Fifteen Years and More to Come

2017 is going to be STPI’s most significant year yet, as the experimental incubator builds on its standing as one of the most cutting-edge destinations for contemporary art in Asia and the best print and papermaking institution in the world. STPI launches an ambitious programme of exhibitions, artist collaborations and events under the theme of Fifteen Years and More to Come to reflect its ceaseless pursuit for bold innovation.

The formerly known Singapore Tyler Print Institute is also rebranding itself as STPI – Creative Workshop & Gallery, Singapore to reflect its vibrant operations as a creative space and a contemporary art gallery.

History and mission
STPI was formed in 2002 in line with the Singapore government’s Renaissance City Plan to position the nation as the prime arts hub of Southeast Asia. The ground-breaking institution carries on the boundary-pushing tradition of master printmaker Kenneth E. Tyler, who heralded the resurgence of print as an artistic medium in 20th century New York through collaborations with artists such as Jaspar Johns, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Rauschenberg and Frank Stella. After its formative years, 2002–2008, STPI embarked on its own journey of breakthroughs under the leadership of director Emi Eu, adding a new art historical paradigm to an enduring legacy of collaborative projects with top-notch artists and reinventing the traditional mediums of print and paper.

15th anniversary programme
STPI kicks off its 15th year with Cultural Medallion performance artist Amanda Heng. We Are the World—These Are Our Stories is one of the highlight exhibitions of Singapore Art Week 2017 and will be complemented by STPI’s booth at Art Stage Singapore; a stellar showcase of works by Cultural Medallion recipients Han Sai Por and the late Chua Ek Kay, amongst others. Meanwhile in London, internationally-acclaimed South Korean artist Do Ho Suh opens his very first exhibition with Victoria Miro on January 31, 2017, presenting seminal 3D thread drawings and cyanotypes developed with STPI, alongside his acclaimed fabric installations.

The full 15th anniversary exhibition programme is:

Amanda Heng: We Are the World—These Are Our Stories
January 7–February 25, 2017

Carsten Höller, Tobias Rehberger, Anri Sala & Rirkrit Tiravanija
March 18–April 22, 2017

Kim Beom
May 6–June 17, 2017

STPI annual special exhibition: Modern Print Masters—Works From The National Collection
July 1–September 2, 2017

Alfredo & Isabel Aquilizan
September 16–October 28, 2017

STPI annual group show: Multiple Choice
November 11–December 23, 2017

Artist collaborations
Collaborations with artists lie at the heart of STPI. Over the years STPI has nurtured a small group of amateur printers into a full-time professional Creative Workshop team with unparalleled technical mastery, who engage visiting artists in a unique dialogue and push them to explore fresh trajectories in their practice.

In 2017, STPI will host some of the most exciting names in contemporary art, including Alfredo & Isabel Aquilizan (Philippines), Dinh Q. Lê (Vietnam), Jason Martin (UK), Philippe Parreno (France), Do Ho Suh (South Korea), Pae White (USA), and a first-time participation from Zai Kuning (Singapore), who will represent Singapore at the Venice Biennale 2017.

Public programme
This year will also see STPI expand on its regular public programme, providing an even more diverse and comprehensive learning experience for the local community and visitors to the city. The programme includes the “In Talks With” series, a year-long series of symposiums that aims to engage the public with the most influential figures in art, and peaks with STPI Festival week in August 2017, as well as STPI Anniversary Dinner and Benefit Auction in October 2017. Details on this and other new educational initiatives are to be announced.