Home | Abacus Capital

About Us

AbacusArt collection was founded in 2000 with the mission to collect, preserve, and showcase works of art that serve as significant reflections of the evolving cultural and societal landscape of Southeast Asia. This vision is rooted in the understanding that art is not only a visual expression but also a mirror of the complex histories, transformations, and identities that have shaped the region.

Over the past two centuries, Southeast Asian art have undergone a dynamic evolution, with artists continuously challenging and redefining traditional perceptions and identities. This transformation has been driven by a growing diversity of mediums, styles, and techniques.

AbacusArt seeks to play a role in documenting and engaging with this ongoing evolution. The collection features works from the colonial period through to the present day. With its collection, AbacusArt seeks to foster a deeper understanding of the region's diverse artistic heritage and its profound impact on global art discourse.

Collection

AbacusArt focuses on the articulation and representation of Southeast Asian cultures and societies over the past two centuries. The collection delves into facets of collective memory, history, community, and identity, tracing narratives intricately woven throughout the region. The artworks serve as documentation, playful interpretations, and innovative material experiments, each offering a unique lens through which to explore the region.

Rooted in the earliest civilizations of Southeast Asia, the region’s artistic traditions have long been shaped by a rich heritage of ethnic artisanship as well as diverse cultural exchanges, colonial legacies, and evolving social landscapes that continue to thrive today. AbacusArt brings this legacy into focus, presenting works that span the colonial, modern, and contemporary periods, as seen below.