After two years of operating out of a snug two-unit space in Pearl’s Hill Terrace, Singapore’s bohemian arts enclave, Round and Round Gallery has relocated to a much larger home in Joo Chiat. The new 130-square-metre gallery—triple the size of its previous location—opened in March 2024, offering more room for exhibitions, installations, and a growing roster of international artists.
Founders Deng Chao, 33, and Gu Tiantong, 32, both former architects who transitioned into art and curatorial work, launched the gallery to showcase handcrafted homeware and teaware while curating rotating exhibitions by artists from China, Japan, and Singapore. Over time, the space built a loyal following of both serious collectors and casual browsers.
A functional upgrade
For Gu, the decision to move was driven by more than just square footage. “We want to do better exhibitions. We’re hosting more artists now, so we need a larger space to do that properly,” she said. “Once we have the room, we can experiment more with installations and how we present things.”
The expanded layout allows the gallery to divide into distinct zones—part exhibition space, part living room—creating a more intimate yet flexible environment. “Once you walk in, we want that air of respect for the artwork. It’s not just a cup, it’s a story, and we want to deliver that story from the artist to the audience in Singapore,” Gu added.
Why Joo Chiat
Joo Chiat was the founders’ first choice, though Tiong Bahru was also considered. The neighbourhood was recently named one of the world’s coolest streets by Time Out in 2025, and 2026 has already seen a wave of new openings along its shophouse-lined stretch, including the flagship of lifestyle label In Good Company. “We wanted to relocate to a community that enjoys lifestyle,” Gu explained.
Recent exhibition and artist collaborations
The reopening coincided with The Fire Within, a solo exhibition by Kochi-based ceramicist Teppei Ono, which ran from August 27 to 30. Ono, one of Japan’s most respected contemporary ceramic artists, approaches clay and fire not merely as materials for making objects but as a way of life. Alongside the show, the gallery hosted a two-day Round Table gathering about ten ceramic, glass, and craft artists from Singapore and the region to discuss practice with Ono.
“For Ono, conversations between makers have always been an important part of artistic practice,” the founders said. “During his first solo exhibition with Round and Round in Singapore, we wanted to create a space not only to see his work, but also to meet through making.”
Upcoming programming
The gallery has a packed schedule ahead:
- September: Solo exhibition by ceramic artist Junichiro Hayashi, plus a new concept pop-up centred on handmade clothing.
- October: A collaboration with a local nursery, bringing unique caudex plants into conversation with craft and everyday objects, followed by a partnership with Design Shanghai to introduce works by individual designers to Singapore.
- By year’s end: A presentation by wool-felt artist Aki, whose practice explores and expands the boundaries between materials.
These projects reflect Round and Round’s ongoing interest in practices that move fluidly between art, craft, and daily life—a fitting rhythm for a neighbourhood built on wandering. “We want people to slow down, take their time, and enjoy the process of browsing,” Gu said.
Visit the gallery
Round and Round Gallery’s new space is located at 81 Joo Chiat Road, #01-01, Singapore 427725. More details are available at roundandround.gallery or on Instagram at @roundandround.gallery.
For more arts and culture news in Singapore, check out our coverage of the upcoming Indie Bookshop Day, the National Museum’s revamped Singapore History Gallery, and the new performing arts theatre planned for Tanglin.