Editions: How to buy art without going broke

It might be getting easier for just-starting-out artists and creative types to get noticed here as more arts venues break away from the standard blockbuster model (big-name artists, uber-rich buyers). Following their successful art gallery bus tours in January, the Art Galleries Association Singapore’s latest project is Edition(ed) (Jul 17-20), a group show of over 70 editioned pieces starting at just $300.

“Editioned work,” explains Emi Eu, director of the Singapore Tyler Print Institute, “are works produced in multiples, and are considered to be original works of art (each individually signed by the artist). For sculptures, the largest number of editions is around nine, while works on paper can have up to to 100 editions. Prices are typically lower than non-editioned works.”

The idea is to show that editions are more accessible to beginner investors, yet can be just as collectible as original works. “Visitors can expect to see and discover a wide range of works in prints, photographs, sculptural and digital works. This exhibition will also help broaden their perception of how easily editions could fit into their homes, lifestyle and interest in building a solid art collection,” says Eu.

Not sure where to start? “Buy what you like,” is Eu’s simple advice. “The works presented in this show are by reputable galleries in Singapore and are of the best quality.”