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.

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.

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.

Why are art exhibitions relevant in shaping our views of the world and the region itself? We break this down with Dr Seng Yu Jin, as he guides us through a comparison of two distinct curatorial approaches showcased at recent international art biennales. We discuss Indonesian collective ruangrupa's curation at Documenta 15 in Kassel, Germany based on the idea of lumbung, an Indonesian rice barn practice of collective economy, and Brazilian curator Adriano Pedrosa's provocative theme “Foreigners Everywhere” for the 60th Venice Biennale in Italy. Tune in as we unveil how these perspectives influence our interpretation of the world through art.

How is power defined in the Nusantara? This episode explores a compelling answer found not in treaties or battles, but in art.

In this episode of Nor’s Nusantara, we are joined by Dr Annabel Gallop (Head of Southeast Asia, The British Library) to decode the power of the written word, as it appears in two striking visual forms, manuscripts of the Qur’an and the worldly inscriptions of seals. One embodies spiritual authority, the other political might. Together, they create a potent fusion that legitimised rulers and shaped the region’s identity.

In this episode, we uncover a fascinating journey through Kennie Ting’s latest book, “The Great Port Cities of Asia: In History.” Join us as we travel through time in key Nusantara port cities with Kennie as he guides us through the riveting evolution of port cities from Kedah, Palembang, Melaka, Aceh and Singapura. We explore why understanding the rise and fall of these bustling entrepôts is essential for grasping the broader cultural and historical tapestry of the Nusantara, including the pre-colonial beginnings of Singapore. Tune in as we unravel the layers of this captivating narrative and discover how these port cities shaped the rich heritage and visual culture of the region.

In this episode, we embark on a journey in the Nusantara with Khir Johari, through his multi-award-winning book The Food of Singapore Malays: Gastronomic Travels. Together, we explore a rich heritage — culture, traditions, and people—through Khir’s perspective. Growing up in Gedung Kuning, a historic villa on the grounds of Singapore's last Sultan at Kampong Gelam, Khir offers a rare glimpse into his memories, deep insights into its culture, and a fascinating collection of artefacts. Whether you're new to the topic or well-versed in it, this episode promises an enriching exploration of a world that continues to inspire.

Welcome to today’s episode, where we immerse ourselves in the fascinating world of ancient maritime networks with Dr. Stephen Murphy. Join us as we investigate the mystery of a remarkable 9th-century shipwreck discovered off Belitung Island, Southern Sumatra. This incredible find, now housed at the Asian Civilisations Museum and expertly curated by Stephen, has transformed our perspective on the Nusantara trade routes and their pivotal role in the ancient global economy.

Stephen also brings us insights from his latest book, “Buddhist Landscapes: Art and Archaeology of the Khorat Plateau, 7th to 11th Centuries,” a discovery that casts new light on the influence of Buddhism in the region during the early millennia rendering regional . Followed by his exhibition “Raffles in Southeast Asia” which made history by showcasing the royal regalia of Johor Riau Lingga’s last sultan for the first time in Asia. Tune in for an episode packed with history, art, and groundbreaking discoveries!