Singapore's Art SG and S.E.A. Focus merged this year, sparking debate over the impact on Southeast Asian art scenes. The two fairs, once separate entities, have now combined under one roof, raising questions about identity and the future of local art.
The merger has brought more international collectors to S.E.A. Focus, but some argue that it has also diluted the fair's unique character. "The risk I see with the merger is the fading of its identity," said Marie-Pierre Mol, founder of Intersections Gallery, who participated in both fairs.
On the other hand, Richard Koh, a Singapore-based gallerist, sees the consolidation as largely positive. "The fairs are both very different in terms of vibe and attract different crowds," he said. "There is a lot of support for S.E.A. Focus from the region."
The merger has also led to increased collaboration between collectors and galleries, with some seeing it as an opportunity to support regional talent without sacrificing access to broader global offerings.
However, others are cautious about the impact on local art scenes. "Collectorship has become more layered," said Audrey Yeo, founder of Yeo Workshop. "Many are asking better questions, about market trajectories, yes, but about context, legacy and why certain practices matter now."
As Southeast Asia's art scene continues to evolve, it is clear that the merger between Art SG and S.E.A. Focus is just one part of a broader trend towards consolidation in the global art fair landscape.
Ultimately, the future of Southeast Asian art will depend on its ability to adapt and innovate in response to changing market conditions and shifting global tastes.
The merger has brought more international collectors to S.E.A. Focus, but some argue that it has also diluted the fair's unique character. "The risk I see with the merger is the fading of its identity," said Marie-Pierre Mol, founder of Intersections Gallery, who participated in both fairs.
On the other hand, Richard Koh, a Singapore-based gallerist, sees the consolidation as largely positive. "The fairs are both very different in terms of vibe and attract different crowds," he said. "There is a lot of support for S.E.A. Focus from the region."
The merger has also led to increased collaboration between collectors and galleries, with some seeing it as an opportunity to support regional talent without sacrificing access to broader global offerings.
However, others are cautious about the impact on local art scenes. "Collectorship has become more layered," said Audrey Yeo, founder of Yeo Workshop. "Many are asking better questions, about market trajectories, yes, but about context, legacy and why certain practices matter now."
As Southeast Asia's art scene continues to evolve, it is clear that the merger between Art SG and S.E.A. Focus is just one part of a broader trend towards consolidation in the global art fair landscape.
Ultimately, the future of Southeast Asian art will depend on its ability to adapt and innovate in response to changing market conditions and shifting global tastes.
I mean, it's like they're trying to cater to both the local crowd and the international collectors at the same time? 
It's a risk, but on the other hand, it's also an opportunity for the region to tap into more global markets. 
But what about the unique character of S.E.A. Focus? Is that going to get lost in the shuffle? 
I think some people are worried that it might, but others see it as a chance to bring more support and attention to regional art without sacrificing access to global trends. 
It's all about finding that balance, you know? 
.
. Now that it's part of Art SG, I'm hoping they'll still be able to maintain their unique vibe and support local talent 
. It's all about finding that balance between being global and staying true to your roots, right?
But hey, I guess that's the world we live in nowadays - everything's all about consolidation and whatnot. 
Like, doesn't it want to stay true to itself as a platform for Southeast Asian art? 
[
! More collectors coming in means more opportunities for local artists to showcase their work 
But at the same time, it's also super important to keep the unique vibes of both fairs alive 
Let's hope that galleries & collectors will keep supporting regional talent and helping artists grow their careers 
we didn't need all these fancy art fairs to show us what's good. Just give me a gallery that knows its stuff and I'm set. This merger business is just gonna water down the whole thing, you know? International collectors will come in and start buying up all the good pieces without really understanding the culture behind 'em... it's like they're just collecting random trinkets from the global market. And what about the local artists who actually know their stuff? They'll get lost in all the big-time galleries and collectors who don't care about context or legacy. I mean, I get that it's business and all, but can't we just keep some of that authentic spirit alive? 
. On one hand, having more international collectors at S.E.A. Focus could bring new opportunities for artists to showcase their work globally 
. However, if it dilutes the fair's unique character, that would be a loss for the region's artistic diversity 
. Maybe this merger is an opportunity for local art scenes to adapt and innovate in response to changing market conditions 
.
. It'll be fascinating to see how this merger plays out and how it impacts the region's artistic landscape 
But we'll just have to wait and see how it all plays out 
. One thing's for sure tho, the art scene in Southeast Asia is already super diverse and vibrant, so I'm rooting for them to stay true to themselves 
!
. Its like, art fair is supposed 2 be unique n stuff!
and what about the collectors who are asking those "better questions" about context and legacy? shouldn't that be a good thing? but maybe it's just me, can someone explain it to me again? 
then maybe we should just chill 
and see how it goes? 
Art is all about expression and vibes 
. We just gotta keep on creating and innovating