ArtReview Asia Winter 2020 Issue Explores History, Memory, and Digital Exhibition Formats

The Winter 2020 edition of ArtReview Asia examines how contemporary artists engage with historical memory and digital exhibition formats. Manila-born artist Pio Abad's work confronts themes of greed, neocolonialism, and neoliberal negligence in Philippine history. China-born Shen Xin creates video installations exploring homelands and statelessness in East Asia, positioning viewers as both witnesses and participants. Australian-Chinese artist Lindy Lee channels her dual heritage into large-scale installations and sculptures. Deepa Bhasthi analyzes how the historical legacy of Tipu Sultan, the eighteenth-century ruler of Mysore who resisted British colonialism, is being rewritten to serve current political agendas in India. New Delhi-based artist Sohrab Hura presents a new commission combining text and photography to create eerie narratives. Kerala-born filmmaker Mochu blends new technologies with art history, cartoon physics, and 1960s counterculture in cybernetic, psychedelic work. Shanghai collective Slime Engine reimagines exhibition formats by embracing digital and virtual environments rather than replicating physical gallery spaces. The issue includes an expanded previews section listing upcoming exhibitions, biennials, and festivals. ArtReview Asia positions this edition as an invitation to step back from the immediate present and consider broader historical and cultural perspectives.