Cassi Young of Art Works Group is introducing a novel perspective to fine art in Singapore

Cassi Young, the worldwide fine art director of Art Works Group, seeks to link Singaporean collectors with innovative contemporary artists globally.

Cassi Young, the global fine art director of Art Works Group. Young wears & OTHER STORIES dress; BIMBA Y LOLA kitten heels; Young’s own jacket, watch and rings

Curating an art collection for one's house requires a discerning eye to appropriately position the perfect items. Cassi Young possesses a discerning eye, as demonstrated by the paintings exhibited at the Art Works Gallery in One Holland Village in September. She meticulously selected the vibrant artworks from emerging artists Kate Florence and Sylvie Kettle for the gallery's exhibition, entitled The Spirit Of Life. Since her appointment as the worldwide fine art director of Art Works Group in May of this year, curating such exhibitions has been one of Young's several tasks.

Young possesses both the vision and the proficiency for the task. Prior to her tenure at Art Works Group, she served as the director of Post War & Contemporary Art at Bonhams in London. She has previously occupied positions in other prestigious auction houses, including Christie’s London.

At Art Works Group, a fine art gallery and advisory firm in Singapore and founded in 2011, Young is attuned to the dynamics of the Asian art market; she spearheads the company's objective to enhance, broaden, and diversify the collections of regional art collectors. She is especially devoted to advocating for emerging artists and aspires to provide Art Works Group's clients with exposure to modern art that they may not have previously encountered.

Young elaborates on her position at work Works Group, her vision for the organization, and her perspective on distinguishing high-quality work.

What motivated your pursuit of a profession in the art industry?

Cassi Young (CY): I have consistently recognized my desire to pursue a career in the arts. During high school, I was captivated by all things creative. I was highly interested in classical history; yet, I contemplated how to transition that passion into a career beyond that of a historian. One of my favorite activities during my upbringing was visiting art galleries. The Art Gallery of South Australia is notably located in Adelaide. It is a substantial institution, and I would accompany my mother there during my youth. I cherished the experience of being enveloped in the artworks, fully engaged in this alternate realm. Before completing high school, I was certain I desired a career in the arts, maybe as an art dealer or in an auction house.

You have previously worked at Bonhams and Christie’s London, in relation to auction houses. In what manner do you believe such experiences enhance your position at Art Works Group?

CY: One of the remarkable aspects of auction houses is the extensive knowledge and exposure they provide due to their international nature. They possess numerous distinct divisions, encompassing not only art but also jewelry, timepieces, automobiles, and manuscripts. Affiliation with a prominent auction house imparts extensive expertise regarding the functioning of the luxury market. However, the engagement with such remarkable artworks was undoubtedly the pinnacle of the experience. These pieces have been sequestered for approximately 50 years in a private collection, auctioned once, and subsequently acquired by another private collection. They may not reappear for another 50 years. It was an honor to engage with such artworks, to examine them closely and get insight into the artists' practices. The experiences and individuals I encountered, both clients and coworkers, have been essential to my career. I am applying all of that expertise to my current position at Art Works Group.

Young wears LORO PIANA polo sweater, cardigan, sweatpants; BIMBA Y LOLA kitten heels; Young’s own watch and ring

You hold the position of global fine art director at Art Works Group. What are the responsibilities associated with that role?

CY: It is a substantial role. I am supervising the artistic curation of the organization, which encompasses several pillars at Art Works Group. The gallery emphasizes developing to mid-career artists. This is a genuine passion project of mine. I joined Art Works Group to collaborate closely with artists over an extended period. In the gallery, my responsibility is to select the artists we collaborate with and to design and curate our exhibitions. The consulting, a fundamental aspect of the organization, is a domain with which I am well-acquainted, since we counsel customers regarding their art collections, including recommendations on artists to acquire, artworks to divest, and optimal sales venues.

What is your vision for the Art Works Gallery?

CY: My primary objective is to promote local artistic talent and to introduce captivating contemporary artists from around the globe to Singapore, hence exhibiting their works for the benefit of both aspiring and seasoned collectors seeking unique experiences. That is indeed our objective.

What criteria do you consider when selecting artists to represent at Art Works Group?

CY: Primarily, talent. When you stand before a piece of art, do you get pleasure in it? Does it enhance your experience? Are you affected by it? These are all the factors I evaluate and seek. However, it is also crucial to take into account various musicians for distinct locations. In Southeast Asia, specific artists and materials are more effective in this region. For instance, if not properly maintained, works on paper deteriorate more rapidly in Southeast Asia due to the humidity. I typically seek canvases or sculptural works—pieces composed of more substantial materials. I also evaluate the artist's career trajectory and their compatibility with the gallery's collection. Can we assist them optimally? This is also significantly crucial.

What are the preferences of art collectors in Singapore?

CY: I believe that color is exceedingly prevalent here. Maintaining favorable feng shui and a sense of harmony within the artworks is essential. Clients here possess distinct preferences yet remain receptive to modern principles and foreign art, and we aim to present it to them.

Are you enthusiastic about any upcoming launch?

CY: The forthcoming Perception exhibition is our next presentation and a project I have ardently pursued since my arrival. The exhibition commences on 24 October and showcases three UK-based artists: Araminta Blue, Max Boyla, and Callum Harvey. The title "Perception" reflects the individual artist's interpretation of reality, their vision of space, and its manifestation on the surface of the compositions. Although the artists exhibit distinct styles, a common theme in their work pertains to their perceptions of reality, whether factual or fictional, making all three compelling figures to observe. Araminta recently held her inaugural solo exhibition at a museum in Italy, marking a significant milestone. Max has inaugurated a solo exhibition in Palma, Spain. Callum has showcased his work at several of the most distinguished emerging galleries in London. I am excited to introduce them in Singapore.

Photography: Jaya Khidir

Art Direction: Marisa Xin

Styling: Kelly Hsu

Photography Assistants: Aliy Alam And Nowo Kasturi