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ART
May 14, 2015
ART | What is Singapore's Gilman Barracks, a Contemporary Art District Gaining Global Attention?
ART | Kaikai Kiki Gallery, led by Takashi Murakami, to open next year
What is Singapore's "Gillman Barracks," a contemporary art district drawing global attention?
Singapore's art scene has been vibrant in recent years. News has emerged that Kaikai Kiki Gallery, led by contemporary art maestro Takashi Murakami, will open next year in "Gillman Barracks," an art district that debuted this September and already houses prominent Japanese galleries. The "artistic city" of Singapore, which is expanding its reach, is likely to attract even more attention going forward.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
Three galleries from Japan have already set up shop
To foster Singapore's development as an artistic city, "Gillman Barracks" was established this September under government initiative. The government invested over 600 million yen to transform the former British military facilities from the colonial era into a cutting-edge art district, aiming to position Singapore as a hub for art in Asia.
Spanning approximately 6.4 hectares, the vast site features 14 buildings housing 13 galleries from 10 countries, including Australia, Germany, Italy, China, and Japan. From Japan, the renowned galleries Ota Fine Arts, Mizuma Art Gallery, and Tomio Koyama Gallery are participating. Furthermore, the area will soon welcome the "Center for Contemporary Art Singapore (CCA)" next year, and will also feature restaurants, making it a spot where one can fully experience the current state of art in rapidly developing Singapore.
Singapore is pursuing a vision of becoming an international cultural and artistic city, with the nation actively promoting arts and culture. It actively hosts large-scale international art events such as the "Singapore Biennale" and "Art Stage Singapore," which began in 2010. The opening of the "National Art Gallery" is also planned for 2015.
Kaikai Kiki Gallery is expanding into Singapore, the center of the booming Southeast Asian art market. The gallery is set to feature works by a diverse roster of artists, including not only Takashi Murakami but also Mark Grotjahn and Friedrich Kunath, as well as emerging talents like Aya Takano and obi.
"Gillman Barracks" is emerging as a new focal point in Singapore. Visitors are invited to stroll leisurely through the expansive grounds and immerse themselves in the world's most cutting-edge art.
Gillman Barracks
Closed: Mondays and public holidays
Admission: Free
Address: 9 Lock Road Singapore 108973 SINGAPORE
http://www.gillmanbarracks.com/