About
New Art Museum Singapore, opened in October 2023, is the second branch following the establishment of the Karuizawa New Art Museum in 2012.
Sharing a space with Whitestone Gallery at Tanjong Pagar Distripark, the museum presents a broader and ever-evolving range of artistic works, offering a platform for diverse movements and styles. With a primary focus on the Gutai movement, the museum showcases its impact on modern and contemporary art while exploring fresh perspectives and providing dynamic art experiences for all audiences.
Founded in the heart of Tokyo in 1967, WHITESTONE GALLERY has been a pioneering gallery in the Japanese art scene. For the purpose of creating more dialogues about art in the region, we opened KARUIZAWA NEW ART MUSEUM in Karuizawa (2012) as a rare example of private museums in Japan.
Whitestone Gallery has a rich history intertwined with the Gutai Association, a pivotal movement in post-war Japanese art. The establishment of the New Art Museum serves as an extension of this legacy, aiming to create a dedicated space for showcasing the extensive works and artists associated with Gutai. This museum not only aims to exhibit these significant artworks but also aspires to educate and inspire visitors, fostering a deeper understanding of the artists and their contributions to contemporary art. By providing context and insight into the works displayed, the museum hopes to bridge connections between past and present artistic practices.
The logo of the New Art Museum draws inspiration from Jiro Yoshihara, the founder of the Gutai Association. His artistic philosophy prominently focuses on circles, which he painted to symbolise the circle of life. These circles also evoke imagery of the globe, representing a universal connection through art. By adopting this circular motif, the New Art Museum aims to reflect its mission of showcasing diverse artistic expressions from around the world, emphasising the interconnectedness of life and art.
New Art Museum's logo inspired by Jiro Yoshihara's vision encapsulates a brand's identity that reflects Whitestone Gallery’s cultural values and artistic legacies. This vision signifies the museum's commitment to showcasing diverse artistic expressions from around the globe.
‘Singapore boasts a global hub port in Southeast Asia. A large-scale warehouse space facing the port was converted into the largest gallery space in Asia. At the reception, visitors are welcomed by a space under the trees symbolising the abundant nature of Singapore, and are led out of the hustle and bustle of the city into an extraordinary world of art in the sunlight filtering through the trees.’
-Kengo Kuma