What To Check Out At Singapore Art Week 2025
A guide to the must-see exhibitions and events of Singapore Art Week 2025.
The largest visual arts event on the local calendar is back from January 17-26: Singapore Art Week (SAW) 2025. Organised by the National Arts Council and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, this year marks SAW's 13th edition, with more 130 programmes taking place across the island.
Yep, there'll be the usual flagship events like ART SG, S.E.A. Focus, and Light to Night Singapore, as well as major highlights like the homecoming of Singapore artist Robert Zhao Renhui's monumental Seeing Forest installation from Venice Biennale 2024, as well as a rare glass art exhibition by the Bangkok Glass Company.
On the flip side, there are also plenty of independent, experimental shows, such as a travelling miniature gallery, a food-meets-art dining experience, as well as an artist takeover of Fort Canning, which will see the hill transformed into a fantastical version of 11th century Temasek
Here, we've done the homework for you and put together a list of shows (big and small alike) well-worth bookmarking below:
SEEING FOREST
What: The return of Singapore artist Robert Zhao Renhui's Seeing Forest installation; the 41-year-old was chosen to represent Singapore at the prestigious Venice Biennale last year, and the well-received work will now be showcased on home turf this month. The multimedia work challenges Singapore’s image as a bustling urban metropolis by focusing on its secondary forests (urban spaces reclaimed by nature after being developed) - through this work, Zhao questions the idea that untouched nature is inherently superior, arguing instead for a more nuanced understanding that values secondary forests as equally important.
Where: Singapore Art Museum at Tanjong Pagar Distripark, 39 Keppel Rd, #01-02
When: Jan 15-May 18, 10am-7pm daily
THE EYE AND THE TIGER
What: Here's a rare chance to explore Adam Park, a fabled black-and-white bungalow steeped in colonial history. Behind its exclusive appearance lies a darker past of deceit, exploitation, and violence, tied to smuggling, theft, and the destruction of communities for resources like rubber, tea, and nutmeg. This guided art walk also uncovers forgotten stories at nearby landmarks, such as Botanic Gardens and Tiger Hill, examining how the colonial gaze has shaped our relationship with land and nature, with tigers serving as haunting symbols of this history.
This walk is put on by arts charity OH! Open House, long-time experts at crafting immersive experiences, featuring works by Agan Harahap, Anthony Chin, Chong Kim Chiew, Ezzam Rahman, Ho Tzu Nyen, Maryanto, and Mit Jai Inn, with curation by Alan Oei.
Where: 7 Adam Park
When: Jan 12–19, 4pm-10pm (weekdays) and 1pm-7.30pm (weekends).
Sessions are 90 minutes each, get your tickets here.
BEFORE AND AFTER THE UNKNOWN
What: Fort Canning Park is set to be recast into something you might not be familiar with – a feverish interpretation of 11th century Temasek – using a mix of mediums including digital and 16mm film, sculptures, and video games. Blurring past, present, and future, this exhibition pieces together a fragmented myth, drawing from the lost remnants of the land’s early history and envisioning the uncertain possibilities of our future. The exhibition is helmed by multimedia artist and filmmaker duo Mark Chua and Lam Li Shuen, who are known for using absurdist imagery to explore place, history, and the complexities of human desire.
Where: Lewin Terrace, Fort Canning Park
When: Jan 17-26, 11am-7pm
HIDING IN SINGAPORE - THE JOURNEY BETWEEN
What: The live painting of Chinese art icon Liu Bolin's body. Liu is often referred to as "The Invisible Man" for his signature series Hiding in the City, where he camouflages himself into various urban and cultural backdrops by meticulously painting his body to blend seamlessly with his surroundings – it's his way of silently protesting issues like identity, social invisibility, and the impact of rapid urbanisation.
Liu showcased this work here last October as part of the Singapore International Photography Festival organised by DECK Photography Art Centre and the same non-profit's brought him back for SAW 2025. This time, they're looking for volunteers (participants, painters, and project managers) to help create the artwork, which will involve more than just Liu being painted – intrigued? Head here to register to take part.
Where: National Gallery Singapore and Clifford Pier (Fullerton Bay Hotel)
When: Jan 17, 10am-7pm, City Hall Steps, National Gallery Singapore and Jan 19, 10am-5pm, Clifford Pier (Fullerton Bay Hotel).
The completed artworks, along with Liu's latest sculptures, will be showcased at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore's East Garden Gallery from Jan 21-Feb 9, 10am-10pm daily.
SOMEWHERE NEAR HOME + JOURNEY OF SELF DISCOVERY
What: LOY Contemporary Art Gallery is opening two shows for SAW 2025 that both celebrate a child-like spirit. The first is Somewhere Near Home (above, left) by American artist Adam Handler, who's having his debut show in Singapore – known for his bold, playful style, Handler explores the concept of “home” through vibrant colours, whimsical characters, and layered compositions, blending nostalgia with deeper reflections on memory, relationships, and identity.
The second show is Journey of Self Discovery by South Korean artist Rori Hee, who's returning for a sophomore outing with the gallery. Hee is celebrated for her whimsical and fantastical paintings that often feature young girls with antlers, stars in their hair, and anthropomorphic animals – her characters serve as vessels for emotions, reflecting a universal desire for belonging and comfort in familiar spaces.
Where: Handler is showing at LOY Contemporary Art Gallery's first location at Tudor Court, 133-135 Tanglin Road, while Hee is exhibiting at the gallery's outpost at 36 Armenian Street, #01-06
When: Jan 15-Mar 1 (11am-6.30pm, closed on Sunday and Monday) for Handler's show, and Jan 16-Mar 1 (by appointment only – reach out to the gallery at +65 8862 4319).
CABINET OF CURIOSITIES
What: It's about time people took art less seriously – Cabinet of Curiosities promises just that. It's intended to be an exciting play-making adventure where kids of all abilities team up to uncover clues about a mysterious creature in the Toa Payoh neighbourhood. Along the way, they create a magical cabinet brimming with quirky treasures, vibrant stories, and wild imaginations. Come explore their playful discoveries and, on weekends, let the young explorers guide you through their one-of-a-kind cabinet of wonders.
This exhibition features works by Quek See Yee, the artist and designer we recently spotlighted who works magic with earthy materials like seeds and leaves, as well as artists Jessica Heng, Lynette Quek and producer Bambby Cheuk.
Where: Block 92 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh #01-272
When: Jan 17-26, 10am-9pm
PATH. 15, COSMIC STRANGERS
What: Path. 15, Cosmic Strangers is a public artwork by feted Indonesian artist Boedi Widjaja that brings together art and science. Located at Orchard MRT Station Exit 10, the installation features a live muon tracker (muons are invisible subatomic particles created when cosmic radiation hits Earth’s atmosphere, and millions of them traverse our bodies each day), blending particle physics, photography, poetry, and sound art to explore the unseen connections between distance, movement, and borders in our encounters with others. This installation builds on Boedi's multi-year research into muons – but it also features poetry by Tse Hao Guang, sound by Jonathan Yip of Paper Divers, with Audrey Koh serving as producer.
Where: Orchard MRT Station (TEL) Exit 10 – Underground
When: Jan 14-Feb 16, 6am-12am
DIGIKAT
What: DIGikat is an artistic project by the fashion-trained multidisciplinary artist Yang Derong, who's done previous stints at labels like Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, as well as serving as the art and costume director for four editions of Singapore's National Day Parade. It's designed to bring together the traditional craft of ikat weaving and the vibrant energy of sound waves to celebrate the beauty of multicultural harmony.
With animated LED projections and a woven jacquard fabric, it transforms digital art into something you can see and touch, blending modern technology with timeless craftsmanship to reflect the rhythm of modern, multicultural living.
Where: The Annex at The Arts House
When: Jan 17-26, 11am-7pm (Monday-Thursday), 11am-9pm (Friday-Sunday)
OF DREAMS AND CONTEMPLATION: I AM ALL BUT A STORY – SELECTIONS FROM THE COLLECTION OF RICHARD KOH
What: In recent years, we've noticed more local collectors starting to open up their private collections for public showcase and this year, the one not to be missed is gallerist Richard Koh's. Titled Of Dreams and Contemplation: I Am All but a Story, the John Tung-curated exhibition showcases 33 artworks collected by the gallerist over 20 years, highlighting his personal connections with contemporary art and artists he admires, featuring works from marquee names like Natee Utarit and Thomas Houseago.
Where: The Private Museum, 11 Upper Wilkie Road
When: Jan 9-Mar 9, 10am-7pm (Monday-Friday) and 11am-5pm (Saturday-Sunday)
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What: Instead of the studio's usual four walls, this is an interesting show that tasks a group of artists to work with something far smaller and "simpler" – four sheets of paper as their site of experimentation. Free to manipulate the paper in any way - drawing, folding, cutting, or sculpting – they create unique works that will be showcased during Singapore Art Week, offering a glimpse into their creative processes and perspectives.
Helmed by emerging artist Hong Shu-ying and curated by Kirti Upadhyaya, the show will feature contributions by 20 artists across a multitude of disciplines – Yeyoon Avis Ann, Tan Wee Lit, Song-Ming Ang, Sean Gwee, Mike HJ Chang, Mengju Lin, Megha Harish, Mark Chua, Lam Li Shuen, Lu Yixin, Lai Yu Tong, Johann Yamin, Jeremy Sharma, Isaiah Cheng, Isabella Ong, ila, Gan Siong King, Fyerool Darma, Cally Tan, Berny Tan and Ashley Hi.
Where: FARM at Waterloo Centre, #04-20, 261 Waterloo Street
When: Jan 17-Feb 9, 12pm-7pm
OBJECTS IN MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR
What: This is for those who like unusual show format and settings; Con-Temporary Art Gallery reimagines space with a mobile, compact gallery (we're talking 40 x 60 x 80 cm), encouraging viewers to explore art in unconventional settings and embrace its evolving nature. And they mean it – this show will literally be switching locations for each day of Singapore Art Week, starting with Tanjong Pagar Distripark on Jan 17; keep up with all their shenanigans on their Instagram page. This exhibition features new works by Arrvinraj, Cynthia Delaney Suwito, Joshua Kon Fu Shan, Miss Weronica, Lim Zeharn, and Ong Kian Peng.
Where: Tanjong Pagar Distripark, 39 Keppel Road
When: Jan 17-Jan 26, 12pm-6pm
SEGGS
What: In a time where women's rights are more contested than ever, this may be the exhibition to catch if you care for women's autonomy over their bodies. Seggs is a bold digital installation centred on a three-metre eggshell chandelier, dramatically suspended in a four-storey car park – the exhibition envisions the female body as a canvas for exploration and transformation. Blending surrealism with futuristic themes, it sparks dialogue on fertility, the marvels of reproductive science, and the redefinition of personal agency in a technologically driven world. The show is put on by artists Sarah Lin and Samantha Lee, who have formed a buzzy new collective known as xss that blends art, technology, and the human body in their collaborative practices.
Where: 22 Mohamed Sultan Road
When: Jan 13-26, 6.30pm-9.30pm (closed on Tuesday)
ART SG
What: The tentpole event of Singapore Art Week, ART SG returns for a third outing. Billed as Southeast Asia’s largest contemporary art fair, the latest edition features some 106 exhibitors from 30 countries, with over 30 per cent of the exhibitors hailing from Southeast Asia; local favourites like STPI and Gajah Gallery will be making a return, joined by newcomers such as Galerie Gmurzynska and Marc Straus.
The art on show is divided into three main sections – GALLERIES brings the blue chip names like Gagosian and Lehmann Maupin, while FOCUS highlights mid-career talents. If you're looking for emerging names, head for the FUTURES section, which champions young galleries, including Singapore's Haridas Contemporary.
Other things of note: At the fair, visitors can look forward to impressive large-scale, site-specific installations at the PLATFORM sector, which spotlights five artists from diverse backgrounds and generations, namely Singapore's Khairulddin Wahab (his work pictured here) and Shavonne Wong, Japan's Miya Ando, Argentina's Pablo Reinoso and the Netherlands' Mella Jaarsma.
Check out the full line-up of activities here.
Where: Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, 10 Bayfront Avenue
When: Jan 16 vernissage (5pm-9pm), Jan 17 (12pm-7pm), Jan 18 (11am-7pm) and Jan 10 (11am-5pm).
Get your tickets here.
WHERE ART TAKES SHAPE
What: The ART SG fair is not the only art event happening at Marina Bay Sands (MBS) this month; the integrated resort has its own formidable festival of activities titled Where Art Takes Shape. Now in its third edition, Where Art Takes Shape is a curated mix of art, culture, and culinary experiences. Key highlights include ART SG's film programme at the ArtScience Museum that's hosted in collaboration with cultural partner Bangkok Kunsthalle, and the museum is also of course still showcasing two large-scale exhibitions – Altered States: Experiments in Moving Image and the blockbuster The World of Studio Ghibli.
Another art gem is the Basquiat exhibition – Canvas Series 1: Jean-Michel Basquiat – it offers a rare, immersive exploration of the iconic artist’s life, inspirations, and innovative work, aiming to inspire and deepen appreciation for his creative legacy. Lastly, Culinary Curations will offer art-inspired dishes and exclusive dining bundles at MBS restaurants like Maison Boulud and WAKUDA Restaurant & Bar, while the expanded Marina Bay art trail features public installations and a self-guided exploration map, creating a bay-wide celebration of art.
Check out the full line-up of activities here.
Where: Various locations throughout Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue
When: Jan 16-Feb 16, various times
LIGHT TO NIGHT SINGAPORE
What: The perennial crowd-pleaser of SAW, Light to Night Singapore returns with over 70 artworks and programmes, this year with the theme of Do You See Me?. Key artists like renowned sculptor Han Sai Por will present Travelling Through the Tropical Rainforest, a stunning series of inflatable sculptures inspired by tropical palms (pictured), while Claire Teo’s Through the Looking Glass will offer a multi-sensory exploration of her experiences as a visually impaired artist.
You’ll also see projection mappings showcasing the works of late artists like Chng Seok Tin and Jaafar Latiff, as well as contemporary local talents like TraseOne, Song-Ming Ang, and Kapilan Naidu. The festival isn't just about art – it’s also about bringing people together, with food, live performances, and interactive installations like National Gallery Singapore's (NGS) Scarce City, which tackles climate change. Plus, there’s a range of free performances, art workshops, and late opening hours till 11pm at NGS - so there’s really something for everyone.
Check out the full line-up of activities here.
Where: Activations take place across the Civil District at National Gallery Singapore, Asian Civilisations Museum, Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall, The Arts House at the Old Parliament, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, and Funan.
When: Jan 17-Feb 6, various times
S.E.A. FOCUS
What: If you want to get an overview of the Southeast Asian art scene, S.E.A. Focus is the place to do so. A major mainstay of SAW, the fair is known for being a premier platform that highlights and promotes contemporary artists from the region. Organised by STPI - Creative Workshop & Gallery, this year's edition is curated by John Tung, focusing on the theme of Disconnected Contemporaries, which explores the fascinating interplay between local traditions and global influences in Southeast Asian art.
Nearly 40 artists from eight countries will showcase their works, including notable names like Eko Nugroho (Indonesia), Lui Medina (Philippines), and Tulip Duong (Vietnam), alongside Singaporean talents such as Ong Kim Seng and Lai Yu Tong. Exciting new participants like ShanghART and The Back Room join the line-up, while ART:DIS Singapore presents works by the late Chng Seok Tin, highlighting artists with disabilities.
Where: Tanjong Pagar Distripark, 39 Keppel Road #01-05
When: Jan 18-Jan 26, 1pm-8pm
Get your tickets here.
SHAPESHIFTERS
What: You know food-art-music space Appetite for its thought-provoking shows (and excellent nosh) – and now they've teamed up Sullivan + Strumpf for a new show titled Shapeshifters, featuring works by artists represented by the well-regarded Australian gallery. Much like the restaurant itself, the works on show are all about fluidity and hybridity, challenging the boundaries between mediums, form, and function.
Case in point? This lovely work by Singapore textile artist Tiffany Loy, whose sculptural works are always a marvel to witness in person and invites viewers to reconsider the poetics and possibilities of textiles. The show is curated by Appetite's in-house curator Tan Siuli, featuring artists Tiffany Loy, Lara Merrett, Yvette Coppersmith, Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran, Glenn Barkley and Michael Lindeman.
Where: Appetite, 72A Amoy Street
When: On now till Jan 26, 6pm-12am (closed on Mondays and Sundays)
HOPE YOU ARE KEEPING WELL!
What: Singapore is well-known for its constant emphasis on productivity – just see things like the Smart Nation plan and the 1980s Productivity Campaign. A new exhibition cheekily titled Hope you are keeping well!, examines how Singapore’s drive for productivity impacts artistic work, shining a light on the often-invisible labour behind creating art.
Objectifs’ Chapel Gallery will be turned into a shared studio space, featuring works by Hu Rui, Genevieve Leong, Huijun Lu, and Arabelle Zhuang, all exploring the theme of care. With artist talks, open studios, and laid-back discussions, it’s a space to rethink how we can thrive together, sustainably, while navigating Singapore’s fast-paced push for progress. The exhibition is led by emerging curator Lenette Lua, recipient of Objectifs' most recent Open Call.
Where: Chapel Gallery, Objectifs, 155 Middle Road
When: Jan 14-Mar 9, 12pm-7pm (till 4pm on Sundays, closed on Mondays)
KELAB JANNAH PRESENTS: DJ FART IN THE CLUB LIVE IN SINGAPORE
What: You've done the endless rounds at art week – now it's time to party at the "non-official official afterparty" for SAW 2025, and trust us, this is the one to be at. For one, it's presented by cult party collective Strange Weather, which has been instrumental in changing the local rave scene with their unpredictable, art-meets-techno sets.
This gig is part of their Kelab Jannah series, which is meant to be "experimental, deviant, and pure trash" - it'll star Berlin-based artist DJ Fart in the Club, the South Korean firecracker shaking up the electronic music scene with her wildly eclectic sets. Whether she’s mixing deep grooves with playful beats or bouncing between old-school vibes and cutting-edge sounds, her sets are pure joyrides packed with surprises. Co-founder of the "Imaginary Friend" party series, she’s a certified party starter in Berlin’s hottest clubs, with Resident Advisor naming her Daisychain mix the best of 2021.
Get your tickets here.
Where: MDLR, 62 Cecil Street
When: Jan 24, 10pm-3am