SINGAPORE.- The most anticipated Asian contemporary art fair will be here once again to set the visual arts scene ablaze over five days from 10 13 October, 2008 at Suntec Singapore, International Convention and Exhibition Centre. About 110 art galleries from 16 countries will be showcasing US$30 million worth of artworks ranging from paintings, drawings, sculptures, installations, photographs and digital art done, making this year s ARTSingapore event the biggest one to date. MF Global Singapore is ARTSingapore 2008 s presenting sponsor.

ARTSingapore has grown phenomenally over the past eight years with 15,000 visitors expected this year. We are proud to say that this annual event has grown to more than just being an art fair, and it has distinguished itself as the international show attracting renowned artists and collectors from around the globe, said Chen Shen Po, Fair Director for ARTSingapore 2008.

This year s event will highlight a sizeable representation from India, Korea and Japan - past participants are returning and we are seeing an increased participation from certain countries. ARTSingapore 2008 has essentially become the main platform to showcase critical pieces and emerging artists for some of these Asian countries, added Shen Po.

Held annually and in its eighth-year running, ARTSingapore 2008 positions itself as the international premium and biggest art fair focusing on primarily Asian contemporary art. Having established its reputation as the art event to provide well-represented, South East Asian pieces amongst stakeholders and artists, ARTSingapore 2008 has enabled leading art galleries to launch new pieces by young artists who will set the trend for the years to come.

Some of the artworks to look out at this year s event include Taiwan s Fine Art Centre s huge sculptures from Yu Yu Yang and Ju-Ming; Aboriginal art from Australia s Ballan and Pannan Galleries; and contemporary Indian art from first-time participating galleries like Art Alive Gallery, Art Musings, Arushi Arts, Delhi Art Gallery and Gallery Sanskriti. This year s event will also feature rising artists in the Asian arts scene including China s Wu Jianjun, Japan s Kengo Nakamura; Thailand s Jirapat tatsanasomboon, Vietnam s Dang Xuan Hoa; Indonesia s Wayan Sujanda; and India s Thota Vaikuntam.

ARTSingapore 2008 comprises of unique art pieces from regional and international art galleries in China, Israel, Japan, Philippines, Spain, Thailand, Vietnam, and USA. First time participating international galleries at this year s fair include Sundaram Tagore Gallery (USA), Cais (Korea) Hwas Gallery (China), Silverlens (Philippines) and Bruno Art Group (Israel).

A major highlight of ARTSingapore 2008 is a solo exhibition by world-renowned Indian artist, Jogen Chowdhury, titled Jogen Chowdhury: Enigmatic visions from the Glenbarra Art Museum. This exhibition, curated by Masanori Fukuoka who is Genbarra Art Museum s director, opens for the first public viewing. These artworks are all owned by Masanori Fukuoka, who is recognized as the world's top Indian contemporary art collector, and who owns more than 5000 pieces of Indian Contemporary art.

As the presenting sponsor, MF Global Singapore presents privileged access for both our local and regional customers to ARTSingapore 2008, South East Asian s largest and premium art fair. Positioned as the single event showcasing varied South East Asian pieces, ARTSingapore 2008 presents itself as the ideal platform for our clients to appreciate the visual highlights of Asian culture. Aside from viewing exciting visual pieces, MF Global customers can also interact with other art enthusiasts, galleries and emerging Asian artists as well, said Mr Daniel Yeo, Chief Executive Officer of MF Global Singapore.

Aside from viewing unique and beautiful artworks, participants at ARTSingapore 2008 can complement the entire art appreciation experience by gaining access to art talks, fringe art events and museum visits.