NOR’S NUSANTARA

Historiographical Aesthetics in Contemporary Singapore and Malaysia With Nor Wang & June Yap

How does art challenge preconceived ideas about fixed identities and place? In this episode, Dr. June Yap unravels her pioneering work with the Guggenheim UBS Global Art Initiative for South and Southeast Asia, a project that not only maps contemporary artistic activity in South Asia and Southeast Asia but also questions our notions of nations and boundaries. We also investigate her insightful book “Retrospective: A Historiographical Aesthetic in Contemporary Singapore and Malaysia” that unveils the intricate connections between two neighbouring nations through the lens of art and aesthetics that reconsider both our historical narratives and identities.

Exploring Nusantara Treasures with T.K. Sabapathy and Dr. Imran bin Tajudeen

Join us for an intimate walkthrough of cherished Nusantara objects, exploring the rich craftsmanship, symbolic layers, and cultural interconnections across maritime Southeast Asia. These profound yet everyday artifacts celebrate Malay-world ingenuity, entrepreneurship, and exchanges, challenging colonial stereotypes through hands-on appreciation of traditions from Java, Minangkabau, Banjarmasin, Terengganu, Kelantan, and more.

Nanyang Art and Artists in the Nusantara With Nor Wang & Low Sze Wee

In this episode, we sit down with Low Sze Wee, a leading figure in Singapore’s art scene to explore the profound significance of Nanyang art in picturing a modern understanding of the Nusantara. As a key modern art movement that emerged in pre-war Singapore, Nanyang art reflects the region’s dynamic blend of cultures and histories. Through the cosmopolitan experiences of its artists, the movement captured the spirit of the Nusantara—its landscapes, people, and evolving identity. Sze Wee, known for his expertise in ink art and curating the works of prominent regional artists, sheds light on how Nanyang art bridged the poetic, political, and personal, offering a unique lens on the region’s journey through modernity. Discover the lasting impact of Nanyang art and its role in picturing the rich tapestry of maritime Southeast Asia.

Contemporary Art of War Featuring Ai Weiwei's Law of the Journey

Set against Ai Wei Wei's monumental Law of the Journey staged by The Ryan Foundation at Capella Singapore, this panel hosted by Nor’s Nusantara, a platform dedicated to visual cultures of maritime Southeast Asia, will navigate the powerful themes of the artwork through a maritime lens, connecting the treacherous sea journeys of refugees to the currents of migration and belonging. The conversation explores the deliberate tension of presenting this “guerrilla exhibition” within Capella’s ballroom setting, a space overlooking the South China Sea and St. John's Island, Singapore’s former migrant quarantine centre.Bringing together leaders in diplomacy, curation, and art patronage, the panel will explore the role of art in social consciousness around displacement, belonging, and memory. Through the staging of Ai Wei Wei’s Law of the Journey for Singapore Art Week 2026, this special talk contemplates how the seas have served as both conduits of hope and witnesses to crisis. Dr Ryan Su: Founder of The Ryan Foundation, a private non-profit arts organisation dedicated to promoting arts awareness in Singapore and internationally. A lawyer, art collector, and recipient of Singapore's Patron of the Arts and Heritage Awards, Dr Su has organised significant exhibitions featuring international artists like Andy Warhol and Lucy Liu, fostering cultural exchange. • H.E. Kateryna Zelenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to Singapore: (Note: According to MFA’s website) Her Excellency Ambassador Kateryna Zelenko is a career diplomat. Prior to her accreditation to Singapore, she served as the Spokesperson of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry and Deputy Director of the Communications and Public Diplomacy Department. Ambassador Zelenko joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine in 2002. Her postings abroad include Ukrainian Embassy in the Republic of Austria and Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the International Organisations in Vienna, later, from 2007 to 2011 and from 2014 to 2018 – Embassy of Ukraine in the Federal Republic of Germany, where she was covering culture, press and public diplomacy issues. In 2018 she returned to Kyiv to work in the Political Department of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry. Her appointment as Ukraine’s MFA Chief Spokesperson followed shortly thereafter. Kateryna Zelenko obtained her Master in International Relations and Foreign Policy at the Institute of International Relations of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv(Ukraine). • Prof Ute Meta Bauer: Founding Director of the NTU Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore, a former Dean of the School of Fine Art at the Royal College of Art, and a renowned curator. Prof. Bauer has extensive experience in biennales and exhibitions dealing with transdisciplinary and socio-political themes, making her a leading voice on art's engagement with global issues. • Nor Wang (Moderator): Founder of Nor's Nusantara, a platform dedicated to Southeast Asian art and culture. As a moderator, Nor brings deep regional insight and can bridge the discussion between the artwork's global themes and its specific resonance within the Singaporean and Southeast Asian context.

Art Collecting and Legal Expertise with Nor Wang & Ryan Su

In this episode, we are joined by Ryan Su, whose expertise in both art collecting and legal specialisation provides a unique lens through which to explore the Nusantara’s rich artistic traditions. Ryan shares insights into how his work bridges the worlds of art acquisition and legal frameworks, shedding light on the importance of preserving and protecting art within the region. As we discuss his journey, Ryan will highlight how his dual focus on art and law has shaped his approach to the art world, offering a nuanced perspective on collecting practices and the complexities of art ownership. Join us for an enlightening conversation that explores the intersection of art, law, and cultural heritage in the Nusantara.