Author Archives: Carmen Tenney

Best of The Artling: 2024 Highlights

The year 2024 has been a remarkable one for us at the Artling. We curated awe-inspiring corporate and hospitality collections, and made significant strides in developing our offerings with our Trade Program. Throughout the year, we continued to grow our online gallery, adding more inspiring artists and artworks and elevating the art sourcing experience for designers and collectors alike.Of particular note is the revealing of two of our projects to the public: the monumental commissioned sculpture ASTRA located at NOVA bar atop One Raffles Place, and the charming heritage hotel, 21 Carpenter. We also curated captivating works for the guestrooms for the launch of Conrad Singapore Orchard, the progressive East47 cocktail bar, our very first project in Western Australia, Wayfinder Wines, and the Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant, Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro.We are also incredibly proud of our work in seamlessly integrating a collection of existing collection works alongside new contemporary art pieces into the office space of the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s highest office holders. The collection not only enhanced the space, but celebrated Singapore’s cultural heritage and future.Let us take you on a look back at 2024, a year where we shaped so many memorable spaces with the power and beauty of art.Key Projects and EventsCollaboration with Singapore Design Week 2024

December 16, 2024

Kim Lim: The Space Between. A Retrospective at the National Gallery

Explore the artistry of Singapore-born British visionary Kim Lim (1936–1997) in the most extensive exhibition of her works ever presented at the National Gallery Singapore. Kim Lim: The Space Between will showcase over 150 works, including sculptures, prints, maquettes, never-before-seen photographs, and archival materials.The exhibition celebrates Lim as a modern art pioneer and a significant figure in 20th-century sculpture and printmaking. The artworks and archival materials offer new perspectives on Lim's artistic journey, philosophy, and creative connections, highlighting her use of suggestion and metaphor to harmonize light, space, and rhythm.Lim left Singapore for London in 1954 to study at the St. Martin’s School of Fine Art and Slade School of Fine Art. Besides sculpture and printmaking, she also pursued drawing at the same time, unified by a focus on abstraction, light, space, and rhythm. She developed a transcultural style, rejecting cultural labels and dominant artistic narratives.Ongoing till 2 February 2025, this exhibition is divided into four sections, tracing her artistic evolution across four decades.Early Works: Assembling, DelineatingThe exhibition begins with Lim's early works, highlighting her exploration of vertical and architectonic forms through methods like delineating surfaces and constructing verticality, stacking, segmentation, and alternation.Inspired by Constantin Brâncuși’s works, Lim developed her iconic column-based sculptures with titles like Samurai (1961), Pegasus (1962), Ronin (1963), and Centaur II (1963), reflecting her fascination with elemental and archaic forms. These early explorations established her lifelong focus on spatiality and abstract scale.

December 13, 2024

Your Guide to Art Basel Miami Beach 2024

From December 5 to 8, the city of Miami will transform into a hub for contemporary art when Art Basel Miami Beach 2024 returns for its 22nd edition. Featuring works from leading galleries worldwide, the fair also offers exhibitions, talks, and programming celebrating art, design, and innovation.Set against Miami’s sparkling beaches, the event becomes both an artistic and tropical escape. Whether you’re a collector or a newcomer, the Artling's guide highlights the must-see events during Art Basel Miami Beach 2024 that will make your visit unforgettable.Art Basel Miami Beach 2024Held at the Miami Beach Convention Center showcasing 283 galleries from 34 countries, this year's event will include 32 first-time participants. Under the new leadership of director Bridget Finn, the prestigious fair will see modern masterpieces, contemporary works, large-scale sculptures and performances.The event features curated sectors including Galleries, showcasing top international works, Nova, debuting recent creations, Positions, spotlighting emerging talent, Survey, exploring art history with pre-2000 works, and Meridians, presenting large-scale installations and performances by artists like Danh Vō and Franz West.Dates: December 6–8, 2024 (VIP Preview: December 4–5)Location: Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139

December 05, 2024

Incorporating Contemporary Art into Historic Hotels

There’s nothing more nostalgic than a holiday experience in a historic hotel that emanates charm and is rich in stories from its past. What sets these establishments apart from their modern counterparts is often their unique architecture and structures, which sometimes make them a destination in their own right.In an era where contemporary aesthetics and modern comforts are highly sought after, these treasured buildings face a challenge: providing these amenities without compromising their heritage.This is where contemporary art transforms historic hotels, crafting one-of-a-kind, harmonious experiences that captivate and inspire. Integrating modern art pieces into the design creates spaces that are not only visually stunning, but culturally resonant as well. Carefully curated artworks enhance architectural features, and provide guests with inspiring and immersive experiences. Read on to see how incorporating contemporary art into historic hotels can be a harmonious blend of the past and present.Why Showcase Contemporary Art in Historic Hotels?Travelers are now spoilt for choice. In this competitive industry, providing a unique guest experience is paramount–and it’s not just about the aesthetics, but telling a cohesive story. Contemporary art can transform common areas and guest rooms into spaces that stimulate conversation and provoke thought, elevating their experiences by doing so.Modern-day works attract art-savvy audiences, especially Millennials and Generation Zs, both of whom are now coming into their own. Not only do the former travel more than other generations, but a 2022 Art Basel report shows that both have sharply increased their spending on art purchases–such is the appeal of these works.This digitally-driven demographic has had greater access to fine art than their predecessors, and they’re even more discerning. By showcasing contemporary art, historic hotels can appeal to their appreciation for creativity and innovation.

December 05, 2024

Emerging European Artists on the Rise

15 Emerging European artists who are redefining the norm in the region. Featuring rising artists with their profile and works.

November 11, 2024

Step-By-Step Guide to Art Sourcing for Projects

When it comes to creating a space that is both functional and aesthetically appealing, it goes without saying that interior design and art go hand in hand. Both disciplines rely on core principles like balance, movement, rhythm, pattern, contrast, emphasis, unity, and variety.Art brings a unique message to any space, instantly transforming it with its presence. It’s a key element in the interior design process, with carefully curated pieces adding personality and character that enhance the design and tie the room together.With so many artists and artworks available both online and offline, sorting through the options can feel overwhelming, leaving you unsure of where to start. Having worked on numerous diverse projects across the hospitality, corporate, and residential industries, The Artling team is here to guide you step-by-step, making art sourcing a seamless and enjoyable part of your design projects.Step 1: Start With an Initial ConsultationThe initial consultation is the most critical step in the art sourcing process, focusing on understanding your client’s needs and preferences. Start by having a thorough conversation to pinpoint their preferred art styles, mediums, and themes. Make sure to listen actively and engage fully with your client; they’ll likely share valuable insights that will guide the selection process.Next, assess the space to see how art can enhance the environment. Pay attention to architectural features, existing décor, and measure key areas to ensure the artworks will be the right size.Set clear expectations and timelines as this step is crucial for building a successful partnership. Encourage clients to share their visual aids, such as mood boards, or look to inspiration sources like magazines and Pinterest to help refine their vision.

November 07, 2024

8 Hyperrealist Artists Blurring the Line Between Art and Life

Have you ever looked at an artwork and questioned whether it was a photograph or a painting? Hyperrealist artists are indeed rare, as creating this style requires exceptional patience, skill, and precision.Hyperrealism, also known as superrealism, refers to a movement in painting, graphic art, and sculpture that emerged in the late 20th century, spurred by advancements in photographic technology. These artworks are intensely true-to-life, mimicking high-definition photographs, often featuring subjects like portraits, landscapes, and still lifes.Its related style, photorealism, strives to achieve a photographic appearance by meticulously replicating what the artist sees, without adding personal interpretation or emotion—unlike hyperrealism, which often infuses an element of feeling or narrative.Whether photorealistic or hyperrealistic, these artworks evoke awe in viewers. Here are eight artists on The Artling who masterfully blur the line between art and reality.Nataliya BagatskayaNataliya Bagatskaya’s main creative directions include hyperrealism, photorealism, realism, magical realism, and metamodernism. A graduate of Kyiv National University of Technology and Design and the Academy of Psychosocial Technologies in St. Petersburg, she views the world through the lens of how it can be captured on canvas.For Bagatskaya, creating hyperrealistic art is a meditative process in which her thoughts and emotions fade away. Her body moves, yet her consciousness transcends—she becomes the one who paints, the creation unfolding, and the material from which the painting emerges.

November 06, 2024

The Artling's 2024 Guide to Memorable Corporate Gifts

Finding the perfect corporate gift is often challenging; we aim for items that are meaningful, memorable, and uniquely suited to show appreciation and reinforce our bonds with clients and team members.Thoughtful corporate gifts do more than express gratitude—they also communicate the values and personality of your brand, making a lasting impression that reflects positively on your business.With this in mind, we’ve curated a selection of exceptional pieces—distinctive artworks and design items tailored to suit any professional setting and remind recipients of their valued role. Read on to discover our top picks for corporate gifts that are sure to leave a lasting impression!Browse Collectible DesignsBreathe For All incense burners by mr clementBreathe for All is a series of enchanting ceramic incense burners by artist mr Clement, a sculptor and painter influenced by comics, pop culture, and the Old Masters. This series features LAPIN—the artist’s main character, symbolizing melancholy—and reflects mr clement's approach to art, capturing complex emotions through sculpture.Each limited-edition, handmade piece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, blending playful design with profound meaning. Bright colors breathe life into the white ceramic, evoking a sense of optimism.

November 04, 2024

An Insider's Look: ASTRA at NOVA

At almost 10 meters tall, ASTRA is renowned light artist Jun Ong’s interpretation of a supernova, situated at NOVA, Singapore’s tallest panoramic sky bar. This monumental installation, located on level 63 of One Raffles Place, is The Artling’s largest commissioned sculpture to date.ASTRA is made of stainless steel in a vortex finish, with LED fittings and controllers, as well as nuts and bolts. As the focal point of NOVA’s chic design, the structure measures 960 centimeters in height, 700 centimeters in width, and 700 centimeters in depth.Commissioned by OUE, the multi-faceted star-shaped centerpiece creates a glow in the night sky as a spectrum of illuminated colors pulses in infinite patterns, synchronized to NOVA’s eclectic beats. Coordinating the stainless steel structure - a task that mirrors the sculpture’s impressive scale - was a significant achievement for the Artling team. Here’s an insider’s look at how we executed this majestic project.Project InformationLocation: SingaporeClient: OUEProject Type: HospitalityProject Scope: Public AreasServices Provided: Art ConsultancyStatus: CompletedArtling Project Team: Kim Tay, Madi AminYear Completed: 2023Process and Collaborators

October 18, 2024

An Insider's Look: Monetary Authority of Singapore

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has undergone a revamp of its 29th floor - the office space of its highest office holders. The Artling was appointed to curate the artworks for this project, working closely with designers and branding specialists, &Larry, to create a space befitting Singapore’s central bank.Project InformationLocation: SingaporeClient: Monetary Authority of SingaporeProject Type: CorporateProject Scope: Office spaceServices Provided: Art ConsultancyBranding & Spatial Consultant: &LarryStatus: CompletedArtling Project Team: Kim Tay, Madi AminYear Completed: 2024

October 10, 2024

Events to Catch in London During Frieze Week 2024

One of the biggest contemporary art events is returning to Regent’s Park from 13 to 19 October 2024, featuring a selection of art exhibitions both at the fair and across London. The city will be bustling with art fairs and exhibitions that cater to every art enthusiast.Here’s The Artling's ultimate guide to navigating Frieze Week 2024 to help you make the most of your art experience in London!FairsFrieze London 2024

October 09, 2024

Most Famous Abstract Artworks In The Last 100 Years

Abstract art may challenge our perception of reality, but that's precisely what makes it so captivating. While its origins are often debated—some tracing it back to the dreamy brushstrokes of Joseph Mallord William Turner in the mid-19th century—it wasn't until the early 20th century that abstract art truly found its voice.Abstract art invites each viewer to interpret it in their own unique way. Its ability to spark personal interpretation is why it continues to resonate with broad audiences today.Artworks are a reflection of personal taste and identity, with the ability to add energy to a space with a vibrant abstract painting, or evoke calm with a minimalist sculpture. They not only create focal points that inspire conversation, artworks elevate interiors and transform spaces into highly personalized environments.Curating works for personalized projects requires partnering with a reliable art source like The Artling. We connect buyers to an extensive catalog of works from emerging and established artists worldwide, helping you find meaningful art that resonates with your vision.

September 27, 2024