Luh Gede Gita Sangita Yasa

Original painting – Oil on Canvas

Luh Gede’s contemporary and surrealist art naturally evokes a youthful sense of calm and excitement. At 27, she captures moments in time and memories, often portraying beach scenes and leisure activities inspired by her surroundings. Recognised as a breakthrough artist in the Indonesian art scene, she has showcased her work in Java, Singapore, and her hometown, Bali.

Question 1: What emotions or personal experiences come to mind when you look at this scene?

Question 2: Does it remind you of any moments from your own life? Why or why not?

Vicente Manansala

Original painting – Oil on Canvas

Vicente Manansala, posthumously named National Artist in 1981, was a key figure in Philippine Modern Art. His signature Transparent Cubism style is seen in this painting which features two women playing the Sungka, a traditional Filipino board game played with shells or stones on a wooden board with small pits. 

Question 1: What time of day do you think the painting is set in? How do you know?

Question 2: Congkak is a name of a game similar to Sungka played by communities in Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. What traditional games from your own culture bring people together?

Yee I-Lann

Original Installation – 60 mats or tikar woven from bamboo

In this installation project, Sabahan artist I-Lann worked with weavers from the inland community of Sabahan Busun and Murut and the sea community of Bajau Sama Dilaut. Though the tikar or mat is commonly found in tourist markets across Southeast Asia today, it is more than a craft product in I-Lann’s eyes. She sees the woven mat as a platform for communal gathering, where everyone sits together on the same level.  

Question 1:  Can you identify the everyday object woven into these mats?

Question 2: In art, everyday objects are often used to represent a culture or capture a moment in history. With weaving becoming a lost craft, what other traditional skills in your community have faded over time? How can we help preserve them?

Soheap Pich

Original Sculpture – rattan, bamboo, wire, plywood, steel bolts

Sopheap Pich is Cambodia’s most prominent contemporary artist. He creates sculptures using bamboo, rattan, burlap, beeswax, and earth pigments sourced locally. His work, inspired by organic and geometric forms, explores themes of time, memory, and the body. Rooted in traditional Cambodian craftsmanship, his art combines delicate construction with deep emotional and historical significance.

Question 1: The Morning Glory plant is known for its resilience and ability to thrive in different conditions. Why do you suppose Sopheap Pich has decided to sculpt this flower?

Question 2: The artist has used rattan which is a significant natural resource in his home country. If you were to create a sculpture, what material would you use from your home country?

1995

Han Sai Por

Site-specific Sculpture at Esplanade Waterfront– granite

Cultural Medallion recipient Han is best known for her stone sculptures inspired by shapes and organic forms from nature. She often uses granite and marble in her sculptural pieces as they are natural yet tough materials, which can withstand the test of time, the forces of our environment and are symbolic of the resilience of life.  Located at Esplanade’s Waterfront, Han’s granite sculptures symbolise the germination of the arts on fertile ground.

Question 1: How many sculptures do you see in this installation?

Question 2: Seeds are a symbol of potential and new beginnings. How do you think this idea of growth and transformation can relate to your own personal journey or experiences?

Yuree Kensaku

Original painting: Acrylic, glitter and collage on linen

The Lady on a White Horse by Yuree is a striking piece that blends traditional and contemporary elements. The painting features a strong, ethereal figure on a white horse, symbolising power, grace, and freedom. Yuree’s use of bold colors and fluid lines brings a sense of movement and emotion, inviting viewers to reflect on themes of identity and empowerment.

Question 1: What animals can you see in this painting? 

Question 2: If this artwork were to strike up a conversation with a similar artwork from a different culture, what questions might they ask each other?

Pham Hoang Minh 

Original painting: Acrylic on canvas

Phạm Hoàng Minh is a Vietnamese contemporary artist known for his vibrant and emotive works. In his painting Hang Duong Street Corner I, he captures the lively atmosphere of a bustling Hanoi street, using rich colors and dynamic compositions. The piece reflects the essence of urban life, blending tradition with modern energy, evoking both nostalgia and the vibrancy of daily life in Vietnam.

Question 1: How do the colors in Hang Duong Street Corner I help create the feeling of a busy street scene?

Question 2: How does this scene connect to your experience of the city you live in? Are there similar sights in your city?

Osman Mohammad 

Original painting: Acrylic on canvas

Osman Mohammad's painting Snapshot Trapped Online explores the impact of technology on communication and human interaction. The subject's bulging eyes, fixed on the phone screen, convey a sense of intense focus and detachment from the surrounding world. Through this imagery, the painting highlights how technology can dominate our attention, altering the way we connect with others.

Question 1: How does the man’s expression make you feel about the role of technology in our lives?

Question 2: Technology is just a tool. How can we use it as a bridge to connect with others, rather than letting it become a distraction?

2013

Marisa Darasavath

Original painting: Oil on canvas

Lao artist Marisa Darasavath takes inspiration from her environment and the lives of ethnic minorities and women. Her work blends rich tones, depth, and a touch of whimsy, creating a captivating visual experience. A graduate of the National Institute of Fine Art in Vientiane, she continues to exhibit her art across Asia, particularly at the M Gallery in Vientiane.

Question 1: What elements in the painting caught your attention? Why?

Question 2: If you had the chance, what title would you give this piece and why?

Unknown

Moe Myint Zaw

Original painting: Acrylic on canvas

Moe Myint Zaw’s vibrant works celebrate the cultural significance of the Pa-Oh tribe’s traditional headpieces, using rich colors to highlight intricate details. His art not only honors indigenous craftsmanship but also captures the spirit and identity of the Pa-Oh people through his dynamic and expressive style.

Question 1: Why do you think the artist chose to position the subject with her back facing us? 

Question 2: Many cultures have unique traditional clothing. Which traditional garment do you admire most, and why?