This was my favorite art work at the Affordable Art Fair last May.

I would love to have this one one one of my walls at home. By Silvia Calmejane.

I l had a great evening then at the AAF, even though I did not buy anything.

Am I dressed appropriate for an art fair? I think so. No idea why I am looking so serious:-(.

Friends of mine went home with four artworks! The Affordable Art Fair is indeed a great place to discover art AND to bring some home.

As said, I bought nothing, but the AAF is interesting and entertaining even for ‘just lookers’ like myself. There is a lot of art to enjoy, people-watching to do, you can network and meet new people, and there is food and drinks available. (No, not for free.)

I only wished the organization would place some more seats or at least some more standing tables. (Last time there was no place left to put down your glass, let alone to sit down and relax while eating your food. Not cool.)

What is the Affordable Art Fair

Founded in London, 15 years ago, the AAF demystifies the world of art for its visitors in a fun and accessible way.

On the Fair, information and prices are clear and transparent. Thanks to a wrapping service on site, artworks can be bought and taken home on the spot. Easy peasy!

Empty spaces of already sold art.

In a couple of days, the Affordable Art Fair Singapore will be back in town. It is held in the F1 Pit Building from 20-23 november. For detailed information about opening hours, tickets and special events, look here.

This was one of my favorites. Surprising, since these are not ‘my’ colors at all.

The audience was crazy about these ‘My little pony’ art works by Robert Bradford. They sold well!

What to expect from this edition of the AAF Singapore

Some numbers:

• 102 galleries from all over the world (70% from Asia)
• 360 new and emerging artists
• 440 established artists
• all art is priced between SGD 100 and SGD 10.000 (75% priced under SGD 7500)

Be sure to have a look at the “Under SGD 1000″ wall!

The Fair offers a diverse selection of contemporary artworks with a large variety in styles and used mediums.
After my visit to the upcoming edition, I will share my pictures and impressions here on the blog. Stay tuned for more.
I took all pictures in this post at the Affordable Art Fair Singapore half a year ago.

‘Inflatable Love Bomb’ and ‘Yan’s Milk Bottle’, both by Dutch artist Iskander Walen

The art by Silvia Calmejane was my favorite. If I had loads of money I would buy them all! Super cool work.

Details of art works by Silvia Calmejane.

New: Singapore Art Fair (ME.NA.SA.Art)

Only a week after the AAF -from 27-30 november- another art event is coming to town: the Singapore Art Fair. It’s the first time the Fair is organized and it will be held at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Center.

The SAF is the first modern and contemporary art fair in Singapore focusing on art from the Middle East (ME), North Africa (NA) and South East Asia (SA). As the organizers say: “From Morocco to Japan, the Singapore art Fair 2014 will take visitors across the Silk Route of today through art.”

For more info keep an eye on their official website: Singapore Art Fair.

And there’s more!

As if two art fairs within one week is not enough, there are two other art fairs in town in that same period:

• Bank Art Fair, held in hotel rooms! at the Pan Pacific hotel, nov 20 to 23.
• Spot Art, focussed on artists under 30, ARTrium@MCI, nov 21 to 25.

Bonus: how to make a fool of yourself at events like this

Last time I embarrassed myself not once, but twice (!) at the Affordable art Fair.

Incident 1:
I always walk around with two cameras, lenses and an oversized handbag. Strolling around the Fair -besides of all the bags on my shoulders- I was holding a glass of champagne in one hand and a camera in the other. At one point I assumed a squatting position to photograph a small statue that was placed on the floor.

This is that small sculpture: Popeye and Olive in gold. How ironic, that he is gallantly carrying here, considering my little story.

Or at least: I tried to squat. But while doing so, the weight of my bags shifted and pulled me of balance. Making me fall backwards, flat on my *ss with my heels in the air, juggling to keep (most of) my champagne in my glass and my camera of the ground. So no free hands to push myself back up. My husband stood next to me and only said: “Everyone can see your undies.” Help! Awkward!
Note to self: only squat with free hands and empty shoulders;-)
Note 2 to self: always wear pretty undies in public, especially when wearing a dress
Note 3 to self: scold husband for not dropping everything out of his hands instantly to help me up gallantly

Incident 2:
I was admiring some artworks and ended up having a nice chat with the artist, a man with a rather pronounced hook nose. At one point a lady joined in the conversation. The two were clearly connected to one another. Aha, I thought, I see the same characteristic nose; she must be his daughter. So that’s what I said when we shook hands: “Nice to meet you. You must be the artist’s daughter!”, to which she replied: “No, I’m his representative and the gallery owner.” Oops, awkward… again!
Note to self: don’t assume things and definitely don’t verbalize those assumptions out loud.
Note 2 to self: on the other hand: sh*t happens, get over it. Don’t kill all spontaneity.

Now it’s your turn:

• do you buy art? Do you do that at Art Fairs, galleries or directly from the artists?
• do you ever embarrass yourself in public? Please share, so that I know I’m not the only one;-)
• do you have a favorite artist who’s work you would love to have on your wall?