Evolution of Southeast Asian Art
By A&M

Ong Kim Seng, ‘Wet Market I’, 2024, cyanotype and gum bichromate on paper, 26.5 x 41.5cm, © Ong Kim Seng/STPI. Image courtesy of the artist and STPI – Creative Workshop & Gallery, Singapore.

S.E.A. Focus is returning for its seventh edition at Tanjong Pagar Distripark from 18 to 26 January 2025, during Singapore Art Week. Themed “Disconnected Contemporaries”, it is curated once again by John Tung, and explores the evolution of Southeast Asian art. Tung says, “Within the shifting landscape between the Modern and the Contemporary, we encounter fragmented narratives that challenge our understanding of time and cultural relevance.” The curation seeks to question our current understandings of contemporary art in the region, and encourages us to consider the diversity of experiences and influences that shape artistic practices, so that we may see Southeast Asian art in a new, more nuanced, light.

Budi Agung Kuswara, ‘Generasi Indonesia Emas #2’ (from the Tiba Anak Cucu Series), 2024, cyanotype, acrylic, ink, gold leaf 24k on canvas, 200 x 145cm. Image courtesy of the artist and Mizuma Gallery.

S.E.A. Focus 2025 is organised by STPI – Creative Workshop & Gallery, and commissioned by the National Arts Council, Singapore (NAC). Emi Eu, Project Director of S.E.A. Focus and Executive Director of STPI – Creative Workshop & Gallery says, “We are excited for our platform to provide an opportunity for both budding and seasoned collectors to discover emerging and established artistic talents spanning the two art historical periods from the region”. Echoing Eu’s sentiments, Tay Tong, Director, Arts Ecosystem Group (Visual Arts), NAC, says, “Over the years, S.E.A. Focus has evolved to become one of the highlight events within SAW, with a focus on showcasing Southeast Asian art to local and international audiences.” He adds, “This also adds to the vibrancy and diversity of the visual arts landscape, and brings together collectors, curators, industry veterans and art enthusiasts alike to celebrate Southeast Asian art.”

As second-time Main Sponsor, Bank of Singapore has commissioned Singaporean artist Yanyun Chen to create a new work that reflects on familial relationships in Asia, which will be unveiled at the Bank of Singapore Lounge, and later added to the bank’s corporate collection. With Singapore celebrating its 60th birthday next year, the edition has a special spotlight on Singaporean artists, including Ong Kim Seng, presented by STPI – Creative Workshop & Gallery, and Wong Keen with artcommune gallery. The works of emerging artists from Singapore will also be showcased, such as Shen Jiaqi and Lai Yu Tong, with first-time participating galleries Cuturi Gallery and ShanghART respectively. Altogether, there will be works of close to 40 artists from 21 exhibitors on display. Ahead of S.E.A. Focus 2025, find out what will be shown, and the expectations of some of the participating exhibitors.

Tiffany Loy, ‘Plied Colour IV 2048’, 2024, abaca, hand-dyed and braided, 168 x 140 x 9cm. Image courtesy of Sullivan+Strumpf and the artist.

Sullivan+Strumpf will present the works of Singaporean textile artist Tiffany Loy for the first time at S.E.A. Focus. Associate Director Mariia Zhuchenko says, “We look forward to sharing her practice, research and methodology with new audiences, at the time of a growing interest to recontextualise weaving practices that are important to so many cultures within the region.”

Lai Yu Tong, ‘Dead Animals (Domestic Scene)’ (close up), 2024, pine wood, dimensions variable. Image courtesy of ShanghART and the artist.

ShanghART will present the works of Singaporean artist Lai Yu Tong, Singapore-born Shanghai-based artist Li Dezhuang and Chinese artist Lin Aojie. “This is our first time at S.E.A. Focus, presenting a trio of artists whom we believe respond to the theme well,” says Director Goh Chun Aik. He explains, “Li Dezhuang is an established artist who worked from a more modern art background, eventually shifting into a contemporary perspective; in contrast, Lai Yu Tong is an emerging artist whose works reflects the contemporary times and concerns of the world at present; lastly, Lin Aojie's work questions the notion of Southeast Asia as he draws from historical materials coupled with present day narratives, creating an image that provokes our understanding through his distinctive and humourous approach. I look forward to how the audience will react to the works by these artists.”

Ivan Lam, ‘Lament of the Fallen: A CrimsonBallet on the Battlefield of Bodies’, 2024, color pencils and pastel pencils on synthetic house paint on canvas on board with resin, 138cm x 245cm. Image courtesy of Wei-Ling Gallery and the artist. — Ivan Lam, ‘Lament of the Fallen: A Crimson Ballet on the Battlefield of Bodies’, 2024, colour pencils and pastel pencils on synthetic house paint on canvas on board with resin, 138cm x 245cm. Image courtesy of Wei-Ling Gallery and the artist.

Wei-Ling Gallery will show the works of Malaysian artists Ivan Lam and Rajinder Singh. “This marks our sixth time participating in S.E.A. Focus,” says Director Lim Wei-Ling. “Unlike usual art fairs, S.E.A. Focus provides an exhibition layout with a distinctive curatorial angle. It has been a rewarding experience working with the curator John Tung, to identify works by artists whose practice and artworks fell within the curatorial brief. I hope that audiences will have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of each artist’s practice.”

Pacita Abad, ‘Singapore's Birthday’, 2004, oil pastel, mylar, acrylic, glitter collaged on handmade paper, 73.66 x 111.76cm. Image courtesy of Silverlens.

Silverlens will present the works of Filipino diaspora artists, Pacita Abad and nephew Pio Abad, who recently received a Turner Prize nomination for his exhibition ‘To Those Sitting in Darkness’ at the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford. It is the first time the two artists’ works will be shown together in Singapore. The presentation will feature, significantly, a series of prints by the late Pacita Abad, produced during her three-month residency at STPI – Creative Workshop & Gallery in 2003, her last stop before her passing in 2004.

“We have been part of S.E.A. Focus since 2020 and are delighted to have been included every year since,” says Director Rachel Rillo. “Isa (Lorenzo) and I always look forward to starting the year with S.E.A. Focus, mostly because of the unique and successful curated presentation platform, but also because it reminds us early in the year that we are part of a larger, vibrant, and exciting region in the contemporary art world.”

Ariana Chaivaranon, ‘Karmic Debt Trap’ (installation view at her recent solo exhibition ‘Cockroach Reincarnate’), 2024, 4K Single channel video installation, color, sound, globe, gilding, cockroach scent. Video 7:49 min. Globe 25 cm diameter. Image courtesy of A+ Works of Art.

A+ Works of Art will present the works of Thai artists Ariana Chaivaranon and Phornphop Sittiruk, as well as Malaysian artist Adam Phong. Director Joshua Lim says, “S.E.A. Focus has been an excellent platform for introducing art practices to the region and beyond.” He adds, “We are proud to contribute to S.E.A. Focus’ vision to present the best curated contemporary art fair in Southeast Asia. We also look forward to seeing old friends and making new connections to start the new year.”

Ain, ‘Ciplak Retellings’, 2024, air-dry clay, wooden platforms and jute ropes, dimensions variable. Image courtesy of The Back Room.

The Back Room will present the works of Malaysian artists Ain and Hoo Fan Chon. Founder Liza Ho says, “It is our first participation in S.E.A. Focus and we look forward to engaging in a broader regional dialogue while learning from regional artists and galleries."

Wong Keen, ‘Bacon Burger’, 2024, acrylic on canvas, 91.5 x 122.5cm. Image courtesy of artcommune gallery.

artcommune gallery will present the works of Wong Keen. "Wong Keen's solo showcase of new and recent works at this year's edition of S.E.A. Focus offers a fascinating window into one of Singapore's leading painters' long-standing art practice of melding Chinese ink wash aesthetics with the Western approach towards form and colour—and his observations of man's ubiquitous consumption and commodification of flesh of late,” says Director Valerie Ann Lim. “We are anticipating the live and visceral responses of the audience experiencing the artist's ‘Forest’ installation of over 80 original rice paper paintings that are presented as ‘flesh sculptures’ suspended from the ceiling."

Shen Jiaqi, ‘Echo Emporium’, 2024, acrylic on linen, 30 x 40cm. Image courtesy of Cuturi Gallery and the artist.

Cuturi Gallery will present the works of Khairulddin Wahab and Shen Jiaqi. “As this marks Cuturi’s very first year at S.E.A. Focus, we are excited to continue building pathways for local artists to reach wider audiences who share a genuine passion for art, especially in this culturally vibrant region, says Founder and Director Kevin Cuturi. “What excites us most is the opportunity to enhance our outreach efforts while playing an integral role in nurturing and advancing their careers.”

Chng Seok Tin, ‘Dance of Kim-Chiam II 忘忧草之舞之二’, 2005, mixed media print, 79 x 56cm, Edition: 1/1. Image courtesy of ART:DIS.

The non-profit organisation ART:DIS (Arts & Disability) Singapore will make its debut with the works of Chng Seok Tin, the late Singaporean artist who received the Cultural Medallion in 2005. Part of the presentation includes an installation from the ‘Kim Chiam’ series, which means lily bulb in Hokkien, a favourite subject of the artist. It is recreated with ART:DIS artists Eugene Tan and Nurul, under the guidance of artist and archivist Koh Nguang How.

Executive Director Angela Tan says, “Participating in S.E.A. Focus 2025 honours the legacy of the late Chng Seok Tin, a Cultural Medallion recipient and trailblazer who transformed the loss of her sight into a catalyst for groundbreaking artistic expression in the field of printmaking and sculpture.” She adds, “We are showcasing seminal works from the early part of her career, including pieces featured in her first solo exhibition at the then named National Museum Art Gallery, and hope to garner support from collectors to purchase these as part of a fundraiser supporting the Chng Seok Tin Education Fund, which benefits the ART:DIS Emerging Artist Programme.”

Accompanying the main exhibition at S.E.A. Focus are the signature programmes SEAspotlight Talks, as well as OFF Focus. The talks further explore the theme of “Disconnected Contemporaries”, and take stock of art historical narratives, artistic approaches to materiality, market trends and ways to build ecosystems. They take place every weekend afternoon, and are free to attend for S.E.A. Focus 2025 ticketholders. OFF Focus will showcase the works of three Southeast Asian filmmaker-artists: 15 (2022) by Royston Tan (Singapore), There’s a word I’m trying to remember, for a feeling I’m about to have (A distracted path towards extinction) (2016-17) by Korakrit Arunanondchai with Alex Gvojic and Monologue (2014) by Vandy Rattana (Cambodia), Tickets can be purchased soon to watch the screenings, which will take place at Golden Village x The Projector at Cineleisure.

A&M is proud to be the official media partner of S.E.A. Focus 2025. It runs from 18 to 26 January 2025 at 39 Keppel Road, Tanjong Pagar Distripark. Tickets are on sale at SGD10 each, and are valid for multiple entries. Click here for more information, and to purchase your tickets.