33 Auction

33 Auction is Singapore's premier independent auction house, specializing in modern and contemporary Asian art with a particular focus on Southeast Asian, Chinese, and Singaporean works. Founded in 2009, the house builds on the twenty years of expertise accumulated by Linda Gallery in the Asian contemporary art scene, and it has quickly established itself as one of the most important auction platforms in the Asia-Pacific region. The establishment of 33 Auction in 2009 represented a significant development for Singapore's art market. While the city-state had long been a major hub for art collecting and dealing, it lacked a strong local auction house presence, with collectors relying primarily on sales held by international houses in Hong Kong, London, and New York. 33 Auction filled this gap by offering a locally based platform with deep knowledge of the Southeast Asian art market and strong relationships with regional collectors. The house held its first auction in May 2009 and has since grown to conduct approximately three major auctions per year in Singapore, supplemented by smaller sales and private transactions. From its premises at 39 Keppel Road in Singapore, the house stages exhibitions and sales that draw collectors from across Southeast Asia and beyond. 33 Auction's core focus on modern and contemporary Asian art encompasses a broad geographic range. The house is particularly strong in Singaporean art, where it has cultivated deep relationships with local collectors, galleries, and artists' estates. Indonesian contemporary art is another major strength, reflecting Singapore's proximity to and cultural connections with Indonesia, one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic art markets. Chinese contemporary art rounds out the primary areas of focus. The house has earned recognition for its ability to identify and promote important works by regional artists. 33 Auction has broken multiple world auction records, including records for Indonesian artists such as Srihadi Soedarsono, Singaporean artists Tay Bak Koi and Choo Keng Kwang, and Filipino artist Toro. These records demonstrate the house's effectiveness in connecting important works with the right buyers and in building market awareness for artists who may be underrepresented at larger international houses. In 2013, 33 Auction was recognized as one of the top auction houses in Asia by Blouin Artinfo, a significant endorsement that reflected its rapid growth and the quality of its offerings. This recognition has helped attract consignments from across the region and has strengthened the house's position as a serious alternative to the major international houses for Asian art. While modern and contemporary art remains the core business, 33 Auction has expressed plans to expand into additional categories over time, which could include luxury goods, watches, and other collectible categories that are popular in the Singapore market. For buyers, 33 Auction offers a curated selection of works that benefit from the house's deep knowledge of the regional market. Each auction is accompanied by a detailed catalogue with scholarly entries, provenance information, and high-quality photography. Bidding is available in the saleroom, by telephone, and online. The buyer's premium is generally in the range of 20 to 25 percent, and buyers should confirm the rate for each specific sale. For sellers, consigning to 33 Auction is particularly attractive for works by Southeast Asian and Singaporean artists. The house's specialist knowledge means that works are accurately attributed and described, and its collector base in the region is highly engaged. Free appraisals can be arranged by contacting the Singapore office. Seller commissions are negotiated individually. The house's online presence has grown steadily, with catalogues available online and online bidding supported for most sales. Given the geographical spread of Asian art collectors, the ability to bid online is particularly important for this house. 33 Auction benefits from Singapore's position as a global financial centre and art market hub. The city's favourable tax environment, excellent logistics infrastructure, and cultural diversity make it an attractive location for both buying and selling art. The Singapore Freeport and the annual Singapore Art Week provide additional context for the house's activities. The house has also cultivated relationships with artists' estates and foundations in the region, giving it access to important works that might not otherwise come to market. This network of relationships is a significant competitive advantage in the Southeast Asian art market, where personal connections and trust remain essential to securing quality consignments. 33 Auction's intimate scale allows for a highly personalized service that larger international houses cannot easily replicate. Collectors working with 33 Auction benefit from direct access to specialist knowledge about regional artists, market conditions, and collecting strategies. For new collectors entering the Southeast Asian art market, this guidance can be particularly valuable in navigating a diverse and complex field. The house has also begun to attract attention for its handling of works by emerging contemporary artists from the region, offering collectors the opportunity to acquire works at accessible price points from artists who are gaining international recognition. This forward-looking approach complements the house's established programme of modern and established contemporary works. For those evaluating 33 Auction, the key questions are as follows. The house sells modern and contemporary Asian art, with particular strength in Southeast Asian, Singaporean, Indonesian, and Chinese works. The fee structure includes a buyer's premium of approximately 20 to 25 percent. Consigning involves a free appraisal through the Singapore office. Online bidding is supported. What makes 33 Auction stand out is its position as Singapore's leading independent auction house, its deep expertise in Southeast Asian art, its record-breaking results for regional artists, and its strategic location in one of Asia's most important art market hubs.