Maya Gallery launches Small Matter, an exhibition showing a diverse collection of small artworks by a group of talented artists in Singapore, on 18 March 2023.

Selected from an open call launched last October, more than 100 works by close to 50 artists, from emerging to mid-career and established, are on display. Featuring a wide range of styles and mediums, including paintings, sculptures, photographs and digital art, the gallery aims to show how the smallest of artworks can come together to create something truly remarkable. Each piece may be small, but mighty in its own way; each work represents a unique perspective and creative vision. The exhibition also provides art lovers with the opportunity to discover the beauty and creativity of these miniature masterpieces as they explore the gallery space. 

"We are thrilled to present this exhibition of small artworks, which showcases the talents of a diverse group of artists, and the richness of the mediums they work in," said Masturah Sha’ari, the Director of Maya Gallery. "It is a great opportunity for visitors to add to their art collection, find a special piece for their home or office, or simply enjoy the beauty of art." The exhibition will be officiated by Guest-of-Honour Ms Tin Pei Ling, MP for MacPherson, and also host an Art Sharing session.

“This exhibition of small artworks is a brilliant idea, especially when most of our homes in Singapore are small, and the affordable price range is suitable as many are tightening their purse strings during difficult times,” an art lover commented.

“I’m grateful to be selected for Small Matter. Despite there being many galleries in Singapore, it is challenging for many artists, especially art graduates like me, to find a platform to exhibit my works,” says one of the participating artists. “Maya Gallery has provided us with an opportunity to show at their amazing space, which is very encouraging for me to continue making art that is meaningful.”

Supporting Singaporean and Singapore-based artists has been the gallery’s objective since Masturah and her husband, Jeffrey Wandly started it in 2011, from a double-storey shophouse along North Bridge Road. The gallery was officially opened in April 2012, by former NMP for the Arts, Ms Janice Koh, with more than 100 guests attending on opening night. It held more than 8 exhibitions each year, participated in art fairs in Singapore, Hong Kong and Busan, and art festivals in Bali, collaborated with various organisations and charities on fundraising through art, and also conducted workshops for schools and corporate team-bonding needs.

The inevitable increasing rents in Kampong Glam saw the gallery’s move in 2014 to a logistics building owned by an art collector in Changi. An unforgivable environment saw them relocate within six months to Oxley Bizhub 2 at Ubi Road in 2015, where they operated for six years. There, they continued curating solo and group exhibitions, participated in art fairs in Singapore and Malaysia, and embarked on collaborations with regional galleries. The gallery then faced bigger challenges: the unrelentless pandemic, which led to a slowdown in art sales and visitorship, and an uncompromising landlord, which forced them to move again in 2021, to its current location on the fifth level of Gani Building at Genting Lane. 

Offering a space of over 200sqm, far bigger than their first shophouse space, the gallery has an exclusive front lift entrance, en-suite restrooms, and storage space. Its location is historical—the area around Genting Lane was known for its factories for batik production which thrived in the 1960s and 70s. 

“We started small, and now have a bigger space for exhibitions, projects, events and activities. So as artists ourselves, we understanding and emphathise with the needs and frustrations of the art community, “said Jeffrey. “This is our way of giving back, and we hope our contribution will help the arts eco-system in any way.”

Small Matter will be on view from 18 March until 18 April 2023. For more information, please contact Maya Gallery at 67412455 or 96746050, or art@mayagallery.com.sg.

ARTISTS: Abu Jalal Sarimon, Anjum Motiwala, Aparna Chakravarty, Azri Alwi, Dana Goh, Danielle Siauw, Danielle Poon, Dgers, Dino Hafian, Dominic Thian, Edmund Low, Erzan Adam, Faith Fadilah Ali, Fazelah Abas, Grace See, Hiroko Mita, Idris Ali, Iffah Qistina, Intan Junadi, Irina Forrester, Jeleela Niaz, Jaslin Poh, Jeffrey Wandly, Jessica Tan, Karto, Kassim Bachik, Kavita Issar Batra, Kee, Lee Shen Lung, Masturah Sha’ari, Mona Malhotra, Nancy Noe, OUTSIDER, Pooja Bhusari, Rajul Shah, Rosihan Dahim, Saiman Ismail, Salleh Japar, Samantha Redfern, Sangeeta Charan, Sarbani Bhattacharya, Shih Chin, Shirin Rafie, Sim Jiayan, Stephanie Burridge, Toh Kiam Hock, and Yeo Jian Long.

ABOUT MAYA GALLERY

Maya Gallery is a leading home-grown, artist-run, non-profit gallery with a focus on heritage, culture, Singapore and Southeast Asian art. Established in 2012, it is located in the industrial hub of MacPherson/Potong Pasir, where factories for batik production thrived in the 1960s and 70s. The gallery is committed to promoting and supporting our local artists through exhibitions, public programmes, educational initiatives and collaborations.