Championing Contemporary Art in Southeast Asia
Building bridges between artists, collectors, and institutions through professional auction services since 2013
Back to HomeOur Story
spectrum elis emerged in 2013 from a recognition that Southeast Asia's contemporary art market required more accessible, transparent pathways connecting creators with collectors. Founded by art market specialists who witnessed firsthand the challenges facing emerging artists and new collectors alike, our mission centered on democratizing access while maintaining professional standards.
Our founding team brought together expertise from international auction houses, regional galleries, and academic art history backgrounds. This combination proved essential in navigating Singapore's unique position as a cultural crossroads where Eastern and Western artistic traditions converge. We understood that successful art market facilitation required more than transactional efficiency—it demanded genuine appreciation for artistic merit alongside commercial acumen.
From our first weekly contemporary art auction in June 2013, we've grown steadily through reputation rather than aggressive marketing. Collectors appreciate our commitment to thorough condition reporting and authentication. Artists value our fair consignment terms and professional cataloging. Corporate clients rely on our advisory services to build meaningful workplace collections that reflect their values and culture.
Today, spectrum elis operates from our gallery space on Duxton Road, a location chosen deliberately for its artistic heritage and accessibility. Our team has expanded to include specialists in Southeast Asian contemporary art, digital media, photography, and sculpture. We maintain relationships with artists' estates, represent living artists through structured partnerships, and counsel corporations on collection development.
Our Mission & Values
Transparency
Every artwork offered through our auctions includes detailed provenance documentation, condition reporting, and authentication verification. We believe informed collectors make confident purchases, building lasting relationships with the art market.
Community
Art thrives through connection. We cultivate relationships between artists, collectors, galleries, and institutions, recognizing that healthy art markets benefit all participants. Our events and preview sessions foster dialogue and discovery.
Expertise
Our specialists maintain deep knowledge of contemporary art movements, market trends, and conservation practices. Continuous education ensures we provide current, accurate guidance to clients navigating purchase and sale decisions.
Integrity
Professional ethics guide every transaction. We maintain strict confidentiality for consignors and buyers, honor our commitments, and operate within established art market regulations. Trust forms the foundation of our business.
Our Professional Standards
Rigorous practices ensuring confidence in every transaction
Authentication Process
Every artwork undergoes thorough authentication review by our specialists. We examine signatures, materials, stylistic characteristics, and provenance documentation. For significant works, we consult recognized authorities and maintain records of our findings.
Condition Reporting
Detailed condition reports document the physical state of each artwork. Our specialists note any restoration, damage, or conservation concerns. Reports are available to registered bidders, supporting informed purchase decisions and appropriate pricing.
Provenance Documentation
We maintain comprehensive records tracking ownership history, exhibition history, and publication references. Proper documentation supports authenticity verification and protects against questionable acquisitions, benefiting the broader art community.
Secure Handling
Professional art handlers manage all physical movement of artworks. Climate-controlled storage protects works awaiting auction or collection. Comprehensive insurance coverage provides financial protection throughout the consignment and sale process.
Ethical Standards
We adhere to international art market codes of conduct. Our practices comply with Singapore regulations regarding import/export, cultural property protection, and anti-money laundering requirements. Ethical operation protects all stakeholders.
Market Research
Our specialists track auction results, gallery prices, and market trends across Southeast Asia and internationally. This research informs our estimate-setting, helping consignors achieve appropriate pricing while attracting serious bidders.
Meet Our Specialists
Experienced professionals passionate about contemporary art
Catherine Lim
Director & Chief Auctioneer
With 18 years experience spanning major auction houses in London and Hong Kong, Catherine brings deep expertise in contemporary Southeast Asian art markets and collection development.
Raj Tandon
Head of Contemporary Art
Art historian and curator Raj specializes in emerging contemporary artists. His relationships with regional galleries and artists inform our consignment strategy and market positioning.
Michelle Wong
Corporate Art Advisor
Michelle guides corporations through collection building, combining aesthetic considerations with workplace culture enhancement. Her background in interior design informs installation recommendations.
Areas of Expertise
Southeast Asian Contemporary Art: Our primary focus encompasses painting, sculpture, photography, and new media from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. We track emerging movements while maintaining expertise in established contemporary masters from the region.
Digital and New Media: Recognizing the evolving nature of artistic expression, we've developed specialized knowledge in digital art, video works, and multimedia installations. Our handling and authentication protocols address the unique challenges these mediums present.
Photography: Contemporary photography from documentary to fine art receives dedicated attention. We understand the specific market dynamics, edition controls, and conservation requirements particular to photographic works.
Corporate Collections: Workplace art programs require balancing aesthetic considerations with budget constraints, space planning, and organizational culture. Our advisory services address these multifaceted requirements through strategic collection development.
Estate Management: Artist estates benefit from our long-term approach to market cultivation. We combine authentication expertise with strategic sale timing, publication coordination, and institutional relationship building to establish lasting artistic legacies.
Partner With Us
Whether you're looking to sell artworks, build a collection, or manage an artist estate, our team brings the expertise and dedication to guide you through the process.
Start a Conversation