The exhibition Asian Realism: Reproduction and Reality has been jointly arranged by the National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea and the National Art Gallery of Singapore, and will be held in both countries. Based on five “Asian” themes, the exhibition sheds light on the approach by which Asian countries embraced, transformed, and reinterpreted “realism”, a new tradition of art, from the late 19th century to the 1980s. The exhibition presents modern artworks that are national assets of such Asian countries as Korea, China, Japan, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. 

Differing from how the Realist movement evolved in 19th century Europe, Realism in Asia applied the same concepts to a different context.  It expresses how the vast sub-continent grapples with modernity, independence and nationhood.  The powerful images produced during this period often inspired and incited action, and were even suppressed and banned at times.  Through displaying selected paintings from 10 Asian countries,Realism in Asian Art examines how this important art movement weaves together a fascinating tale of heroism, valour and hope in a time of turmoil that plagued Asia during the 20th century.