S.E.A. Focus 2025 Explores the Evolution of Southeast Asian Art Through Time and History
• The seventh edition of S.E.A. Focus explores artistic developments in Southeast Asian contemporary art, showcasing up to 40 artists represented by 21 exhibitors
• Main Sponsor Bank of Singapore commissions Singaporean artist Yanyun Chen to create a new work that reflects on familial relationships
S.E.A. Focus, a leading platform and marketplace for contemporary Southeast Asian art, is returning for its seventh edition from 18 to 26 January 2025 at the Tanjong Pagar Distripark, with Bank of Singapore as the main sponsor. This annual showcase, organised by STPI – Creative Workshop & Gallery and commissioned by the National Arts Council, Singapore (NAC), is a highlight of the Singapore Art Week (SAW), Southeast Asia’s pinnacle visual arts season that celebrates the city’s arts scene and its role as an arts hub in the region.
The quality of the show is truly dynamic and is as good as 2024, if not better, with the list of exhibitors, the quality and finesse of the art pieces and also with the art funding coming from good sponsorship, it bodes well for this in Singapore, as part of the overall SAW experience! (Review notes)
The theme of S.E.A. Focus 2025 is "Disconnected Contemporaries". Curated by John Tung for a second year running, the showcase features the works of up to 40 artists from across eight Southeast Asian countries and represented by 21 exhibitors. “Disconnected Contemporaries” navigates the complexities of contemporary art practice in Southeast Asia, revealing the rich stories celebrating the region’s evolution and the subtle tensions when local traditions and global influences intermingle.
The exhibition aims to spark discussions that question the linear narrative of art history and encourage a more nuanced perspective on Southeast Asian art. "Within the shifting landscape between the Modern and the Contemporary, we encounter fragmented narratives that challenge our understanding of time and cultural relevance. How we think about the 'primitive' and the 'contemporary' compels us to reconsider our biases and the frameworks through which we evaluate art. As we navigate these complexities, I encourage audiences to question the very definitions of contemporary art and to embrace the multiplicity of experiences that shape our collective narrative," elaborates John Tung, Curator of S.E.A. Focus 2025.
“We’re 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. We are also honoured to have Bank of Singapore as our main sponsor again and supporting the art ecosystem with a meaningful artwork commission to be part of this edition. It is set to be a week full of dialogue and exchanges and we can’t wait to bring what Southeast Asian art has to offer to local and global audiences." says Emi Eu, Project Director of S.E.A. Focus and Executive Director of STPI – Creative Workshop & Gallery.
Tay Tong, Director, Arts Ecosystem Group (Visual Arts), NAC, said, “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. 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. With Singapore as a nexus for Southeast Asian art, we look forward to this exciting seventh edition and welcoming all to be part of this experience as art takes over in the city state.”
New Artwork Commission by Bank of Singapore
Following a successful run with S.E.A. Focus in the last edition, Bank of Singapore returns as main sponsor for S.E.A. Focus 2025, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing the flourishing arts scene in the region. “Bank of Singapore is proud to support S.E.A. Focus 2025 as Main Sponsor for the second year running. Many clients and partners have shared with us their immense enjoyment and appreciation of the previous edition of this enriching art platform. Beyond providing a platform for the artists to showcase their works, we also see this as a commitment to support the artistic community’s aspirations to cultivate a vibrant cultural landscape that encourages dialogue and forges connections.” expressed Jason Moo, Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Singapore.
As a step forward to further enrich the cultural landscape, Bank of Singapore has commissioned Singaporean artist Yanyun Chen to create a special work surrounding Asian family values and intergenerational relationships. This new initiative highlights the bank's dedication to supporting artistic talent and contributing to the ongoing dialogue within Southeast Asia's vibrant artistic community. Visitors to S.E.A. Focus 2025 can view the artwork at the Bank of Singapore Lounge throughout the exhibition dates, before it is added to the bank’s corporate collection.
Expanding Horizons from a New Perspective
Featuring 20 local and regional galleries, S.E.A. Focus 2025 is thrilled to welcome three first-time participants including ShanghART (Shanghai, Beijing, Singapore), The Back Room (Kuala Lumpur), and Cuturi Gallery (Singapore, London), demonstrating the rich diversity of the Southeast Asian gallery scene.
S.E.A. Focus is also delighted to support the participation of ART:DIS Singapore, who joins for the first time as a non-profit organisation dedicated to advocating and creating opportunities for persons with disabilities in the arts. ART:DIS will present works by the late Singaporean artist and Cultural Medallion recipient, Chng Seok Tin, renowned award-winning artist focused on printmaking, sculpture and multi-media.
With close to 40 artists exhibiting works from across the region, visitors can look out for Ain (The Back Room) from Malaysia, Eko Nugroho (ROH) from Indonesia, Lui Medina (Artinformal) from the Philippines, Disorn Duangdao (Gallery VER) from Thailand, and Tulip Duong (CUC Gallery) from Vietnam.
As Singapore celebrates its 60th year of independence in 2025, this edition will also see a strong presentation of Singaporean artists reflecting the thriving visual arts scene in the city. This includes established artists Ong Kim Seng (STPI – Creative Workshop & Gallery) and Wong Keen (artcommune gallery), as well as emerging artists such as Lai Yu Tong (ShanghART).
Curated S.E.A. Focus Programmes
In addition to the main exhibition, visitors can look forward to the return of two S.E.A. Focus signature programmes. Designed to encourage a series of meaningful dialogues, SEAspotlight Talks will cover topics that explore the non-linear evolution of Southeast Asian art history through curating, artmaking, selling and collecting. Meanwhile, OFF Focus will present a curated screening programme that highlights filmic works from Southeast Asia.
Supporting Contemporary Southeast Asian Art
Launched in 2023, the SAM S.E.A. Focus Art Fund recognises and supports notable pieces of contemporary Southeast Asian art by facilitating their inclusion in Singapore Art Museum (SAM)’s collection. This initiative kicked off with the support of founding sponsor, the Yenn and Alan Lo Foundation, established by the Hong Kong and Singapore-based arts patrons Yenn Wong and Alan Lo. With the support of USD25,000 per edition for the third consecutive year, this edition will have the privilege of having Aaron Seeto, Deputy Director of The Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, as the guest juror. He will join two other jury members from SAM, to select outstanding artworks from the S.E.A. Focus exhibition for SAM.
“We are grateful for the continued support of the Yenn and Alan Lo Foundation in helping us strengthen SAM’s collection with noteworthy works from S.E.A. Focus,” shares Eugene Tan, CEO and Director of SAM. “This initiative enables us to enrich our collection with new works by Southeast Asian artists, reflecting the region's diversity and supporting our mission to engage the public with the art of today.”
Selected Works for SAM S.E.A Focus Art Fund 2025
For the 7ih edition of S.E.A. Focus, the SAM S.E.A. Focus Art Fund returned for its third year in support and recognition of ionic contemporary Southeast Asian works by facilitating acquisitions from S.E.A. Focus for Singapore Art Museum (SAM)'s collection. This initiative kicked off in 2023 with the support of founding sponsor, the Yenn and Alan Lo Foundation, established by the Hong Kong and Singapore-based arts patrons Yenn Wong and Alan Lo.
For the 2025 edition, Aaron Seeto, Deputy Director of The Smithsonian's Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, as the guest juror, alongside Eugene Tan, Chief Executive Officer and Director of National Gallery Singapore and Singapore Art Museum, and Ong Puay Khim, Director (Collections, Public Art, Programmes) of Singapore Art Museum, selected 11 outstanding artworks from 5 artists presented at S.E.A. Focus 2025: Maung Day (Intersections), Agan Harahap (Mizuma Gallery), Lai Yu Tong (ShanghART), Ivan Lam (Wei-Ling Gallery), and Lui Medina (Artinformal).
S.E.A. Focus 2025 runs from 18 to 26 January 2025 at 39 Keppel Road, Tanjong Pagar Distripark. Tickets are on sale at SGD10 each and is valid for multiple entries.
For more information on S.E.A. Focus 2025, please visit seafocus.sg
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