S.E.A. Focus, which began in 2019 as a boutique showcase of Southeast Asian contemporary art, leads this year’s Art SG line-up. Happening between 23 and 25 January at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, it aims to enhance Singapore’s status as a cultural capital. It is also expected to increase our influence on the contemporary visual arts scene in the region.
Art SG, presented by Founding and Leading Partner UBS, offers works by 106 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and territories. Sixteen galleries will feature at S.E.A. Focus, including Gajah Gallery (Singapore Jakarta, Manila), Mizuma Gallery (Singapore, Tokyo), and Richard Koh Fine Art (Singapore, Bangkok). The exhibition is curated by John Tung, with Emi Eu, Director of STPI Creative Workshop and Gallery, serving as an artistic consultant.
Southeast Asia is an incredibly diverse region, with each nation shaped by its political and cultural history. How did this influence the curation process?
John Tung (JT) Southeast Asia is a part of a larger global ecosystem; we have shown we can engage intellectually and conceptually with the world. S.E.A. Focus allows us to contemplate connections within the region and align with the global zeitgeist. When putting together S.E.A. Focus, it is important to believe in the vision’s necessity and urgency. In previous editions, we have explored themes such as artificial intelligence and categorisation’s impact on art production.
With “The Humane Agency” as this year’s theme, we focus on how art inspires empathy and compassion in a world struck by crises. As I curated our line-up, which includes both established and emerging artists, I focused on authenticity. I evaluated their experiences, their practices, and their ideas. With the last, sustained engagement was of particular importance; it demonstrates the authenticity we sought as well as conveys their deep understanding of the issues. A sustained engagement resulted in an emotional quality, allowing their works to appeal to people’s sensibilities rather than just their logic.
When you look at the state of the world today, what are you most curious about in terms of how artists perceive and experience it?
Emi Eu (EE) During a conversation with John, I asked: how do artists perceive our world that struggles with strife, injustice, and challenges? As online capabilities have developed so rapidly, we are inundated with information and connectivity. We capture everything happening around us with our smartphones, just like a cameraman. I am curious; how do artists, who can be more sensitive than others, deal with seeing others treated unfairly?
What excites you about this year’s line-up?
JT There are so many! [Smiles] Indonesian artist Arahmaiani engages with Arabic texts to break the stereotype that Arabic texts are associated with terrorism in a post 9/11 world. In addition, Singaporean Robert Zhao’s decade-long obsession with the little forest behind Gillman Barracks captures humanity’s relationship with nature.
Also this year, established galleries and artists are beginning to take on the role of mentor to younger ones. At Silverlens Galleries, female artists Imelda Cajipe Enday and Nicole Coson feature in a double bill. Tang Dawu shares the spotlight with four up-and-coming Singaporean artists at Mr Lim’s Shop of Visual Treasures in Haji Lane. Collaborations such as these embody the ethos of “The Humane Agency”, where people look out for one another.
EE Ho Tzu Nyen’s video installation is certainly one to watch, but I am looking forward to being surprised.
Is there anything else you hope people will take away from S.E.A Focus 2026?
JT [Laughs] I always say I want people to come with an open mind and spend time engaging deeply with the works to be fully immersed in the space. I believe art should also be a cerebral experience; social media has made art very retinal—swipe up or swipe left for the next slide. Exhibitions are the most democratic means of delivering policy to shape behaviour. I cannot force you to adopt this vision, unlike legislature. Even if you don’t, I cannot force you to change your behaviour.
EE Previously, when we were at the Singapore Art Museum in Tanjong Pagar DistriPark, we attracted younger audiences genuinely interested in art. With S.E.A. Focus as part of Art SG at Marina Bay Sands this year, we are reaching a broader audience. Explore contemporary art cerebrally if you haven’t done so before.
JT Even for people who just come to scan the barometer, contemplating the process behind the presentation—why is this artwork on the left wall and that on the right?—is almost like finding an Easter egg waiting to be discovered! Even if you are here just to view pretty art, that’s absolutely fine, too!
