Foreign philanthropists lend buzz to Singapore’s art scene

THEY come from other countries, but they call Singapore home. In recent years, they account for the unprecedented rise of foreign philanthropists mounting high-calibre shows featuring the world’s best artists. They passionately love art and believe it plays a crucial role in the life of any thriving city. 

They include Pierre Lorinet from France, Vir and Simran Kotak from India, Andreas Teoh from Malaysia, and the M Art Foundation from China. Some of their efforts include having Yinka Shonibare transform the chamber of The Arts House with African and Javanese batik, mounting a showcase of minimalist masterworks in Gillman Barracks, and staging a large installation of sculptures by Vietnamese-Danish star Danh Vo.

Their motives do not vary much. They simply believe in the power of art to communicate complex messages and challenge entrenched perceptions.