ART SG 2025: A Triumphant Showcase of Southeast Asia’s Contemporary Art Scene

The third edition of ART SG wrapped up its highly successful run at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, solidifying Singapore’s role as a vital hub in the global art ecosystem. From January 19 to 22, 2025, the fair welcomed over 41,000 visitors, including collectors, artists, curators, and art enthusiasts, further establishing itself as Southeast Asia’s premier contemporary art fair.

A Global Spotlight on Artistic Excellence

Featuring 105 galleries from 30 countries and territories, ART SG 2025 highlighted the rich artistic practices of Singapore, Southeast Asia, and the Indo-Pacific region. The event fostered meaningful cultural exchanges while shining a global spotlight on regional talent. Attendees included notable private collectors and representatives from esteemed institutions such as the Tate (UK), Queensland Art Gallery (Australia), and Museum MACAN (Indonesia).

Highlights Beyond the Fair

Coinciding with Singapore Art Week 2025, the city came alive with dynamic exhibitions, events, and cultural activations. Noteworthy programs included The Singapore Art Week Forum, organized by the National Arts Council and National Gallery Singapore, and a symposium hosted by the newly launched Tanoto Foundation, aimed at deepening conversations around contemporary art in Southeast Asia.

Major Sales and Acquisitions

ART SG 2025 saw significant sales across all sectors, with galleries reporting robust interest from collectors. Notable transactions included Pablo Picasso’s Buste d’Homme à la Pipe (1969) sold by Cardi Gallery for USD 1.2 million and Georg Baselitz’s Mettere mano a – anfangen (2019) sold by White Cube for EUR 650,000. Singapore-based galleries also made their mark, with Artcommune selling Cheong Soo Pieng’s By the Lake (1979) for SGD 116,000.

The SAM ART SG Fund, launched at this year’s edition, allocated SGD 150,000 toward acquiring key works for the Singapore Art Museum. Acquisitions included Kapwani Kiwanga’s Magma (2024) and Lêna Bùi’s Breathing no.2 (2024), underscoring a commitment to enhancing the nation’s art collection.

Engaging Programs: FILM and TALKS

This year’s FILM program, curated by Stefano Rabolli Pansera, explored themes of landscapes, identity, and transformation through works by artists such as Nam June Paik and Theaster Gates. Meanwhile, ART SG PERSPECTIVES hosted thought-provoking discussions featuring industry leaders like Delfina Foundation’s Aaron Cezar and collectors from across the globe, further enriching the fair’s intellectual offerings.

Looking Ahead to 2026

ART SG’s third edition has cemented its place as a cornerstone event on the international art calendar, attracting both seasoned and emerging collectors. The next edition is set to return from January 23 to 25, 2026, with a VIP preview on January 22.