Singapore, 10 July 2025 – On 7 and 8 August, the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) hosts its 6th edition of the Southeast Asian Arts Forum themed, Imaginary Library: The Art of Embodied Chronicles. Assembling a regional network of artists, scholars, and practitioners, this stellar event will explore the intricacies of archiving and expression of art practices in Southeast Asia.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to embark on a metaverse adventure exploring mythical creatures rooted in the rich heritage of Southeast Asia. Seeking Chimera: Myths in Southeast Asia, is an immersive metaverse game jointly developed by the Institute of Southeast Asian Arts (ISEAA) and Silpakorn University principals, to be hosted on UOB World. The game plunges players into mythical realms on a quest and adventure alongside three legendary creatures from Southeast Asian folklore.
This year, following the launch of the Southeast Asian Arts Alliance to respond, collaborate and harmonise (SEArch) NAFA has partnered with founding member from Thailand, Silpakorn University to launch two exciting exhibitions to mark the first major artistic exchange between the two institutions and reflect a shared commitment to Southeast Asia’s vibrant creative community. The exhibitions, Streams of Change: Art, Agency and the Environment and Sentient Being, Virtual World: Revelations in Digital Ethnographies, will be held from mid-July through late August at The Ngee Ann Kongsi Galleries and Lim Hak Tai Gallery, respectively. Streams of Change showcases contemporary Thai artists addressing urgent environmental challenges through compelling artworks. While, Sentient Being, Virtual World explores the fusion of culture and technology through innovative mixed-reality and virtual-reality installations that examine digital ethnography and identity.
Key Events and Dates
- Streams of Change: 16 July – 17 August | The Ngee Ann Kongsi Galleries 1 & 2
- Sentient Being, Virtual World: 22 July – 24 August | Lim Hak Tai Gallery
- Southeast Asian Arts Forum 2025: 7 – 8 August | NAFA Campus 1 Foyer & The Ngee Ann Kongsi Galleries 1 & 2
- Seeking Chimera Metaverse Game Launch: 8 August
Entry to the Forum and exhibitions is free of charge.
Register for seats at the forum by visiting seaartforum.nafa.edu.sg.
ANNEX 1 - UOB-NAFA Southeast Asian Arts Forum 2025
ANNEX 2 - Exhibitions/Artists/Artwork Information