A few days after the dawn of the new year, I found myself on the move earlier than usual. It is not usually until the second week we hit the ground running. After all, who would fly to Singapore just for an art exhibition? But I took it on because, given the pandemic, its theme seemed timely and powerful. Despite a brief downpour, it was a rewarding experience. Made of earthy materials, some pieces evoked a refreshing sense of self-renewal.
At the fifth edition of S.E.A. Focus, a showcase and hub of contemporary works from Southeast Asia, established and emerging artists brought us back to the core. Held under the theme of "A World, Anew", the anchor event of Singapore Art Week commissioned by the National Arts Council, was not a leap into the unknown but a return to the beginning of time. Starting anew is not always from ground zero because contemporary artists can turn to their roots for inspiration.
