The support of a community of like-minded friends can help us get through challenging times. Thankfully for STPI – Creative Workshop & Gallery, it can count on the support and contributions of its friends and patrons to continue its work in invigorating the contemporary art scene in Singapore.

The art institution sought to cultivate these close relationships at its Annual Friends Fundraiser, which is aptly titled Biome. Along with an online auction of artworks donated by artists and galleries from the region, the fundraiser also featured an Encounters segment held at STPI on October 24 and 25, safe distancing measures permitted.

STPI friends were led through a series of creative encounters with 10 Singaporean artists, including Yanyun Chen, whose two-part installation Life is Elsewhere was derived from thoughts during pandemic isolation. Adeline Kueh’s Roadside Beauties explored the act of foraging for wildflowers and its link to past wisdom, while untitled, non-precious things by Khairullah Rahim explored the politics of appearance and demeanour of objects.

But perhaps the most cathartic experience was Ruben Pang’s Sternum, which encouraged the spirit of spontaneity through the splashes of sonic colours—left in the hands of guests. Over $200,000 was raised from the event to help STPI embrace this period of change and ready itself for a new era.

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