Last year the Singapore Art Book Fair went fully independent – no funding from external bodies nor any affiliations and from what we could tell, it was a success. Similar to last year, the sixth edition of the fair will be staged at NTU Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore this weekend from June 28 – 30. The programming looks to be manifold – here are the highlights for design fiends:
There are more exhibitors than ever
Last year’s edition saw more than 60 exhibitors – this year’s crop has been bumped up to 80+
exhibitors taking part – which can only be a good thing. Aside from local stalwarts such as Knuckles & Notch, DECK and Holycrap, other names to look out for include Frieze Magazine (UK), independent art gallery Coda Culture (pictured above) and artist Gabbi Wenyi Ayane Virk (SG), co-founder of the Queer Zine Fest.
Stay for the great music
The opening night of the fair will see experimental musicians Bani Haykal & Ferry playing (7.30pm – 8.30pm), in a gig organised by independent record label Ujikaji. Ambient music lovers would do well to drop by on Saturday night for an improvised set by dreamy wunderkind Kin Leonn (7.30pm – 8pm).
Get (re)acquainted with print
There will be a series of workshops organised by Facebook Analog Research Lab that’ll introduce analogue techniques such as bookbinding, zine-making (which is experiencing a revival in recent years) and risograph – an ‘80s printing style that’s beloved for its low cost and vivid hues.
The popular Zine Room (curated by independent collective Squelch Zines) that debuted last year will be making a return, as well as a new showcase of self-published photobooks by international emerging names in art and design, put together by non-profit organisation THEBOOKSHOW.
Singapore Art Book Fair 2019 will be held at NTU Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore
(Block 43, Malan Road, Gillman Barracks) from June 28 – 30, 12pm – 8pm daily. For more details, head here. Cover image courtesy of @SquelchZines.
