Seasoned art collectors and enthusiasts like to travel around the globe, keeping an eye out for the next piece in their collection. Yet sometimes your search can begin in your own backyard.

Singapore is well-recognized as a central hub for business, finance, food and culture in Asia, reaching out to the rest of the world. Thanks to its melting pot of people and culture, Singapore's art scene is not only multifaceted and robust, but filled with local artists.

Here are five Singaporeans artists you should stand to take note of:

Tan Swie Hian

Receipient of the 1987 Singapore Cultural Medallion award, multidisciplinary artist Tan Swie Hian (b. 1943) is known for his contemporary ink and wash paintings.

His works are actively sought after by collectors, being one of Singapore's most expensive artist after he sold 'When the Moon is Orbed' for approximately SGD 3.7m at a 2012 auction in Beijing.

You can find his prolific creations in various mediums such as oil and acrylic paintings, prints, sculptures, calligraphy, and seal engravings.

Fan Shaohua

Shortly after graduating from Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, Fan Shaohua (b. 1963) started his career as a full-time artist and moved to Singapore in 1992.

Fan is best known for his abstract landscapes featuring florals in his Lotus series of works. He has held exhibitions around the region including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Paris.

An accomplished artist with multiple art awards, Fan bagged the prestigious "UOB Painting of the Year" in 2000. He is also a member of art societies such as the Society of Chinese Artists, Singapore Art Society and Japan Modern Art Association. His works are also well-collected by CapitaLand.

P.Gnana

With works found in the collection of the President of Republic of Singapore and Singapore Art Museum, P.Gnana is a leading local painter and sculptor. His works are widely collected by corporations and exhibited internationally including Kuala Lumpur, New York and India.

Known for his ability to translate our cultural understanding into raw and symbolic paintings, P.Gnana's artworks continue to resonate across generations and societies.

Jose Martinez

Although born in the UK, artist Jose Martinez (b. 1967) calls Singapore home. His works pay homage to vibrant cityscapes such as London, New York and Tokyo.

While travelling extensively and painting some of the world's most diverse and busy cities, Martinez's spontaneous works adorn the walls of public and private collections around the world.

Chong Weixin

A photographer that is captivated by the relationship between nature and artifice, artist Chong Weixin's works focus on the enhancement of natural beauty.

Using artificial pigments to enhance her works, Chong challenges the notion in society around the 'question of ideals of beauty' depicted in social media and tabloid publications.

A graduate of the LASALLE College of the Arts and the Royal College of Art, London, Chong's works are exhibited internationally including London, Paris, Vienna, Seoul and Singapore. In 2015, the artist presented a showcase at ArtStage Singapore (South-East Asian platform) and participated in the Urban Explorations - Singapour en France Festival.

Singapore — a new world stage

As Singapore's economy evolves and iterates into the future, it is important that art galleries, dealers and collectors take a closer look at the fine works across multiple disciplines from local artists.

Art Works Singapore is well-connected to emerging and established artists alike. Should you wish to find out more, their expert team can provide investment, purchasing and leasing advice.

Contact the team today for more information or to book an appointment.