ART SG – The Art of Change

It is always energizing to see future-forward thinking come together. Art and commerce, sustainability and second life. The breakfast with Ernest and Valerie sparked a lot of good questions about what we can influence and demand of our community, from the art fair institution to our own families. How can we reimagine the our relationship with consumption and our legacy in the environment we thrive in? How can art reframe the way we look at the trails we choose to leave behind? I’ve definitely come away with a lot of big questions.“

A lot has been spoken about how the world needs to reverse years of environmental damage, but words are mere vessels without action. To create a continuous call-to-action for restoration and renewal, artists and corporations can work hand-in-hand in playing the role of raising awareness. Alongside COP27 last year, we see international environmental initiatives harnessing the power of art in myriad ways to bring about meaningful systemic change such as ART2030.

In the recent international art event ART SG, of which UBS is the founding and lead partner, a specially curated client breakfast segment took place moderated by Valerie Lau, CFA, Head of Southeast Asia and Singapore, APAC Sustainable Finance Office, with Ernest Goh, Founder of Ayer Ayer.

Through his experience, Ernest shared about the various ecologically-engaged initiative that reaches out to communities through visual and experiential art projects to foster environmental protection, awareness and sustainability through participatory artworks and citizen science. One of Ernest’s art also featured a participatory artwork in the form of a 8m long table. The shape of the table mimics the coastline of Punggol Beach from which the debris was originally collected. Ernest invited guests to co-create the artwork by joining him in the impossible task of removing microplastic fragments one piece at a time. He aimed to bring the issue of massive plastic pollution right to the dinner table where studies have shown microplastics are entering our food chain through the food we eat and the water we drink.

Ayer Ayer's focus on ocean plastic pollution in the regional waterways of South-East Asia has led to the creation of public art, digital gamification and research projects. The group's efforts in design and engineering have developed methods in upcycling plastic waste into artworks and artefacts. At the event, Ernest launched his latest art pieces called “Containment” using recycled post-consumer plastic.

Valerie gave insights on how sustainability is an integral part of our Purpose at UBS, focusing on three key areas to drive that transition through Planet, People and Partnerships. The session also engaged clients where they shared about their personal sustainability journey and how art plays a vital role in raising awareness. In August last year, UBS was also a partner of World Cities Summit and supported TrashSure where BORDALO II, a renowned Portuguese artivist, who turned waste into magnificent art pieces to highlight climate change such as the Sumatran tiger standing at a majestic 7 metres tall at Gardens By The Bay.

Valerie also shared about a Starter Pack for Sustainable Collecting that was initiated by UBS. The Starter Pack covers how collectors can harness purchasing power by checking the green credentials of the galleries, museums. Choosing to lower your carbon footprint and transport your newly bought art piece by sea or road. And many others ways to which you can embark on your Sustainable Collecting journey. To read more on the Starter Pack, click on the link here.