Cover The live auction will also feature unique experiences like a two-day VIP tour to Art Basel Hong Kong (Photo: Courtesy of Nafa/Family Office For Art)
The live auction will also feature unique experiences like a two-day VIP tour to Art Basel Hong Kong (Photo: Courtesy of Nafa/Family Office For Art)
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As part of Nafa's 85th anniversary fundraising efforts, it is holding an auction of some important local artworks
The Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (Nafa) is marking its 85th anniversary with a series of celebratory events, including a fundraising initiative that promises to engage art enthusiasts and collectors alike. This unique auction, comprising both live and silent segments, is set to not only offer a diverse range of extraordinary artworks but also to contribute significantly to the Nafa Development Fund.
As part of the Nafa 85th Anniversary Gala, this special auction event will spotlight over 20 exceptional works by eminent Singaporean artists, providing an opportunity for patrons to acquire coveted artworks while contributing to the development of budding artists.
The silent auction, currently underway and accessible online at auction.nafa.edu.sg, presents an array of offerings ranging from paintings and works on paper to exclusive experiences. Art enthusiasts can engage in pre-gala bidding, happening now and running through September 30. Notable pieces include Casey Tan's evocative acrylic on canvas titled Good Ol' Days, Tay Bak Chiang's captivating Follow Your Heart, Microorganism Series by Cultural Medallion recipient Han Sai Por, and an exclusive one-on-one vocal workshop with world-renowned soprano Jessica Chen. The silent auction also features some exciting, much-coveted experiences and items, including a bespoke Max Tan gown and jumpsuit, dinner at one-Michelin-starred Burnt Ends, and even bottles of Chateau Margaux 2005 Grand Vin Premier Grand Cru Classé.
Above The Hujan Jumpsuit by Max Tan (Photo: Courtesy of Max Tan)
The Hujan Jumpsuit by Max Tan (Photo: Courtesy of Max Tan)
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In addition to the silent auction, the live auction—held in partnership with Bonhams Singapore—will take place during the Nafa 85th Anniversary Gala on September 2. This segment boasts some exquisite creations, including the mesmerising marble sculpture Flora Series II by Han Sai Por, the captivating acrylic painting Bird Watching by Aw Tee Hong, and Boo Sze Yang's evocative oil painting Ra Ra Rasputin. The live auction will also feature unique experiences like a two-day VIP tour to Art Basel Hong Kong.
The significance of these auctions lies not only in the exceptional artworks they offer but also in their role in supporting the Nafa Development Fund. This fund, initiated as part of the 85th anniversary celebrations, aims to enhance the academy's infrastructure, promote interdisciplinary collaborations, and provide platforms to showcase students' outstanding works. The auction's proceeds will directly contribute to these goals, ensuring the continued growth and nurturing of budding talents.
As part of Nafa's legacy and its commitment to nurturing the arts landscape, this fundraising effort is set to leave a lasting impact on both the institution and the regional art scene.
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Aun started his career in media, working at illustrious publications in NYC, Paris, and Hong Kong before launching his own Asia-regional lifestyle magazine, East, that was called "Asia's hippest magazine" by Asiaweek and "an Asian Vanity Fair" by Fortune. Committed to community service, Aun has helmed the visual arts and literary arts divisions for the National Arts Council in Singapore; led the marketing, communications, and corporate community investments teams at the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre; was the founding Chair of the Pangdemonium Theatre Company; and currently sits on the Board of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. In 2006, Aun co-founded The Ate Group, a content strategy and communications agency specialising in F&B, hospitality, luxury and lifestyle. Aun has run the content and communications teams at Tripadvisor; similarly run content and communications at a sustainability focused tech start up; and run marketing and communications at a global BPO with over 17,000 employees worldwide. Aun has also been a consultant for Mediacorp and has produced and hosted two food & travel television series for them. In 2015 he began working on the creation of a private members club, Straits Clan, which he launched in 2019 and sold the following year. Returning to his roots, Aun joined Tatler Asia in 2023 as editor-in-chief in Singapore and is committed to telling great stories of change makers through Tatler’s online and offline platforms.
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As Editor-in-Chief of Tatler Singapore, Aun leads all the content teams: branded content, print, digital, and the creative teams. He works closely with the heads of each team to ensure that Tatler continues to cover the most important, inspiring and exciting stories that are affecting Singapore and our region. He also works closely with the events and commercial teams and is always excited to collaborate on new ideas and projects that the Tatler team can activate.
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