National Gallery Singapore Opens First R18 Exhibition on Eroticism in Southeast Asian Art

From April 24 to August 30, 2026, the National Gallery Singapore will host "Passion is Volcanic: Desire in Southeast Asian Art," its inaugural R18 exhibition. This event delves into the theme of eroticism within modern and contemporary Southeast Asian art, drawing inspiration from Liu Kang's essay written in 1953. Attendance is limited to individuals aged 18 and older, and photography is not allowed. The exhibition is divided into three parts, showcasing significant pieces such as Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook's "I'm Living" (2002), a 14th–15th century statue of Vajradhara and Prajnaparamita, Liu Kang's "Scene in Bali" (1953), along with contributions from Ahmad Zakii Anwar, Jimmy Ong, and Tan Peng. The concluding section highlights LGBTQ+ issues, reflecting on the repeal of Section 377A in 2023, featuring artists like Marla Bendini and Judy Chia. The review was written by Ryan Su.