ten new works on round plexiglass inspired by robot-created ink drawings during the Singapore Art Week. This two-person exhibition with Boo Sze Yang, Beyond runs until 1 February at INSTINC art space. It’s our first collaboration, blending our unique approaches to explore innovative mark-making and painterly expressions. Using robots as tools and unconventional techniques, our works bridge the ancient tradition of ink drawing with contemporary artistic practices.
How has Singapore’s art scene evolved over the past decade?
Singapore’s art scene has transformed dramatically, with a rise in young curators and new art collectives injecting bold, fresh perspectives. There has also been a surge in tech-driven works as artists including Jake Tan and Dong Yan Chen increasingly experiment with new media. Some are self-taught, learning from online platforms like YouTube. This DIY spirit, combined with a growing embrace of technology, has created a vibrant and dynamic landscape. The past decade reflects an exciting interplay of tradition and innovation.
What is the most distinctive thing about Singapore’s art scene?
Its blend of tradition and innovation, reflecting its multicultural heritage. Contemporary art dominates, with artists experimenting in digital media, performance and installations. Events like the Singapore Biennale and ART SG position the city as an art hub, while artist-run spaces like Comma Space, Starch and INSTINC foster experimental practices, collaboration and creative freedom.
What would you recommend to first-time visitors to Singapore?
Visit Gardens by the Bay; it’s breathtaking, even the free areas. For art lovers,
Tanjong Pagar Distripark is unmissable, featuring the Singapore Art Museum, galleries, the S.E.A. Focus art fair and some late-night performances, too! For food, Redhill Hawker Centre is a hidden gem worth exploring.
What events or exhibitions are you looking forward to during Singapore Art Week?
I’m excited about The Other Detour (until 26 January). This multimedia installation by Kar-men Cheng and Zai Tang explores the fantasies that fuel dehumanisation and “othering”. The concept of a psychoanalyst inviting a forest to share its observations is both surreal and deeply thought-provoking. I’m eager to experience how they blend storytelling and visuals into a sensory journey that challenges perceptions.
Another exhibition that I am looking forward to is Singkarpor REMIXED at Art Outreach Singapore in Gillman Barracks (until 26 January). This exhibition transforms AikBeng Chia’s raw, humorous photography into immersive collages capturing Singapore’s vibrant life, from iconic spots to hidden heartlands.