AGAINST THE BACKDROP of a starry indigo sky with a large white super-moon peering in, a party is in full swing. There are balloons, fairy-lights, stained plates, bottles, popcorn and a mountain of canned baked beans. A silvery, effervescent stream winds through the party, interlinking the 14 characters in this diverse crowd, some drunk and asleep, some deep in thought, some dancing in euphoria
This vibrant scene of Moon River, painted by artist Casey Tan during Singapore’s circuit breaker, is reminiscent of a pre-COVID-19 world. Each character, vividly coloured, is connected within the party, but upon closer examination, each is also isolated in their own bubble.
Moon River is a commentary on what 2020 should have been. Instead, we’ve been restricted from meeting large groups of people, and brick-and-mortar establishments are still reeling from the effects of the three-month lockdown. Art galleries, of course, were no exception. As a result, gallery sales went down by an average of 36 per cent in the first half of this year, with a third of galleries downsizing their staff.
Yet amid this tragic backdrop, a new generation has risen up to keep the market afloat: the millennials. A wide-ranging generation grouped under a category that has in recent times drawn a mixture of amazement, scorn, admiration and criticism, millennials have remained persistently engaged and, more importantly, active in their collection of art, even during this trying time.
The Internet and art
One obvious reason for this persistent engagement is that when offline avenues went under lockdown, the art market flocked online.
This story is from the December 2020 edition of Robb Report Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 2020 edition of Robb Report Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The World On Your Wrist
Vacheron Constantin goes globe-hopping for its latest Les Cabinotiers collection of one-of-a-kind timepieces.
The Man Behind The Glow
Lars Brittsjo, the visionary CEO and founder behind Nor Sken, discusses the evolution of anti-ageing solutions and the ethos of sustainable beauty.
Fresh Linen
Travellers seeking accommodation options that excite and inspire can approach 2024 with optimism.
Run For Cava
José Ferrer of Vins Familia Ferrer on what makes seriously good vintage cava.
Heart Of Africa
Great Plains Conservation blends bespoke luxury and mindful conservation, offering an African safari experience par excellence.
A Week In Switzerland
There is no better place for watch connoisseurs to get immersed in watchmaking than the birthplace of horology—and no better way to plan the journey than with Scott Dunn Private.
Welcome To The Club
The decadent new Global Ambassador hotel in Phoenix welcomes elite travellers of all stripes-but its most intriguing attraction is for members only.
Flights Of Fancy
The Un Air de Chaumet high jewellery collection soars with evocative expressions of birds in flight.
Signature Moves
An A. Lange Séhne watch can be identified from five paces away. However, for its truly distinctive features, we recommend that you reach for the loupe.
Counting It Down
Luxury watch brands are teasing collectors with new drops ahead of the anticipated annual Watches and Wonders exposition.