Urban art is well known for its public nature and communicating social activism messages on public infrastructure with vivid paintings and murals. Yet, urban artists have also transitioned into using more traditional mediums of canvas and sculpture, employing similar styles of loud colours in their works.

The fifth edition of Art Apart Fair brings to visitors both evolutions of urban art. An installation will be created to simulate outdoor urban art, flanking the Presidential Suite which will be featuring more indoor-focused art pieces.

During the event, blank sheets of paper will be plastered along parts of the corridors, and will serve as canvases for visitors to express themselves freely and create their very own urban art pieces. This initiative will be overseen by Thailand-based French artist Bruno Tanquerel, whose works have been showcased alongside renowned English street artist Banksy at the Carlton Arms Hotel in New York.

Stationed at the Presidential Suite, 12-year old Varvi Sharova will be creating customized paintings for visitors. The budding artist moved to Singapore with her family and is currently studying in Stamford Primary School. When asked about her passion for art and the types of work she produces, Varvi said that drawing relaxes her and she tries to showcase people’s personalities, ambitions and feelings in her works.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy music performances by award-winning budding musicians from The Flute Academy. Conducted by Ms Larisa Tupitsina, young flutists from ages 5 to 13 will perform a range of classical solos and duets, creating a relaxing and conducive environment for appreciating art.

This year’s Art Apart will also be welcoming back galleries from previous editions, such as Gaze Gallery (Germany), Gallery 11.12 (Russia), Seoul Art Centre (Korea), Mayjune Gallery (Korea), Art Future (Hong Kong) and Utterly Art (Singapore). The Fair will also feature artists such as Thailand-based French artist Bruno Tanquerel and Germany-based artist Kaja El Attar.

Art Apart is also seeking Patrons of the Arts to aid in its goal of helping emerging artists. Art Apart aims to provide more publicity and attention to the works of emerging artists every year and seeks to provide subsidised rooms for promising artists who cannot afford to exhibit in art fairs. A portion of sales from subsidised artists will be jointly donated to a charity by Art Apart and the Patron.

Art Apart has seen recurring success ever since its first exhibition and has expanded overseas. It held its international debut in London in October 2014 and is set to exhibit in New York in October this year. Plans for further editions of Art Apart being held in other cities with strong art scenes, such as Paris and Milan, are currently underway.

Coinciding with Singapore Art Week, Art Apart Fair 2015 will be held from 23rd to 25th of January, 11:30am to 9.00pm. Admission is $10, with a chance to win a painting worth $2,000 from Art Apart Fair director Rosalind Lim’s collection. Visitors can choose to buy tickets at PARKROYAL or at www.artapartfair.com/ticket.