S.E.A. Focus 2026
The Humane Agency
Curated by John Z.W. Tung, the 2026 edition of S.E.A. Focus explored the theme The Humane Agency, showcasing a selection of works by established and emerging regional artists.
In times of unsettling change—of borders, climates, and belonging—it is not simply these shifts that define us, but how we choose to respond. The Humane Agency traces the quiet force of artists who, through image and material, act not as chroniclers of crisis but as participants in the difficult, necessary work of compassion.
Recognising the unclear boundaries between modern and contemporary art, and the dynamic changes occurring within Southeast Asia during the shift, Disconnected Contemporaries explores the overlaps and contrasts in our understanding and appreciation of art emanating from that time.
Curated by John Tung, The Humane Agency question the role of cultural relativism and suggests a more intricate and multi-layered understanding of the region’s artistic developments, prompting a reflection on what being contemporary really means, and how our own biases inevitably influence our interpretation of both art and history.
For the first time, S.E.A. Focus was organised by, and held at, ART SG.