Exotic produce, natural resources, enormous food culture, and art are some of the things that Southeast Asian countries are known for. However, the region’s art industry didn’t quite see the light of day until six years ago, thanks to the birth of S.E.A. Focus – a project by Singapore Tyler Print Institute, better recognised as STPI – Creative Workshop & Gallery.

 

Modern Art is not Contemporary Art

S.E.A. Focus is a leading platform and marketplace based in Singapore, spotlighting contemporary art. Artists from all over Southeast Asia would use present-day technology and a variety of materials like wood, acrylic, stone, fabric, and various types of papers to produce art in this era of art-making. However, this style of craft is often confused with modern art, and John Tung – Curator of S.E.A. Focus 2025 – is driven to create an awareness to educate the public of the different art styles through ‘Disconnected Contemporaries’.

Despite the name, modern art derived from before 1860s until the 1960s, before the rise of contemporary art, which has progressed over the years with the advancement of technology. For example, Vincent van Gogh’s painting is the foundation of modern art and that was in 1853. Generally, we would think that modernism started after 1990, hence the possible confusion in the art community. This is why John Tung is determined to keep us informed of the lines that were blurred over the years while he explores the evolution of Southeast Asian art through time and history.

 

S.E.A. Focus 2025’s objective

Curated carefully by John Tung for the second year, S.E.A. Focus 2025 will represent 21 exhibitors including 40 artists from eight Southeast Asian countries. ‘Disconnected Contemporaries’ journeys along the intricacy of contemporary art practice in Southeast Asia, revealing the rich stories of the region’s evolution as well as the tension created by the collision of local traditions and global influences. The exhibition hopes to kick off conversations that question the linear narrative of art history and promote a clearer understanding of Southeast Asian contemporary art.

 

New additions to S.E.A. Focus 2025

There are some exciting additions to this year’s S.E.A. Focus too like ShanghART and Cuturi Gallery from Singapore, and one of our very own from Kuala Lumpur, The Back Room. All three participants will be demonstrating the rich diversity of Southeast Asia through their art form. Furthermore, S.E.A. Focus is also supporting ART:DIS Singapore – an NGO that dedicates its time, passion and effort to helping people with all sorts of disabilities in the art scene. Besides, there will be some returning Malaysian art galleries as well to S.E.A. Focus 2025 like Wei-Ling Gallery, Richard Koh Fine Art, and A+ Works of Art.

S.E.A. Focus by STPI will take place from 18 to 26 January at Tanjong Pagar Distripark, Keppel Road, and you can get your tickets via this website. More stories and interviews of art personalities will follow so keep your eyes peeled on our website.

 

In the meantime, read more art stories here.