Can you really buy affordable art in Singapore? How do you know what to look for? What should you take into consideration when making that purchase? Artwork can turn four bare walls into an interesting space with personality. But it can feel difficult making the right choice. We asked two experts for some great tips on finding the right piece (that doesn’t have to cost an arm or a leg!).
Talking Textiles – Deborah McKellar
How would you describe Talking Textiles?
We are an art and design studio that creates both artworks and designer products for the living space. As the artist, the artworks would come under my name, Deborah McKellar. I also have a team working with me who help with the production side and other design aspects.
I create original artworks that tell stories of Singapore. Some of these original artworks are also reproduced into digital art prints, which create a range of more price friendly artworks.
What are your top tips for readers thinking of buying art in Singapore?
Go with a work that you love – the art piece that gets your soul to resonate. If the artwork is telling a story that you can identify with and this creates a warm energy that you would like to bring into your home, this can be a good lead to follow.
Think about the different spaces in your home where you would like to place an artwork. Before going on your search, take a photo of the wall and living space that you have in mind. This will help you to better visualise what would be a good fit.
Besides just visiting galleries, find out where the actual artists are located and if buying an original artwork from them directly is possible. This will help you avoid the often-hefty gallery commission costs.
When viewing art, take photographs of your favourite choices. Review them at home where you can consider your options at leisure.
What services do you offer to help readers buy the perfect piece?
My exhibition venue is also my home studio, so viewing needs to be booked by appointment. When clients have a specific wall in mind, we can create a to-scale visualisation of the artwork on the specified wall. This gives potential buyers the chance to make an informed decision when purchasing an artwork. We also offer free delivery and installation of all artwork purchases over $1,000.
Do you have what could be considered affordable art in your range?
Yes, as mentioned I have two ranges of artworks – my limited-edition digital art prints (reproductions), and my original artworks.
The art prints are basically high-quality copies of the originals. Photographs taken of the original artworks are digitally printed on cotton canvas or paper. The starting price for an unframed paper print is $185, and $2,800 for a large canvas print.
The original artworks are mixed-media pieces that have been silk-screened and hand painted on linen canvas. The prices of this range start at $750 for a 35cm x 40cm artwork and $17,000 for a larger artwork.
Do you have care tips for people who have purchased your art?
Yes, absolutely! Colours in artworks or prints that that have sunlight shining on the piece will fade over time. Always dust your work with a dry cloth that doesn’t have fibres that can get caught on the surface. A chamois cloth works well. Once a year, check the back of your artwork and dust with a dry cloth.
Don’t hang framed art from adhesive-backed hooks. We strongly suggest using more secure hanging methods such as masonry nails.
Visit Deborah’s studio by appointment
talkingtextiles@gmail.com | Talking Textiles
Serenity Gallery – Ben Yeo
What tips can you can pass on to readers looking buying art in Singapore?
In terms of longevity and value, the key is to invest in collectable art pieces, rather than purely decoration art pieces.
How do you help customers find the perfect art piece?
Being able to give them our expert advice is key. Keeping up with the art market can be one thing, but we advise against buying art in Singapore purely as a commodity or purchasing from the ‘best artist in town’. It is best to find out what customers resonate the most with. Find out what the artist’s point of view is, or the message they were trying to convey and whether you relate to it.
Art should make you feel a sense of emotion, a sense of belonging and resonance. If it frustrates you, keep on looking. Gather your thoughts and give yourself some time. If you can’t keep the art piece off of your mind, then that’s probably the perfect art piece for you.
Do you have what could be considered affordable art in your range?
We have a range of affordable art priced between $400 to $500, titled ‘Perfect Cat For Your Home’. The medium used is Chinese ink on paper, and includes framing. We don’t sell art prints, so customers can be assured that every artwork from us is an original.
#02-85 Complex, 231 Bain Street
9639 0449 | serenity-gallery.com
LivingwithArt Singapore – Zak Lo
How would you describe LivingwithArt?
“Enter the world of Art.” An exciting development will be the opening of our 2nd gallery at Midview City. Our extensive collection covers everything from 2D art pieces ranging from abstract, modern contemporary, minimalism, floral, nature and cityscape, to Feng Shui and 3D sculptures made of glass, bronze, marble, clay and wood. In addition to painting customisation, we have partnered with Faber-Castell, Germany to offer an extensive range of artists’ products and Philip Jeffries, an American wall coverings manufacturer. We are passionate about promoting local artists’ works and providing a fantastic art appreciation experience to anyone that walks in.
What are your top tips when it comes to buying art in Singapore?
Start by referencing the overall theme of your home, followed by the style of art that piques your interest. You can then come down to the gallery to discuss these points with our interior stylist and art consultants. Or customers buying art in Singapore can just go with their instincts and pick up anything that catches their eye!
What services do you offer to help readers buying art in Singapore?
Other than speaking to our stylist and art consultants, we generate mood boards for commissioned pieces to match customers’ desired outcomes. This aids better with visualisation and enables you to feel more confident with any purchases.
What’s your starting price for an affordable art piece?
Our starting price is $25 for limited-edition art prints in the smallest size or a small ceramic sculpture.
#02-05 Tan Boon Liat Building (Flagship Gallery)
315 Outram Road
#01-10 Midview City
18 Sin Ming Lane
9826 4172 | LivingwithArt
So you see, affordable art in Singapore is no myth! We hope you’ve found this useful. You can find tons more helpful articles about all things home decor right here.
