Until March 2021, enthusiasts of modern pop culture and Japanese cuisine in Singapore can experience a unique collaboration that blends contemporary art with specialized dining.

Source: simpleArte by iCare.4u. Artworks by the featured artists participating in Hypebeast@Uni.

Doraemon Here We Go by Takashi Murakami (left), Hero number 12 by Shen Jingdong (right, top left quadrant), Chiho Aoshima, artist (right, top right quadrant), Sky Year by Aoshima (right, bottom right quadrant), and Steven Harrington (right, bottom left quadrant).

Pop art gallery simpleArte by iCare.4u has partnered with Uni Gallery, a specialized sea urchin eatery at The Plaza on Beach Road. This collaboration offers diners a taste of the ‘hypebeast’ movement through a collection of purchasable pop art prints from renowned contemporary artists. The ‘hypebeast’ movement, deeply rooted in street fashion, has become a prominent influence in modern culture.

Original prints from prominent artists such as Takashi Murakami, Chiho Aoshima, Steven Harrington, Shen Jingdong, and emerging Dutch doodle artist Stijn Valentijn are available for purchase. Diners can acquire these artworks while enjoying their meals, with 10% of all sales proceeds donated to the Children’s Society of Singapore. The artwork is displayed throughout Uni Gallery’s main dining area and private rooms and will be rotated as pieces are sold.

Jason Ong, Owner of Uni Gallery, stated, “We are supporters of modern culture in all its forms, and with the art being so fresh and current, we thought it was a fantastic opportunity to connect our culinary offerings with this movement.”

Glen Tay, Curator at simpleArte, added, “Hypebeast@Uni allows diners to encounter modern street art firsthand. SimpleArte aims to bring an artistic lens to a movement often associated with high-priced footwear and urban streetwear.”

Tay further emphasized, “You can purchase a hypebeast t-shirt, acquire those highly sought-after sneakers…and now you can also possess a unique, limited-edition print from the same movement. Hypebeast represents the epitome of contemporary street culture, and our artists are among its pioneers.”

This collaboration will unveil new limited editions over four exhibitions. The debut showcase highlights iconic works from the participating artists. Notably, Takashi Murakami’s highest-selling piece fetched US$13,500,000 at a 2008 Sotheby’s New York auction, while Steven Harrington leads a contemporary Californian psychedelic-pop aesthetic. Chiho Aoshima, known for her collaborations with legendary Japanese fashion designer Issey Miyake, is also a member of Murakami’s Kaikai Kiki collective. Shen Jingdong is recognized as a significant contemporary artist in China. Lastly, Stijn Valentijn, a relatively new face in the art world, describes himself as “a part-time student of neurosciences and a full-time visual artist.”

Uni Gallery by OosterBay, specializing in sea urchin dishes, and simpleArte, recognized for introducing pop art to Singapore, have joined forces for Hypebeast@Uni. This collaboration is part of an ongoing 2021 series, with the next installment in April featuring art prints by Old Master Q.

Details:

Takashi Murakami

Murakami draws inspiration from traditional Japanese painting, science fiction, anime, and the global art market to create paintings, sculptures, and films populated by recurring motifs and evolving characters of his own design.

Steven Harrington

Based in the US, Harrington is an artist and designer celebrated for his vibrant, signature style and lighthearted yet thought-provoking work. His inspiration stems from California’s mystique, varied landscapes, and rich cultural blend.

Chiho Aoshima

Influenced by anime and manga, Aoshima’s work delves into the darker undercurrents of Japanese pop imagery. She portrays nature in conflict with humanity, girls challenging traditional gender roles, and visions of renewal following an apocalypse. A former apprentice of Murakami, Aoshima is now a member of his Kaikai Kiki collective.

Shen Jingdong

Shen’s art career rapidly progressed after 2008. His Hero series established him as a key figure in the new wave of contemporary Chinese artists. He reimagines soldiers and iconic figures from Chinese life in novel and expressive ways.

Stijn Valentijn

Despite being a newcomer to the contemporary art scene, Valentijn, who lives by the mantra, “I wake up and go to sleep with art on my mind,” has garnered global attention for his work.

Uni Gallery

7500A Beach Rd, B1-310 The Plaza

Singapore 199591

Tel: +65 9838 8209

Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday

Lunch: 11.30 am to 2.45 pm (last order)

Dinner: 6 pm to 10 pm (last order)

Drinks: Till 10:30 pm

SimpleArte by iCare.4U

237 Pandan Loop, Westech Building

Unit 04-06, Singapore 128424