As the global fine art director of Art Works Group, Cassi Young seeks to connect collectors in Singapore with exciting contemporary artists from around the globe.
Cassi Young, the global fine art director of Art Works Group. Young is dressed in an & OTHER STORIES dress, BIMBA Y LOLA kitten heels; her own jacket, watch, and rings.
As anyone who has curated an art collection for home will tell you, an eye for detail is crucial to place the right pieces effectively. Cassi Young possesses that eye, evident from the vibrant works exhibited at the Art Works Gallery in One Holland Village this past September. She meticulously curated the vivid pieces from emerging artists Kate Florence and Sylvie Kettle for the exhibition themed The Spirit Of Life. Curating exhibitions has been one of Young’s key responsibilities since her appointment as global fine art director of Art Works Group in May this year.
Young has not only the eye for art but also the expertise needed for the role. Before joining Art Works Group, she served as the director of Post War & Contemporary Art at Bonhams in London. She has held various positions in prestigious auction houses like Christie’s London.
At Art Works Group, which is a Singapore-based fine art gallery and advisory founded in 2011, Young is tuned into the Asian art market’s dynamics; she spearheads the mission to enrich, expand, and diversify collections for art collectors in the region. Her passion lies in promoting emerging artists, as she aims to provide clients of Art Works Group with access to contemporary art they might not encounter elsewhere.
In the following discussion, Young elaborates on her role at Art Works Group, her vision for the company, and what distinguishes high-quality art in her view.
What attracted you to a career in the art industry?
Cassi Young (CY): I have always been inclined towards the arts. In high school, I was drawn to various creative pursuits. My interest in classical history made me ponder how to transition that into a profession beyond being a historian. A cherished pastime of mine was visiting art galleries, particularly the Art Gallery of South Australia in Adelaide. I would visit there with my mother when I was younger, getting lost in the artworks and immersing myself in that enchanting world. By the time I completed high school, I realized I wanted a career in the arts, likely as an art dealer or working in an auction house.
Reflecting on your time at Bonhams and Christie’s London, how do those experiences inform your current role at Art Works Group?
CY: The beauty of working at auction houses lies in the vast knowledge and exposure they provide due to their international nature. These establishments house various departments, not only covering art but also jewelry, watches, cars, and manuscripts. Working in a prominent auction house grants significant insight into the luxury market. However, the true highlight for me was interacting with extraordinary artworks. These pieces might have been kept out of sight in private collections for years, only to surface once for auction, possibly disappearing for another 50 years. It was an honor to handle such pieces, to examine them closely, and to understand artists’ practices. The experiences and connections I formed, from clients to colleagues, have been pivotal in my career. I am leveraging all that knowledge for my new role at Art Works Group.
Young is dressed in a LORO PIANA polo sweater, cardigan, sweatpants; BIMBA Y LOLA kitten heels; her own watch and ring.
As the global fine art director of Art Works Group, what does your role encompass?
CY: It’s quite a comprehensive role. I oversee the artistic curation for the firm, which encompasses several key areas at Art Works Group. The gallery focuses on emerging and mid-career artists, which is a true passion of mine. One reason I joined Art Works Group is my desire to work closely with artists over an extended period. For the gallery, I select the artists we collaborate with and curate what we showcase. Additionally, the advisory segment of the company is a well-known space for me, as we guide clients on their art collections, advising on which artists to acquire, which artworks to sell, or potential sales venues.
What is your vision for the Art Works Gallery?
CY: My genuine aim is to support local artistic talent while introducing exciting contemporary artists from across the globe to Singapore, allowing collectors—whether they are aspiring or established—to experience something fresh. That’s really our objective.
What criteria do you consider when selecting artists to represent at Art Works Group?
CY: First and foremost, talent. When standing in front of a piece, does it resonate with you? Does it enhance your experience? Are you emotionally engaged? These are factors I evaluate. Additionally, it’s crucial to consider artists suited to different regions. In Southeast Asia, certain artists and materials resonate more effectively here. For instance, unprotected works on paper may not do well in Southeast Asia due to humidity, so I typically prefer canvases or sculptures—works made from sturdier materials. I also assess an artist’s career trajectory and whether they fit within the gallery’s lineup. Supporting them adequately is essential.
What do you believe art collectors in Singapore seek?
CY: I think color is a significant focus here. Maintaining good feng shui and achieving a harmonious balance within artworks is also important. Clients tend to know their preferences but are open to embracing contemporary concepts and global art, which we aim to provide.
Is there an upcoming launch that excites you?
CY: Our forthcoming Perception exhibition is the next show I’ve been sincerely invested in since my arrival. It opens on October 24 and features three talented UK-based artists: Araminta Blue, Max Boyla, and Callum Harvey. The exhibition is titled “Perception” because each artist explores reality, their interpretation of space, and how it is represented in their artworks. Each artist has a unique style, but they all share a common thread in examining reality, whether tangible or imagined, and all three are emerging artists worth watching. Araminta just completed her first solo museum exhibition in Italy, marking a significant milestone. Max’s solo exhibition recently opened in Palma, Spain, while Callum has showcased his work with some of London’s most esteemed emerging galleries. I’m excited to introduce them to Singapore.
Photography: Jaya Khidir
Art Direction: Marisa Xin
Styling: Kelly Hsu
Photography Assistants: Aliy Alam And Nowo Kasturi
This article was originally published in Grazia Singapore and appears in the October 2024 issue of GRAZIA Singapore.
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