2 August 2024
Nanyang academy of fine arts
Nanyang academy of fine arts
Amidst uncertain, turbulent times — marked by runaway technological development, geopolitical conflict, and increasing alienation from ourselves and each other — what does art still have to offer?
Through their respective practices, these four artists put forth hopeful answers to the question.
Giang Lê, Choy Chun Wei, Benedict Yu, and Taiki Sakpisit are just four of the artists participating in this August’s UOB-NAFA Southeast Asian Arts Forum, an annual forum that invites artists, researchers, and creative professionals from the region to respond to pressing issues in the arts and beyond.
Now in its 5th edition, the Forum is organised by the Institute of Southeast Asian Arts (ISEAA), an agency within the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) that supports practice-led research on art in Southeast Asia. Past editions covered themes ranging from the role of tradition in modern life (2019) and tangible cultural experiences in the Internet age (2021) to sustainability in the production and consumption of art (2022, 2023).
This year, the Forum’s theme is Way of the Valiant: Paving Art Through War. Responding to moments of conflict, violence, and destruction in the region and beyond, the Forum ponders how art can help us process difficult experiences and work towards a different future.
Conducted in a hybrid format, this year’s Forum features in-person presentations and performances with livestreaming, video-on-demand content, breakout discussions, dialogue and roundtable sessions, and two on-site art exhibitions. It’s an opportunity to hear from artists themselves about recent and ongoing projects and have stimulating conversations with like-minded peers.