Behind the Art: A Visit to a Collector’s Home Ahead of Affordable Art Fair Singapore
As an arts management student, my understanding of art viewings has largely been shaped by the traditional gallery model – the pristine “white cube” where lighting, spatial distance, and a hushed atmosphere dictate how we behave and consume art.
So, when Ms Suzanna led me to my first home visit as part of the Affordable Art Fair pre-fair media, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. Stepping into the collector’s apartment, there were no exhibition labels or hovering gallery attendants. Instead, the atmosphere was refreshing social. Guests were mingling with glasses of wine and light bites, creating an environment that felt far more like a casual weekend gathering than a formal art event.
Before the viewing began, the hosts did something unconventional. Each of us were handed a paddle with “Yes” on one side and “No” on the other. As we were introduced to different artwork pieces, the collectors engaged us with questions: “How much do you think this costs?”, “Would you buy this?” We responded by flipping our paddles. This simple engagement immediately broke down the psychological barriers often associated with fine art. It invited us to judge the works openly, shifting the dynamic from passive observation to fun and active personal engagement.
Following the introduction, the collector drew our attention to a small, white shadow box resting on a nearby table. Inside was a tiny, intricately hand-sculpted clay frame painted in gold, encasing an original British postage stamp of Queen Elizabeth II, titled Stampsy 2 by Canadian artist Richard Hoffman. The collector shared her thought process behind acquiring it. When she first saw it, the visual irony immediately reminded her of Banksy. But what truly sealed the deal was the timing. “That was the year the Queen passed away,” she recalled. “I saw an original stamp from that year, and I just thought – I have to have it.”
Moving deeper into the apartment, the personal connection became even more evident. The homeowner walked us through a large, surreal painting of a doe-eyed girl surrounded by monkeys, titled Frida II by Latin American artist, Eduardo Rios. She candidly admitted that she initially purchased it “with no brain(er),” purely on impulse. However, over time, she noticed the monkeys’ wide-eyed expressions bore a striking resemblance to their pet cat Caviar. Today, the painting hangs directly above their cats’ food and water bowls—transforming an impulsive purchase into a cherished, personal narrative.
The Bricks Terrace Café Night
A large acrylic-on-canvas work measuring 160 x 120cm.
Up on the staircase landing was an eye-catching painting of a brilliant pop-art reinterpretation of Van Gogh’s famous café scene by Indonesian artist, Andy Kuriawan. Instead of 19th-century figures, the terrace is populated by cartoon characters of famous artists and figures, drinking
Coca-Cola and eating burgers. The contrast between the nostalgic, local neighbourhood scenes and this playful, modern cultural mashup perfectly captured the eclectic taste of the homeowner. For Prasana, it was love at first sight. The painting brought together everything she loved, from junk food and gummy bears to her favourite figures. It felt like an all-in-one reflection of her personality, and she
knew immediately that she had to have it.
Another favourite of theirs was a print titled, Maneki-Neko by Billy Hung. This piece truly blown me away. The artwork is split perfectly down the middle: half is a vibrant pink lucky cat, and the other half is a stark, skeletal figure. It hung above a grey console table decorated with candles, a small lamp, and wooden wine crates used for storage—a perfect blend of art and everyday life.
Then came the moment that completely stunned me. The collector pulled out a UV flashlight and shined it on the skeletal half. Instantly, the dark bones illuminated in a vivid, electric neon green. It was a breathtaking, interactive detail that turned a static painting into a living experience.
With Halloween approaching, this experience reminded me that art doesn’t always have to be intimidating or serious—it can be playful, personal, and full of surprises.And through this experience, I’m looking forward to visiting the Affordable Art Fair even more. After seeing how much joy art brings into a collector’s home, I’m excited to explore the fair, discover the incredible variety of works on offer, and meet the collectors and galleries who make the art world so vibrant and personal.
The 19th Edition of Affordable Art Fair Singapore will return to the F1 Pit Building from 26 to 29 November 2026, featuring thousands of contemporary artworks priced below S$15,000. I look forward to discovering more engaging art experiences like this one, and hopefully, helping to create them in my future career.
For more information, visit the Affordable Art Fair website.
Wanyi is a Year 3 Arts Management student at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), with a keen interest in curating and organising visual arts exhibitions. Beyond her studies, she enjoys exploring photography and calligraphy, interests that further nurture her appreciation for visual expression and the arts.
