Sotheby's to host first selling exhibition of outdoor sculpture in Asia

One of the world’s largest auctioneers of art, jewellery and collectibles has announced that it is to host its inaugural selling exhibition of outdoor sculpture in Asia, beginning this autumn.
Sotheby’s, with the support of the Singapore Tourism Board and the National Parks Board, will be organising an important show of 16 seismic works of art by Zadok Ben-David against the beautiful backdrop that is the city-state’s famous botanical gardens.
The event is a massive first for Sotheby’s in Asia, explained Patti Wong, chairman of the company for this region. She said that it marks a decisive step forward in delivering the same kind of exhibitions that have only ever been seen in the UK and US.
“During this period of dramatic growth in the art market, collectors in Singapore have been transacting with ever-increasing enthusiasm, particularly in the field of outdoor sculpture,” observed Ms Wong. As such, gearing it towards Singapore is perceptive, and perfectly timed.
Ben-David, an Israeli sculptor who now lives and works in London, has been busy shaping 12 new pieces for the exhibition, which continue to explore and reflect his interest in both magic and ideas pertaining to evolution.
The artist, who trained in both Israel and London – the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design and St. Martin’s School of Art respectively – has heavily used trees, figures and birds, and entwined them.
These themes, coupled with the artist’s use of Corten – known as weathering steel – which rusts when exposed to the elements, combine to tell a narrative about the ever changing landscape of the planet, the constant regenerative cycle that is typified by the seasons.
“This is the first time I have created such a large and concentrated installation in one open public location,” the artist said. “It is a totally new departure to be able to show my work in a variety of landscapes – in water and green spaces – and to see them working together.”
Lynette Pang, executive director for F1 & Sports and Arts & Entertainment on the Singapore Tourism Board, added that she was pleased Sotheby’s had chosen the country to be the location of what is hoped to be the first of many such shows of its kind.
“This exhibition adds to the exciting diversity in our events calendar and complements Singapore’s dynamic visual arts landscape,” she added.
“By augmenting our historical Singapore Botanic Gardens with this high quality visual arts event, this exhibition serves as an opportunity to reach out to the world’s collecting community, and also foster an appreciation of the arts amongst Singaporeans and international visitors alike.”
The exhibition runs from October 23rd 2012 until January 13th 2013.
Cadogan Tate is one of the most respected fine art transport companies in the world, specialising in shipping works of art in a safe and secure way.