The Private Museum Virtual Gala 2021

Charles Lim Yi Yong (b. 1973, Singapore) studied Fine Art at Central Saint Martins School of Art and Design, London, graduating with first class honors in 2001. As a former professional and Olympic sailor, Lim’s artistic practice stems from an intimate engagement with both man-made systems and the natural world, mediated and informed by field research and experimentation, drawing, photography and digital video. His epic SEA STATE project, which begun in 2005, examines the political and biophysical contours of the nation state through the visible and invisible lenses of the sea. Lim’s work has been exhibited widely across Europe as well as Asia-Pacific and he represented Singapore at the 56th Venice Biennale in 2015.

Be the first to step foot on The Private Museum’s new home— join us on an exclusive tour with a special spread hosted at Emily Hill and bask in an afternoon of hopeful contemplation, art appreciation, and optimism for the space’s possibilities.

When The Private Museum vacated 51 Waterloo Street last August, we had our sights set on a vacant anatomy to house the museum and kickstart its new chapter—optimistic in our pursuit of an embryonic space to nurture artistic growth and appreciation beyond what 51 Waterloo Street was capable of. The barren edifice of Emily Hill rests atop 11 Upper Wilkie Road, its rich historical presence evinced amidst the passage of time. The colonial-era villa housed different personages since its genesis in 1891 and continues to be a nurturing space for art and culture hitherto. Hereafter, TPM will continue its trajectory to be a nurturing hub within the art ecosystem, pledging concord in art spaces and the public domain with its acquisition. Acknowledging the historical influences emblazoned on the building’s facade and the traces of yore imbued in its foundation, we hold onto TPM’s aspirations for growth and honour everything before us as we make our buoyant landing.

Estimated value: SGD 2,200 – 2,600

Together with 4 artists: Jodi Tan, Faris Nakamura, Melissa Tan and Hilmi Johandi, join us in a mid-day affair of studio visits and an engagement with the artists and their myriad practices over a scrumptious fare at a surprise location.

Goodman Arts Centre is a 7-acre arts hive nestled within the culturally-rich Mountbatten district. Since its establishment in 2011, the centre prides itself as an inclusive hub of the art ecosystem, purveying an intimate and welcoming sentiment that serves as a place to bring artists, enthusiasts and neighbouring communities together to experience the arts.

A large cut in an otherwise smooth and solid block reveals a rugged surface beneath, composed of thick, crude strips tearing from the plane. The texture evokes the image of dry paint peeling off a wall, which the artist juxtaposes with a wet texture dripping down from the cut. This piece expands the artist’s affective visual language with charcoal, using the medium to communicate fragility and imperfection, inevitably translating into something visible, exterior.

Estimated Value: SGD 1,800 – 2,200

Cuturi Gallery (Singapore) is a next-generation art gallery established in 2020 by art advocate Kevin Troyano Cuturi. Founded on the belief that art should be empowering and meaningful to everyone, the gallery sees itself as a curator of change and a custodian of diversity, challenging and pushing how traditional galleries operate. Committed to supporting and fostering the next generation of aspiring talents, the gallery prides itself on its spirit of collaboration, promotion of arts appreciation and transparency within the arts eco-system in Singapore.

Andy Yang (b. 1973, Malaysia) is a multi-disciplinary artist known for his abstract visual and sound experimentations. Andy Yang was also one of the key artists (in a select group of 8) who presented DE:VOTED (2020), a critically acclaimed immersive art experience at Helutrans for Singapore Art Week 2020—one which featured an intense communion with light, sound, and performance art.

Extending beyond his private demeanour, sneak a peek into gallerist Richard Koh’s private collection in his new abode and relish in a fare curated by the gallerist himself.

An illustrious gallerist, Richard Koh (b. Malaysia) established Richard Koh Fine Art in 2005 with its first gallery space in Kula Lumpur, before augmenting into multiple spaces in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Beyond his private demeanor, his collection intimates personal anecdotes in the dyad between art and existential curiosity, underscoring his contributions in many of the region’s seminal private and public collections. Through his inception, Richard Koh directs an ongoing programme of exhibitions and residencies, purveying contemporary art from his abundant roster of artists to local, regional, and international assemblages.