In this ‘Connections’ issue, ART REPUBLIK looks at relationships, alliances and collaborations that generate bold ideas and chart new paths.

This is the second thematic issue under managing editor Nadya Wang. ‘Connections’ looks at relationships, alliances and collaborations that generate bold ideas and chart new paths in the art world, to present synergistic efforts that have yielded positive, at times transformative, results.

On the cover of this Summer issue is an artwork by Indonesian contemporary artist Lugas Syllabus, titled ‘Garden of Triumph’. In the ‘Protagonist’ section, we speak to him about his sources of inspiration, his working process, and the role that connections have played in building his career. Other artists featured in this issue include Indonesian artist Maryanto, Malaysian artist Anne Samat and Filipino artist Pio Abad, among many others.

The magazine maintains its focus on Southeast Asia and continues to feature the activities of regional artists, galleries and institutions in venues near and far, including previews of a trio of art fairs in Indonesia, and write-ups on local representations at the Venice Biennale and Art Basel. One of the main features is an extensive report on individuals in the Southeast Asian capitals Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City who are shaking things up in their respective art communities with daring, visionary plans.

Keeping an eye on what’s happening in the rest of Asia and elsewhere in the world, the issue includes an interview with international art dealer Pascal de Sarthe in Hong Kong about the family business, an article on art enclaves that have grown organically in Beijing, a look at the trend of watchmakers partnering with international artists, as well as the inspiration that luxury fashion house Burberry has drawn from British artist Henry Moore.

Columnists Daryl Goh and Wang Zineng write about lateral collaborations in the Singapore art scene and the reemergence of Southeast Asian modern art respectively. And in our second installation of New Voices, we feature an essay on Korean contemporary artist Chun Kwang Young by aspiring Singaporean art writer Keziah Quek.

“No (wo)man is an island in the artworld: artists work with curators to prepare for exhibitions, gallerists align themselves with art fairs, museums borrow artworks from collectors,” says Nadya Wang, Managing Editor of ART REPUBLIK. “Connections are integral to its functioning — and advancement — as everyone strives to offer something novel with each endeavour. We hope our readers will be both informed and entertained by our exploration of some of these efforts in the issue.”

Mr. Olivier Burlot, CEO & Publisher at Heart Media, comments: “The ‘Connections’ issue cements the ART REPUBLIK team’s commitment to present interesting and relevant stories about the art world in the region and beyond. More good things to come!”

ART REPUBLIK 15 will be presented at Art Jakarta in July and Art Stage Jakarta in August.

Visit ART REPUBLIK’s digital page for more art news. The tablet edition of ART REPUBLIK is also available for subscription on all Google Play and Apple Newsstands via Magzter, which is supported on all Android and Apple smart devices.

Follow ART REPUBLIK on Instagram @art_republik, where a new social campaign has been launched, anchored by themed posts thrice weekly: #MustSeeMondays (new art exhibitions and events to check out), #WayBackWhenesdays (noteworthy art historical facts) and #FeatureFridays (people to watch in the artworld).