Five shows to see during Singapore Art Week

"This exhibition revisits the life and legacy of one of Southeast Asia's most sought-after painters. Once described as "the Rembrandt of the East", Basoeki Abdullah is renowned for his portraits of attractive women and political figures, with a reach that extended far beyond the region. The exhibition considers the artist-led diplomacy embedded in the circulation and aesthetics of his work, tracing his role as a high-society painter and a cultural producer attuned to the political power of his images."

"A particular focus is placed on his time in Singapore from 1958 to 1960, a pivotal moment marked by the island's attainment of self-government, through two large oil paintings that he gifted to the state. The exhibition layout also recalls his studio in Singapore, evoking the environment in which these works were made. Extending beyond the galleries, the programme features a talk by the Singaporean diplomat Kishore Mahbubani on Southeast Asian regionalism and his recollections of working at the ministry of foreign affairs."

"Natee Utarit's It Would Be Silly to Be Jealous of a Flower (2025), one of the works on display at The Print Show & Symposium at the STPI workshop and art gallery in Singapore from 22 January onwards © Natee Utarit/STPI; courtesy of the artist and STPI - Creative Workshop & Gallery, Singapore Printmakers and their practices take pride of place Where do prints sit in today's art landscape?"

An exhibition revisits the life and legacy of Basoeki Abdullah, known as "the Rembrandt of the East" for portraits of attractive women and political figures. Basoeki's circulation and aesthetics embody artist-led diplomacy and his role as a high-society painter and cultural producer attuned to the political power of images. The show emphasizes his Singapore period (1958–1960), highlighting two large oil paintings gifted to the state and recreating his studio environment. The programme includes a talk by diplomat Kishore Mahbubani on Southeast Asian regionalism and his Ministry of Foreign Affairs recollections. Singapore Art Week hosts conversations that connect contemporary Indonesian curators with Basoeki's legacy. STPI presents The Print Show featuring 27 artists integrating printmaking.

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