Fifteen years ago, Bruno Art Gallery opened its doors in Singapore with a clear mission: to serve as a cultural bridge, introducing the vibrancy of Western contemporary and modern art to a dynamic, rapidly evolving Asian audience.
Today, as the gallery marks its 15th anniversary, it stands as a beacon for artistic legacy, community engagement, and curatorial innovation.
This journey starts with Mr Motti Abramovitz, third-generation art dealer and founder of the Bruno Art Group. With over three decades of experience in the art world and a career built on heritage, foresight, and passion, Abramovitz has played a pivotal role in shaping the gallery’s identity, both in Singapore and globally.
We sat down with Mr Abramovitz to reflect on the gallery’s journey, the shifting landscape of art appreciation, and what lies ahead for Bruno Art Gallery.
A Milestone Rooted in Meaning
“For me, this 15-year milestone is both deeply personal and professionally fulfilling,” Abramovitz shares. “It’s a reflection of the journey we’ve taken, of the artists we’ve championed, the collectors who’ve supported us, and the relationships we’ve built through the language of art.”
When the gallery first entered Singapore’s cultural landscape, it brought with it a familial legacy of over 100 years in the art business. But longevity alone does not define success. As Abramovitz points out, “We stayed rooted through challenges (including the pandemic years) and continued to grow. Today, we’re celebrating not just time, but the trust, dialogue, and discovery that define our presence in Singapore.”
One of the most meaningful early moments came in the form of Momentum, a public installation by artist David Gerstein that paid tribute to the energy and excellence of Singapore’s people. That gesture set the tone for the gallery’s ethos. One anchored in respect, inclusivity, and cultural exchange.
Guided by Legacy and Emotion
Over the years, Bruno Art Gallery has earned a reputation for showcasing some of the most important names in modern and contemporary art, from legends like Andy Warhol and Salvador Dalí, to genre-defining pioneers like Yaacov Agam and Marcel Janco. Yet, the guiding principle behind the gallery’s curatorial approach remains remarkably personal.
“We often tell collectors: ‘Buy what you’ll love seeing on your wall,’” Abramovitz says. “We curate works that are not only significant in art history, but emotionally engaging. Our exhibitions are driven by a balance of artistic legacy, innovation, and that essential emotional connection.”
Bruno Art Gallery’s anniversary exhibition captures this very spirit. Spanning two floors, the collection includes works by renowned artists such as David Gerstein, Uri Dushy, Charles Fazzino, and Yaacov Agam.
Looking ahead, Abramovitz reveals plans for a special Salvador Dalí showcase and an SG60 exhibition featuring Fazzino’s vibrant new creations.
A City and Its Audience, Growing Together
Since its inception, the gallery has borne witness to and contributed to the transformation of Singapore’s art scene. When Bruno Art Gallery first arrived at Art Singapore in 2008, the collector base was largely established and traditional. But times have changed.
“Today, we see more young people visiting the gallery, asking questions, exploring, and eventually becoming collectors themselves,” Abramovitz reflects. “That shift reflects a broader cultural transformation, where art is no longer distant or intimidating, but something to live with and learn from.”
He also notes the increasingly regional appeal of the Singapore space, drawing art lovers from Indonesia, Malaysia, India, and beyond. “Singapore has evolved into a true cultural hub, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to grow alongside it.”
As the global art world continues to embrace digital platforms and AI-generated creativity, Abramovitz remains rooted in the tangible, human elements of art. “Even when survival was at stake, early humans painted on cave walls. That tells us art is inseparable from the human spirit.”
While Bruno Art Gallery has embraced tools like virtual tours to enhance accessibility, Abramovitz believes that the role of the physical gallery remains irreplaceable. “We must evolve into cultural connectors – spaces that offer context, emotion, and engagement. Digital solutions are complementary, not replacements.”
A Vision That Endures
Under Motti Abramovitz’s leadership, the gallery continues to honour its original legacy while embracing the future, offering collectors and communities a space where art is not only admired, but deeply felt.
“As long as people seek meaning, beauty, and connection,” Abramovitz says, “the gallery will remain a place where those moments are made possible.”
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