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.

S.E.A. Focus 2025 is organised by STPI – Creative Workshop & Gallery, and commissioned by the National Arts Council, Singapore (NAC). 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.” Altogether, there will be works of close to 40 artists from 21 exhibitors on display, including first-time participating non-profit ART:DIS Singapore.

ART:DIS makes their 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 Southeast Asian filmmaker-artists and tickets can be purchased soon to watch the screenings at Golden Village x The Projector at Cineleisure.