Today the average per capita income of Singapore is 1.5 times as much as that of Japan and ranked the third highest in the world as of 2012. The economical growth of Indonesia is three times as much as that of Japan. Where exactly is this “heat wave” seen throughout Southeast Asia coming from?

With a myriad of religions and cultures, that has defined each country uniquely, one should not view a diverse continent such as Southeast Asia from a single perspective, let alone a global one. One must always be aware of the differences between yourself and others, and the differences among ethnic backgrounds, ideologies, and so on. It is crucial to know and accept such cultural diversities in order to understand this part of the world.

This exhibition consists of 28 works of art since 1999 by artists from 8 different countries: Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar. Zai Kuning’s film reveals the life of sea nomad people being restricted by socio-economic factors while at the same time depicting the beautiful nature of the area. Frank Callaghan’s photographs of a brightly lit jungle at night capture a scene of nature lying on a critical border next to urban cities that are increasingly becoming surveillance societies. With the density and energy reminiscent of a jungle, these works demonstrate the vitality and vigor of contemporary Southeast Asia, which, despite various challenges, is opening up doors to the future.

The exhibition is organized and presented by Yokohama Museum of Art and Contemporary Art Museum, Kumamoto, in partnership with Singapore Art Museum.

Artists
[Singapore] Zai Kuning / Lee Wen / Hon Sek Chern / Francis Ng / Shannon Lee Castleman
/ Charles Lim / PHUNK
[Malaysia] Yee I-Lann / Nadiah Bamadhaj / Chang Yoong Chia / Ahmad Fuad Osman
/ Phuan Thai Meng
[Philippines] Roberto Feleo / Poklong Anading / Steve Tirona / Frank Callaghan
[Indonesia] Arahmaiani / Titarubi / Muhammad ‘UCUP’ Yusuf
[Thailand] Navin Rawanchaikul / Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook
[Vietnam] Tran Luong / Jun Nguyen-Hatshushiba
[Myanmar] Nge Lay
[Cambodia] Vandy Rattana

*image (left)
Guarding the Woods, 2008
Inkjet Print
© Frank Callaghan
Courtesy of Singapore Art Museum