Happy Art for Sunny Singapore!

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Buying art is more than just a financial investment; it’s an emotional journey that starts the moment you fall in love with a piece. At my recent visit to Bruno Art Gallery Singapore, I found a space filled with bright, colourful art that stirred in me a desire to learn more about the Happy Art Movement.

A century of art

An international outfit, Bruno Art Group has galleries and offices in Europe, Asia and the US. Originally founded in early 20th-century Europe, it’s now been a mainstay in the world art scene for over 100 years. The group today has established itself as a leading gallery in the Kinetic, Pop and Dada art movements.

In addition to an extensive collection of fine art, Bruno Art Group represents and supports young, promising international talent on the global stage. Its motto “we art your life” encapsulates the belief that art is integral to all aspects of life. That’s why spreading an appreciation of art and culture in communities around the world is a cornerstone of the group’s purpose.

Happy Art in Singapore

The Bruno Art Group arrived on the art scene here in 2010. Over the past 14 years, it’s gradually weaved its way into the fabric of Singapore’s art culture. And it’s easy to see why when you visit the gallery, which showcases vibrant, fun, wow-factor art that captivates and fills people with positivity.

As an admitted art novice myself, I can say that the art here is easy to enjoy and understand no matter your level of art knowledge. It’s also open to all – not just buyers – as the gallery’s owners want everyone to come, experience and learn about art. I saw groups of all ages coming in during my visit, so it’s safe to say this mission has been accomplished.

There’s a wide range of artworks in the gallery – from entry-level pieces ideal for the first time art buyer, right up to investment works for the experienced art collector. Some are even weather-proof to withstand our humid conditions, and are perfect to brighten blank, white apartment walls!

A Pop Art focus

The Pop Art movement began in the 1950s and is known for its focus on popular culture and mass media. Key figures include artists like Andy Warhol, Claes Oldenburg and Roy Lichtenstein. These iconic works use bold colours and incorporate imagery and graphics from advertising, comic books and everyday objects.

Pop Art challenged traditional fine art by incorporating elements of consumerism and elevating everyday items to the status of art. Some criticise this phenomenon as “commercialisation” of culture, but originally, Pop artists called it “democratisation”. Today, it seems like all contemporary art speaks in the vocabulary defined by the principles of Pop.

The Happy Art Movement, an optimistic strain of Pop Art, showcases recurring themes that refer to the values of liberal democracy: optimism, freedom, vibrant personal expression, globalism, peace and wealth. As the name suggests, the art is designed to spark feelings of joy and happiness.

Spotlight: 4 featured artists at Bruno Art Gallery

Andy Warhol

A graphic designer, Warhol had great appreciation of the aesthetics of commercials and popular culture. This sentiment was the reason for his aspiration to “democratise” what was considered fine art. He did this by taking popular icons and everyday products and implementing them into his work. Warhol also set out to reveal the dark sides of American culture. For example, by presenting Marylin Monroe multiplied and shelved, he showed how a culture of consumerism lowered even sexuality and femininity to the degree of product.

Yaacov Agam

A founder of “Kinetic art”, Israeli artist Yaacov Agam (born 1928) is one of the last living masters of art in the world. His innovative approach incorporates movement into visual art, spreading the message “we are always in motion”. Known for his vivid, dynamic pieces, Agam’s work often features geometric patterns and optical illusions. His creations, like the Agamograph, invite viewers to interact, changing appearance with perspective.

Charles Fazzino

Born in New York in 1955, Fazzino is famous for his rigorous technique and beautiful utopian aesthetic. To create his signature 3D pop art he uses a combination of hand-drawn images, silkscreen printing, meticulous hand-cutting and assembling techniques, and Swarovski crystal embellishments. Fazzino’s intricate works depict dazzling cityscapes, cultural landmarks and whimsical scenes. Heavily collected by the likes of Paul McCartney, Warren Buffett and Bill Clinton, this is one artist to watch.

Mr Brainwash

Not knowing how to do something never stopped Thierry Guetta, aka “Mr Brainwash”, from trying. Launching his career with his Life Remote Control movie is the perfect example of this, as he began working on the movie with no previous experience. Guetta has managed in his work to bring together punk and mainstream cultures – he believes that our modern reality is the perfect playing-field for creative people. Yet, his aesthetic also grasps the aggression of modern life, and the need to rediscover purpose under individualism.

These are just a few of the fabulous artists represented in the gallery. Also on show are collections by David Gerstein, Arnaud Nazare-Aga, Romero Britto, Marcel Janco and more. The Bruno Art Group is always in search of new artists and opportunities for collaboration in Singapore, too. Why not do as I did, and go down and spend an hour or two soaking in the beautiful art? Be prepared to learn something – and maybe even fall in love with your very own piece of happy art!