[Press Release]
Boutique art fair features even line-up of leading international and Singaporean galleries
S.E.A. Focus, a new platform to raise attention on Southeast Asian modern and contemporary art, today revealed the list of galleries and artists partaking in its inaugural edition (23 – 27 January 2019). Held at Singapore’s visual arts hub, Gillman Barracks, this platform aims to foster greater appreciation for the region’s art and nurture its demand. The line-up of twenty-six international and local galleries was chosen after a rigorous review process which included inputs from an Advisory Committee consisting of regional art luminaries.
“I am encouraged by the strong list of galleries who are participating in the inaugural edition of S.E.A. Focus. The keen interest by galleries to participate in this fresh initiative reflects our shared goal to galvanise the Southeast Asian art scene,” said Emi Eu, Executive Director, STPI – Creative Workshop & Gallery. “I am confident that this showcase will catalyse renewed conversations and unlock interest in our geography’s shared art history.”
The galleries exhibiting at S.E.A. Focus include international names such as 47 Canal (New York), The Columns Gallery (Seoul), Nadi Gallery (Jakarta) and Gallery VER (Bangkok). Approximately half of the galleries will be from Singapore, including stalwarts such as Art-2 Gallery, artcommune gallery and Art Seasons. Other participating international galleries such as Jan Manton Art (Brisbane), Niagara Galleries (Melbourne) and RUCI Art Space (Jakarta) will make their Singapore art fair debut, underscoring the potential of the region.
Visitors can look forward to works from over 54 artists, including blue-chip pioneers Cheong Soo Pieng (Singapore), Chua Ek Kay (Singapore), Latiff Mohidin (Malaysia) and Nguyen Trung (Vietnam), as well as contemporary masters such as Jane Lee (Singapore), Kamin Lertchaiprasert (Thailand) and Agus Suwage (Indonesia). They will be complemented by cutting-edge, emerging artists such as Julian “Togar” Abraham (Indonesia), Brisa Amir (Philippines), Yeo Kaa (Philippines), Gala Porras-Kim (Columbia/USA), Amy Lien and Enzo Camacho (Philippines). Artists such as Octora Chan (Indonesia), Thu Myat (Myanmar), Lien Truong (Vietnam) and Savandhary Vongpoothorn (Laos) will also tackle a range of socio-political issues including colonialism, socialism, belonging and identity.
S.E.A. Focus will also feature new commissions ranging from influential artist Manuel Ocampo (Philippines) to new talent Faris Nakamura (Singapore); while Singapore itself will provide inspiration for fresh works created by Chen Ching Ming (Taiwan) and Shooshie Sulaiman (Malaysia). Amongst the 18 Singaporean artists in the showcase are compelling paintings by Jeremy Sharma and Ruben Pang. Other local talents presented include a site-specific durational performance by Jason Lim (Singapore) and a special collaboration by promising talents, Priyageetha Dia and Jamie Teo (Singapore).
Founder of the Sifang Art Museum and member of the S.E.A. Focus Advisory Committee, Lu Xun, shared, “The high quality of the applicants made the evaluation process a challenging but artistically fulfilling experience. I look forward to the stimulating showcases by this cross-section of leading galleries.”
S.E.A. Focus will premiere on 23 January 2019 and open to the public from 24 to 27 January. It is supported by the National Arts Council (NAC), the Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), S.E.A. Focus is a highlight of Singapore Art Week 2019 and complements the line-up of exciting visual art activities including curated exhibitions, public art, industry dialogues and multidisciplinary lifestyle events.