Jetgala | January – February 2020 | The art of the new year
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Ode to Art owner and director Jazz Chong shares how to ring in 2020 by adding a splash and pop of colour with works of art in your home
It is a new year and a new decade, which usually creates an urge to redo décors and interiors. But rather than investing thousands in renovations, adding artwork instantly brightens up a space and adds a personal touch to bare walls.
For those unsure of where to start in adding artwork to their homes or even offices, there is no one more helpful than Jazz Chong, owner and director of Ode to Art, a gallery located in Raffles City, Singapore. The gallery represents an international spectrum of artists and a wide selection of art pieces that range from paintings to sculptures, photography and installations.
Ode to Art also offers an art consultancy service that helps pair new collectors with works of art that resonate with them. Here, Chong shares what to look out for when purchasing art and what works of art she recommends for the new year:
What advice do you have for art collectors on adding artwork to small spaces?
Small spaces may feel like a challenge at first, but they actually are great opportunities to display art in a creative and interesting way. For narrow walls, you may try choosing a vertical art piece or hang square artworks on top of one another, to create a compelling design.
But rather than focusing on size, it is important to find the perfect statement piece for your space. Even the smallest artwork, if visually stimulating, can make a big statement. Pieces with contrasting colours, clashing textures and materials and complementary aesthetics will definitely attract the attention of guests through their striking display.
What should first-timer art buyers know about collecting art?
Find an artist that speaks to you in a very personal way, but I always encourage new buyers to do a lot of research on an artist: read about them and watch their interviews if possible. I regularly fly in some of the international artists I represent, so that collectors and homeowners can get to know them, and understand them on a more personal, and much deeper level.
Singapore is blessed with many good art galleries, and international art fairs, so that is a good place to start. And I am always happy to welcome homeowners and collectors to Ode to Art and to introduce them to some of my favourite artists!
Who are some of your favourite artists currently featured at Ode to Art?
I really admire Fernando Botero, an internationally recognised Colombian artist who depicts round and voluptuous figures. His style is known as ‘Boterismo’, and I find it very whimsical and captivating.
Another of my favourite artists currently featured is Bahk Seonghi, a South Korean artist whose minimalist works are highly poetic in their exploration of man’s relationship with nature. His installations can actually be seen in prominent international locations such as Times Square Hong Kong and Lotte Hotel in Seoul.
And I don’t think I can talk about my favourite artists without mentioning Lim Tze Peng, our local artistic living legend. He is known for his scenes of Old Singapore, and I feel that he captures our country’s spirit in an incredibly nuanced and moving manner. I greatly admire him as he is turning 100 soon, and yet is still painting and creating masterpieces.
What are some bold artwork to add to homes to welcome the new year?
Lee Jung Woong’s Brush and Golden Loft by Chansrinual are two pieces that are created using bold and innovative techniques by their respective artists: Lee depicts his subject with mesmerising photorealistic representation, while Chansrinual creates striking three-dimensional effect with acrylic. Their captivating imagery and nuanced detail will definitely be a great addition to any home.
Tree 5 – Play by Xie Ai Ge is also a wonderful piece to welcome the new year. The sculpture is inspired by the artist’s childhood living in China’s hinterland, and conveys a sense of childlike wonder and innocence that will inspire you to bring out your inner child.
Ballet Girl by Knakorn Kachacheewa is another striking piece of art, as the artist uses an eye-catching colour palette for this unique surrealistic piece. It is sure to command attention in any space through its vivid and surprising elements.
Speaking of strikingly bold pieces, a work that perfectly encapsulates this is Lagoon by Patrick Hughes. It features Hughes’ iconic three-dimensional ‘reverspective style’, and the captivating optical illusion is sure to be the talking point of any gathering!
