The Judges
2023 UOB Painting of the Year (Singapore) Judges
Singapore
Dr Bridget Tracy Tan
Dr Bridget Tracy Tan
Director, Institute of Southeast Asian Arts and Art Galleries, and
Academic Advisor, Southeast Asian Arts
Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
Regional and Singapore Chief Judge
Academic Advisor, Southeast Asian Arts
Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
Regional and Singapore Chief Judge
Dr Bridget Tracy Tan is Director for the Institute of Southeast Asian Arts and Art Galleries at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Singapore. Formerly a curator at the Singapore Art Museum (now National Gallery Singapore), she holds a First Class Honours degree in History of Art. Her PhD in practice-led research as a curator and critical art historian was obtained from the University of the Arts London. The thesis critically explored Southeast Asian museology and Southeast Asian curating in contemporary paradigms that extend into global platforms, specifically, biennales. Dr Tan continues to assemble exhibitions and facilitate the teaching of Southeast Asian arts. She has contributed essays and articles on local and regional artists in seminal publications. Over the last two decades she has also judged regional and international competitions for photography and painting.
Dr Bridget Tracy Tan
Asst Prof Dr Supachai Areerungruang
Singapore
Asst Prof Dr Supachai Areerungruang
Leading Thai Artist, Curator and Art Critic
Associate Dean, Academic Affairs, Faculty of Decorative Arts, Silpakorn University
Associate Dean, Academic Affairs, Faculty of Decorative Arts, Silpakorn University
Asst Prof Dr Supachai Areerungruangis a lecturer in the Doctor of Philosophy degree, Design Department, Faculty of Decorative Arts, Silpakorn University, Thailand. He receives his doctorate in visual arts from the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand in 2011.
His works are of social concerns, politics, and contemporary art, including the aesthetics of ugliness. He has exhibited widely internationally, including a group show at the Jogja Biennale in Indonesia in 2019, followed by a solo exhibition titled "Sound of Silence in Thailand" at Lim Hak Tai Gallery in Singapore in 2020. He also participated in the 80th anniversary exhibition of Naowarat Phongphaiboonat Bangkok's Sindhorn Building in 2019.
As a curator, Asst Prof Dr Areerungruangworked on contemporary art and museum projects such as “Princess Marsi Sukhumbhand Paribatra's Beauty and the Ugliness” exhibition organised at the National Gallery, Thailand in 2018, as well as the "Sirimahannop", a floating museum three-masted ship, at Asiatique The Riverfront, Thailand in 2021.
He conducts research studies on art criticism in the visual arts in Thailand and on traditional art in the Indochina countries, including studies on issues in modern Thai art which demonstrates the intriguing phenomena of contemporary art in ASEAN. In 2021, he was honoured with the DEMark2021 (Design Excellence Award).
His works are of social concerns, politics, and contemporary art, including the aesthetics of ugliness. He has exhibited widely internationally, including a group show at the Jogja Biennale in Indonesia in 2019, followed by a solo exhibition titled "Sound of Silence in Thailand" at Lim Hak Tai Gallery in Singapore in 2020. He also participated in the 80th anniversary exhibition of Naowarat Phongphaiboonat Bangkok's Sindhorn Building in 2019.
As a curator, Asst Prof Dr Areerungruangworked on contemporary art and museum projects such as “Princess Marsi Sukhumbhand Paribatra's Beauty and the Ugliness” exhibition organised at the National Gallery, Thailand in 2018, as well as the "Sirimahannop", a floating museum three-masted ship, at Asiatique The Riverfront, Thailand in 2021.
He conducts research studies on art criticism in the visual arts in Thailand and on traditional art in the Indochina countries, including studies on issues in modern Thai art which demonstrates the intriguing phenomena of contemporary art in ASEAN. In 2021, he was honoured with the DEMark2021 (Design Excellence Award).
Asst Prof Dr Supachai Areerungruang
Ms Szan Tan
Singapore
Ms Szan Tan
Head, Library and Archives, National Gallery Singapore
Ms Szan Tan is Head of Library and Archives at the National Gallery Singapore, overseeing the collection and development of visual art resources and art archives for access and use by researchers, students, academics and all art lovers.
Formerly a curator at both the Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore and the National Museum of Singapore, Ms Szan Tan started her career at the National University of Singapore (NUS) Museum overseeing the then South and Southeast Asian Collection. She was involved in the inaugural display of the China Gallery at the Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore. At the National Museum of Singapore, she oversaw the curatorial management of many international travelling exhibitions such as from Musée d'Orsay and Musée du Lourve, and co-curated “A Changed World: Singapore Art 1950s – 1970”.
Growing up in a family surrounded by paintings, it is no wonder that paintings remain her favourite medium of art followed by textiles as a medium of expression and design.
Formerly a curator at both the Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore and the National Museum of Singapore, Ms Szan Tan started her career at the National University of Singapore (NUS) Museum overseeing the then South and Southeast Asian Collection. She was involved in the inaugural display of the China Gallery at the Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore. At the National Museum of Singapore, she oversaw the curatorial management of many international travelling exhibitions such as from Musée d'Orsay and Musée du Lourve, and co-curated “A Changed World: Singapore Art 1950s – 1970”.
Growing up in a family surrounded by paintings, it is no wonder that paintings remain her favourite medium of art followed by textiles as a medium of expression and design.
Ms Szan Tan
2023 UOB Painting of the Year (Indonesia) Judges
Indonesia
Ms Melati Suryodarmo
Ms Melati Suryodarmo
Leading Indonesian Artist
Indonesia Chief Judge
Indonesia Chief Judge
Ms Melati Suryodarmo is Indonesia's long durational performance artist par excellence using her body as a container of memories and experiences that with movements is her performance art. Living between the cultures of the East and the West where she lived for twenty years, Ms Melati Suryodarmo's work has felt the impact of elements of both worlds.
She is a PhD candidate in Artistic Research / Art as Practice at the Institute of the Arts Surakarta. She also received her postgraduate Program (Meisterschüler) in Performance Art at the Hochschule für Bildende Künste, Braunschweig, Germany, under Professor Marina Abramovic.
One of her bold breakthroughs in the Indonesian art world was when as Artistic Director of the Jakarta Biennale 2017 she brought in the androgynous shamans from South Sulawesi to perform prayers and blessings at the opening night.
On 28 February 2020, the first solo exhibition of her 20 years of practice opened at Museum Macan in Jakarta. Featuring the most popular Exergie-Butter Dance and I Am A Ghost in My Own House through which she challenges her own body physically and psychologically in pursuit of a deeper understanding of the self.
She is a PhD candidate in Artistic Research / Art as Practice at the Institute of the Arts Surakarta. She also received her postgraduate Program (Meisterschüler) in Performance Art at the Hochschule für Bildende Künste, Braunschweig, Germany, under Professor Marina Abramovic.
One of her bold breakthroughs in the Indonesian art world was when as Artistic Director of the Jakarta Biennale 2017 she brought in the androgynous shamans from South Sulawesi to perform prayers and blessings at the opening night.
On 28 February 2020, the first solo exhibition of her 20 years of practice opened at Museum Macan in Jakarta. Featuring the most popular Exergie-Butter Dance and I Am A Ghost in My Own House through which she challenges her own body physically and psychologically in pursuit of a deeper understanding of the self.
Ms Melati Suryodarmo
Indonesia
Mr Heri Pemad
Mr Heri Pemad
Creative Director
Founder Art Jog (The biggest contemporary art events in ASEAN)
Founder Art Jog (The biggest contemporary art events in ASEAN)
Mr Heri Pemad is the founder of Heri Pemad Art Management (HPAM) the organiser behind Art Jog and Art Bali. Since 2001 HPAM has been looking for new talents and organises art exhibitions held by art galleries or communities in Jogjakarta, Semarang, Surabaya, Jakarta and Bali.
He is also an artist and is engaged in the realm of fine arts and received awards for his work of art. One of the most important was Adhikarya in 2014 from Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economic Republic Indonesia. He was recently awarded the Pioneer of Performing Art during the Cultural Appreciation Night 2022 from Ministry of Education Culture, Research, and Technology.
Mr Heri Pemadalso contributes as Artistic Director in Sarinah Art District Jakarta and Ina Art in Sarinah Jakarta.
He is also an artist and is engaged in the realm of fine arts and received awards for his work of art. One of the most important was Adhikarya in 2014 from Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economic Republic Indonesia. He was recently awarded the Pioneer of Performing Art during the Cultural Appreciation Night 2022 from Ministry of Education Culture, Research, and Technology.
Mr Heri Pemadalso contributes as Artistic Director in Sarinah Art District Jakarta and Ina Art in Sarinah Jakarta.
Mr Heri Pemad
Indonesia
Dr Agung Hujatnikajennong
Dr Agung Hujatnikajennong
Curator
Lecturer, Faculty of Art and Design, Bandung Institute of Technology
Lecturer, Faculty of Art and Design, Bandung Institute of Technology
Dr Agung Hujatnika, M.Sn, also known as Agung Hujatnikajennong, is a lecturer at the Visual Art Study Program, Faculty of Art and Design, Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) in Bandung, Indonesia. He is also currently a member of the Research Group of Aesthetics and the Science of Arts at ITB.
He received his doctorate from his alma mater on the subject of art curatorship in 2012 and Master of Art in 2007. His academic contributions to the school’s curriculum include courses on Art Management (undergraduate and master degrees), Art Studies, Communication of Art and Sociology of Art (undergraduate).
In 2013, he received the Independent Vision Curatorial Award from the Independent Curators International, New York, USA, and in 2018, he founded and convened a regular international conference on art curatorship Imagined Curatorial at ITB.
As an independent curator, he has curated several major national and international exhibitions in Indonesia and abroad, including Ruanrupa’s OK Video at Jakarta Video Festival (2003), SUB/VERSION (2005) and Flesh (2011), Heri Dono’s Nobody’s Land (2008), Fluid Zones, Jakarta Biennale – ARENA at the National Gallery of Indonesia and various public spaces in Jakarta (2009), etc.
He received his doctorate from his alma mater on the subject of art curatorship in 2012 and Master of Art in 2007. His academic contributions to the school’s curriculum include courses on Art Management (undergraduate and master degrees), Art Studies, Communication of Art and Sociology of Art (undergraduate).
In 2013, he received the Independent Vision Curatorial Award from the Independent Curators International, New York, USA, and in 2018, he founded and convened a regular international conference on art curatorship Imagined Curatorial at ITB.
As an independent curator, he has curated several major national and international exhibitions in Indonesia and abroad, including Ruanrupa’s OK Video at Jakarta Video Festival (2003), SUB/VERSION (2005) and Flesh (2011), Heri Dono’s Nobody’s Land (2008), Fluid Zones, Jakarta Biennale – ARENA at the National Gallery of Indonesia and various public spaces in Jakarta (2009), etc.
Dr Agung Hujatnikajennong
2023 UOB Painting of the Year (Malaysia) Judges
Malaysia
Ms Bibi Chew
Ms Bibi Chew
Art Advisor, Academician and Leading Malaysian Contemporary Artist
Malaysia Chief Judge
Malaysia Chief Judge
Ms Bibi Chew began her art career in the mid-‘90s and is known for her multi-disciplinary art practice in Malaysia. She completed a Diploma in Fine Arts (Painting, Distinction) at LASALLE-SIA College of the Arts, Singapore, and subsequently obtained BA (Distinction) and MA in Fine Art from RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia. She has won numerous major art awards in Malaysia and abroad.
Ms Chew has always been actively contributing to the arts education and promoting the contemporary art scene in Malaysia. In 2000, she was the Major Award recipient for the Young Contemporaries Award by the National Art Gallery Malaysia. Her other accolades include the International Artist Residency Award at 200 Gertrude Street Contemporary Art Space at Melbourne, Australia in 1997 and the Della Butcher for Excellence in Painting Award 1994 by the Rotary Club of Orchard, Singapore. She also regularly served as art competitions’ panel of judges, art advisor, guest speaker, and programme coordinator for both local and international art events.
Her artworks have been presented in numerous group exhibitions across Southeast Asia, Asia, Europe, and North America. In 2005, she was selected as the Malaysian Artist in the 3rd Fukuoka Asian Art Triennale at the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, Japan; Asian Art Now (2006) at Blackburn Museum and Gallery, the United Kingdom; Out of the Mould – The Age of Reason (2008) at Malmo Art Museum, Sweden and Kuala Lumpur Biennale (2017) organised by National Art Gallery, Malaysia; etc. Her works are collected by major public and private institutions, and private collectors. She joined the Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA) in 1998 and currently serves as the Head of Illustration and Senior Lecturer. In 2020, Ms Chew was appointed as the Industry Advisory Panel (Visual Arts) by CENDANA Malaysia.
Ms Chew has always been actively contributing to the arts education and promoting the contemporary art scene in Malaysia. In 2000, she was the Major Award recipient for the Young Contemporaries Award by the National Art Gallery Malaysia. Her other accolades include the International Artist Residency Award at 200 Gertrude Street Contemporary Art Space at Melbourne, Australia in 1997 and the Della Butcher for Excellence in Painting Award 1994 by the Rotary Club of Orchard, Singapore. She also regularly served as art competitions’ panel of judges, art advisor, guest speaker, and programme coordinator for both local and international art events.
Her artworks have been presented in numerous group exhibitions across Southeast Asia, Asia, Europe, and North America. In 2005, she was selected as the Malaysian Artist in the 3rd Fukuoka Asian Art Triennale at the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, Japan; Asian Art Now (2006) at Blackburn Museum and Gallery, the United Kingdom; Out of the Mould – The Age of Reason (2008) at Malmo Art Museum, Sweden and Kuala Lumpur Biennale (2017) organised by National Art Gallery, Malaysia; etc. Her works are collected by major public and private institutions, and private collectors. She joined the Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA) in 1998 and currently serves as the Head of Illustration and Senior Lecturer. In 2020, Ms Chew was appointed as the Industry Advisory Panel (Visual Arts) by CENDANA Malaysia.
Ms Bibi Chew
Malaysia
Mr Choy Chun Wei
Mr Choy Chun Wei
Leading Malaysian Contemporary Artist
Mr Choy Chun Wei is trained in graphic design and graduated with honours (second upper) under a full scholarship at Central St. Martin’s college in London, the United Kingdom in 1998. Since graduating, he has been practicing art and has lectured at various art colleges and universities in Malaysia.
Together with his wife, Ms Yau Bee Ling, they provide art workshops for children with special needs through the National Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Mr Choy has also participated in various workshops and conferences in the field of art and design.
In 2001, Mr Choy embarked on his first painting series on suburban spaces and facades. The works were exhibited at the Valentine Willie Fine Art Gallery titled Inhabitants. Since then, he has been widely exhibited in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In 2003, he received an Honourable Mention at the Malaysian Philip Morris Art Award, and in 2004 he received the Juror’s Prize at the Malaysian Young Contemporary Art Exhibition. In 2005, he was awarded the Rimbun Dahan Artist-in-Residence placement, and in 2008 he was also awarded by a distinguished jury as a winner of 2007/2008 Asian Artist Fellowship by the Freeman Foundation for residency at the Vermont Studio Center in the United States. At the end of 2008, two of his unconventional and challenging mixed media and collage paintings were collected by Balai Seni Visual Negara as part of the permanent collection. He was the only Malaysian artist to be accorded a solo exhibition at Art Basel Hong Kong in 2014 with his Human Landscape project.
As a prominent figure in the contemporary art scene in Malaysia, his works can be seen in the collections of both Malaysians as well as international collectors. His works have also been exhibited internationally across China, Hong Kong, the United States, Pakistan, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.
Together with his wife, Ms Yau Bee Ling, they provide art workshops for children with special needs through the National Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Mr Choy has also participated in various workshops and conferences in the field of art and design.
In 2001, Mr Choy embarked on his first painting series on suburban spaces and facades. The works were exhibited at the Valentine Willie Fine Art Gallery titled Inhabitants. Since then, he has been widely exhibited in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In 2003, he received an Honourable Mention at the Malaysian Philip Morris Art Award, and in 2004 he received the Juror’s Prize at the Malaysian Young Contemporary Art Exhibition. In 2005, he was awarded the Rimbun Dahan Artist-in-Residence placement, and in 2008 he was also awarded by a distinguished jury as a winner of 2007/2008 Asian Artist Fellowship by the Freeman Foundation for residency at the Vermont Studio Center in the United States. At the end of 2008, two of his unconventional and challenging mixed media and collage paintings were collected by Balai Seni Visual Negara as part of the permanent collection. He was the only Malaysian artist to be accorded a solo exhibition at Art Basel Hong Kong in 2014 with his Human Landscape project.
As a prominent figure in the contemporary art scene in Malaysia, his works can be seen in the collections of both Malaysians as well as international collectors. His works have also been exhibited internationally across China, Hong Kong, the United States, Pakistan, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.
Mr Choy Chun Wei
Malaysia
Mr Ahmad Fuad Osman
Mr Ahmad Fuad Osman
Leading Malaysian Contemporary Artist
Born in Kedah, Malaysia, Mr Ahmad Fuad Osman graduated with a BA in Fine Art from MARA Institute of Technology (UITM) in 1991. In the 1990’s Mr Ahmad was involved in the Malaysian film and theatre industry, and this period influenced a shift in his artistic practice from Neo-Expressionist painting to conceptual multi-disciplinary works encompassing installation, sculpture, print and video. Socio-political themes have long been a key concern as he investigates subject matters including identity politics, the abuse of power and historical amnesia. Using a potent mix of wit and philosophy he speaks to broad spectrums of society on challenging subjects.
Recent years have shown a conceptual turn for him with an interest in the veracity of truths, alternate histories and contesting or reinterpreting of existing histories emerging. This characteristic comes through in Recollections of Long-Lost Memories (2007/08), which won the Jurors’ Choice Award at the APBF Signature Art Prize (2008) in Singapore, and his more recent work, ‘Enrique de Malacca Memorial Project’, shown in the Singapore Biennale 2016 and shown again in the Sharjah Biennale 2019, UAE from March until June 2019. Drawing on historical accounts, texts and archives, he pieces together fragments of evidence and conflicting narratives, finding creative ways to fill in gaps. As such, his recent practice not only reconsiders historical narratives but opens up possibilities of contesting and rewriting established canons.
Mr Ahmad has exhibited internationally including Cast But One Shadow: Afro Southeast Asian Affinities at UP Vargas Museum, Manila Philippines 2021/22; Blackout at Kunsthal Rotterdam 2019; at Sharjah Biennale’s Leaving The Echo Chamber 2019; Singapore Biennale: An Atlas of Mirrors, Singapore, 2016; Multiple Languages, Silverlens Gallery, Makati, Manila, Philippines, 2014; Welcome to the Jungle: Contemporary Art in Southeast Asia From the Collection of Singapore Art Museum at Yokohama Museum of Art, Japan, 2013; and participated in residencies including the Vermont Studio Centre, USA (2004), Goyang National Art Studio, South Korea (2005 – 2006) and Rimbun Dahan, Malaysia (2007 – 2008). His works can be found in the collections of the National Visual Art Gallery (Malaysia), Petronas Gallery (Malaysia), Singapore Art Museum, and KADIST amongst others.
Recent years have shown a conceptual turn for him with an interest in the veracity of truths, alternate histories and contesting or reinterpreting of existing histories emerging. This characteristic comes through in Recollections of Long-Lost Memories (2007/08), which won the Jurors’ Choice Award at the APBF Signature Art Prize (2008) in Singapore, and his more recent work, ‘Enrique de Malacca Memorial Project’, shown in the Singapore Biennale 2016 and shown again in the Sharjah Biennale 2019, UAE from March until June 2019. Drawing on historical accounts, texts and archives, he pieces together fragments of evidence and conflicting narratives, finding creative ways to fill in gaps. As such, his recent practice not only reconsiders historical narratives but opens up possibilities of contesting and rewriting established canons.
Mr Ahmad has exhibited internationally including Cast But One Shadow: Afro Southeast Asian Affinities at UP Vargas Museum, Manila Philippines 2021/22; Blackout at Kunsthal Rotterdam 2019; at Sharjah Biennale’s Leaving The Echo Chamber 2019; Singapore Biennale: An Atlas of Mirrors, Singapore, 2016; Multiple Languages, Silverlens Gallery, Makati, Manila, Philippines, 2014; Welcome to the Jungle: Contemporary Art in Southeast Asia From the Collection of Singapore Art Museum at Yokohama Museum of Art, Japan, 2013; and participated in residencies including the Vermont Studio Centre, USA (2004), Goyang National Art Studio, South Korea (2005 – 2006) and Rimbun Dahan, Malaysia (2007 – 2008). His works can be found in the collections of the National Visual Art Gallery (Malaysia), Petronas Gallery (Malaysia), Singapore Art Museum, and KADIST amongst others.
Mr Ahmad Fuad Osman
2023 UOB Painting of the Year (Thailand) Judges
Thailand
Mr Amrit Chusuwan
Mr Amrit Chusuwan
Leading Thai Artist
Thailand's National Artist in Visual Arts (Painting - Mixed Media), 2020
Vice President for Arts and Culture, Silpakorn University
Curator, Art Mill, Songkhla Art Centre
Thailand Chief Judge
Thailand's National Artist in Visual Arts (Painting - Mixed Media), 2020
Vice President for Arts and Culture, Silpakorn University
Curator, Art Mill, Songkhla Art Centre
Thailand Chief Judge
Mr Amrit Chusuwan is Vice President for Arts and Culture, Silpakorn University and artist, consultant, and curator of Art Mill, Songkhla Art Centre. He is one of the country’s most prominent artists who received many honourable mentions in Thailand. In his early career, he received a scholarship and a Diploma from the ASP Academy of Fine Arts, Krakow, Poland. His works have received many prizes such as the 2nd Prize recipient of the 32nd National Exhibition of Art at Bangkok and Silpa Bhirasri Creativity Grants in 2002. He has organised many international exhibitions and had served as curator and artist consultant for the Venice Biennale, Italy. He is also a curator of “Spirit Nora” at Palazzo Pisani Santa Marina, Venice, Italy and was named Thailand’s National Artist in Visual Arts (Painting - Mixed Media) in 2020.
Mr Chusuwan was among pioneering artists in Thailand in the late 80s who experimented on a conceptual painting that sought apart from canvas and colours, other mediums to convey the possibility of relations between different objects. From the 1990s, Chusuwan has been working largely and creatively on video installations to express ideas through the use of modern media or even using the audience as part of his work. His works have been exhibited in both local and international solo and group exhibitions. He was Dean at the Faculty of Painting Sculpture and Graphic Arts, Silpakorn University, Thailand from 2013 to 2017.
Mr Chusuwan was among pioneering artists in Thailand in the late 80s who experimented on a conceptual painting that sought apart from canvas and colours, other mediums to convey the possibility of relations between different objects. From the 1990s, Chusuwan has been working largely and creatively on video installations to express ideas through the use of modern media or even using the audience as part of his work. His works have been exhibited in both local and international solo and group exhibitions. He was Dean at the Faculty of Painting Sculpture and Graphic Arts, Silpakorn University, Thailand from 2013 to 2017.
Mr Amrit Chusuwan
Thailand
Mrs Luckana Kunavichayanont
Mrs Luckana Kunavichayanont
Art Consultant and Curator
Acting Director, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre
Acting Director, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre
Mrs Luckana Kunavichayanont is the Acting Director of Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), an art consultant and independent curator based in Thailand. She was the former Director of BACC between 2011 to 2017. During her directorship, BACC becomes a significant platform for the flourish of diverse art and cultural activities and a resource for knowledge, new ideas, and inspiration. In 2018, she co-curated the 1st Bangkok Art Biennale that spanned 20 locations across Thailand.
Mrs Kunavichayanont received a Bachelor's Degree from the Archaeology Faculty, Silpakorn University, Thailand, and Master' Degree in Asian Arts from the University of New England in Australia. In her early years, she had participated in advocacy with the Artist’s Network and related arts communities for the setup of the BACC from 1995 and the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture under the Ministry of Culture, Thailand in 2002. She served occasionally as a jury member of major art awards in Asia including Signature Art Prize 2014 and the 11th Benesse Art Prize. In 2014, she received the honourable title, ‘Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Letters’ from the Ministry of Culture, France.
Mrs Kunavichayanont received a Bachelor's Degree from the Archaeology Faculty, Silpakorn University, Thailand, and Master' Degree in Asian Arts from the University of New England in Australia. In her early years, she had participated in advocacy with the Artist’s Network and related arts communities for the setup of the BACC from 1995 and the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture under the Ministry of Culture, Thailand in 2002. She served occasionally as a jury member of major art awards in Asia including Signature Art Prize 2014 and the 11th Benesse Art Prize. In 2014, she received the honourable title, ‘Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Letters’ from the Ministry of Culture, France.
Mrs Luckana Kunavichayanont
Thailand
Emeritus Professor Kanya Charoensupkul
Emeritus Professor Kanya Charoensupkul
Leading Thai Artist
Emeritus Professor Kanya Charoensupkul is a leading Thai contemporary artist. After receiving a bachelor's degree in Graphic Arts from Silpakorn University, she was awarded a scholarship from the Office of the Civil Service Commission to pursue a master's degree in the same subject at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, SAIC in the United States. In 1985, she returned to the Silpakorn University as a lecturer and brought back lithograph course to the faculty. She also released her lithograph textbook in 2007 with funding from The Art Centre of Silpakorn University and the Siam Cement Foundation.
Emeritus Professor Charoensupkul works on a variety of printmaking techniques in her works such as monoprint, silkscreen, lithograph, mixed media and installation art. She held her first solo exhibition in 2008 and has took part in numerous international printmaking as well as solo and groups exhibitions such as Show Me Thai Contemporary Art Exhibition, Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo, Japan, 2007 and Traces of Siamese Smile: Art + Faith + Politics + Love, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, Bangkok, Thailand, 2008.
Emeritus Professor Charoensupkul works on a variety of printmaking techniques in her works such as monoprint, silkscreen, lithograph, mixed media and installation art. She held her first solo exhibition in 2008 and has took part in numerous international printmaking as well as solo and groups exhibitions such as Show Me Thai Contemporary Art Exhibition, Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo, Japan, 2007 and Traces of Siamese Smile: Art + Faith + Politics + Love, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, Bangkok, Thailand, 2008.
Emeritus Professor Kanya Charoensupkul
2023 UOB Painting of the Year (Vietnam) Judges
Vietnam
Mr Luong Xuan Doan
Mr Luong Xuan Doan
President, Vietnam Fine Arts Association
Former Deputy Director, Culture and Arts Department, Propaganda Department of the Party Central Committee
Vietnam Chief Judge
Former Deputy Director, Culture and Arts Department, Propaganda Department of the Party Central Committee
Vietnam Chief Judge
Born in 1952 in Hanoi, Mr Luong Xuan Doan began painting at a young age under strict academic guidance and inherited his qualities and talents from his uncle. He graduated from the Vietnam Fine Arts University in 1980. He was active in the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association (from 1983 to 1989), and together with the Association's Young Artists Committee, he created new turning points for the Vietnam Doi Moi Fine Arts. He was the Deputy Director of the Culture and Arts Department (Propaganda Department) of the Party Central Committee.
From his first work in 1980, he maintained his creative activities and participated in exhibitions both locally and abroad, such as: Russia; Helsinki - Finland; Bulgaria; Washington - USA; Fukuoka -Japan; Taiwan; Bangkok - Thailand; Malaysia; Seoul - South Korea; Paju - Korea; Manila – Philippines and there are works kept at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum; Museum of Contemporary Art Malaysia. His silk works Afternoon on Hon Tre Island, oil paintings My Hanoi and Fairy Truong Son are part of at the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts Collection.
From his first work in 1980, he maintained his creative activities and participated in exhibitions both locally and abroad, such as: Russia; Helsinki - Finland; Bulgaria; Washington - USA; Fukuoka -Japan; Taiwan; Bangkok - Thailand; Malaysia; Seoul - South Korea; Paju - Korea; Manila – Philippines and there are works kept at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum; Museum of Contemporary Art Malaysia. His silk works Afternoon on Hon Tre Island, oil paintings My Hanoi and Fairy Truong Son are part of at the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts Collection.
Mr Luong Xuan Doan
Vietnam
Ms Tia-Thuy Nguyen
Ms Tia-Thuy Nguyen
Leading Vietnamese Artist
Founder, The Factory Contemporary Arts Centre
Founder, The Factory Contemporary Arts Centre
Ms Tia-Thuy Nguyen was born and raised in Hanoi. After graduating from the Vietnam University of Fine Arts (2006), she moved to Ukraine, where she achieved her PhD in Fine Arts at the National Academy of Fine Art and Architect, Kiev (2014). Ms Tia-Thuy Nguyen has been practicing painting since 1999. Her artworks usually focus on the observation of her surroundings, and the colourful yet chaotic feelings of a woman who lives in this modern world.
Being conscious about the difficulties of the Vietnamese art scene, in 2016, Ms Tia-Thuy Nguyen founded The Factory Contemporary Arts Centre, the first purpose-built space for contemporary art in Vietnam, that aims to be a dynamic destination for art and design display and education, demonstrating the creative criticality of Vietnam today. She challenges women’s roles in today’s society, with her own experience as a mother, a fashion designer and an artist. Ms Tia-Thuy Nguyen’s artworks have been exhibited, auctioned and collected widely in Vietnam and Europe.
In 2019, she became the first Vietnamese artist whose artwork has become a part of the prestigious Château La Coste’s collection, Aix-en-Provence, France. In the same year, she has been listed in ‘Top 50 most influential women in Vietnam 2019’ by Forbes Vietnam.
Being conscious about the difficulties of the Vietnamese art scene, in 2016, Ms Tia-Thuy Nguyen founded The Factory Contemporary Arts Centre, the first purpose-built space for contemporary art in Vietnam, that aims to be a dynamic destination for art and design display and education, demonstrating the creative criticality of Vietnam today. She challenges women’s roles in today’s society, with her own experience as a mother, a fashion designer and an artist. Ms Tia-Thuy Nguyen’s artworks have been exhibited, auctioned and collected widely in Vietnam and Europe.
In 2019, she became the first Vietnamese artist whose artwork has become a part of the prestigious Château La Coste’s collection, Aix-en-Provence, France. In the same year, she has been listed in ‘Top 50 most influential women in Vietnam 2019’ by Forbes Vietnam.
Ms Tia-Thuy Nguyen
Vietnam
Mr Tran Luong
Mr Tran Luong
Leading Vietnamese Artist
Mr Tran Luong is a performance and visual artist, independent curator, and major figure in creating space for critical contemporary art in Vietnam. Among the first local artists to experiment with performance and video, his artwork is grounded in local experience. Challenging socio-political legacies and policies that repress individual expression, his work offers moving reflections on the impact of ideology on the body, particularly the internalisation of political repression at a young age in works such as Lap Loe (2007-2013).
Mr Tran Luong co-founded the Gang of Five (1983-1996), which organised monthly exhibitions in alternative spaces. In 1998, he co-founded NhaSan Studio, the country’s first, artist-led, experimental art space, and curated most of its exhibitions in the initial four years. He is also the Founding Director of APD Center for Art Patronage and Development in 2020.
A generous mentor of youth, Mr Tran Luong goes beyond normal curatorship, encouraging performers to push the boundaries, negotiating censorship with the authorities, creating exchanges between North, Centre, and South Vietnam, bringing diaspora artists back, and hosting international artists.
His moving artworks critique repression, emphasise human resilience, and empower the individual through personal action and self-reflection; for his dedicated energy in developing spaces, initiatives, networks, and communities for performance and video arts in Vietnam; for questioning the dominant norms and supporting alternative visions in a context of censorship and conformity; and for his commitment to freedom of expression, community enrichment and nurturing younger generations.
After 2000, he also acts as a social developer. He has organised and operated several long-term social development projects in areas such as changing public awareness in the new social interface, and environmental issues, and improving and developing the skills of expression for poverty and isolated communities. Mr Tran Luong has participated in many art international events suchas Jogja Biennale 2019, Thailand Biennale 2018, Taipei Biennale 2016, Asian Art Biennial Taichung 2015, Havana Biennale 2009, Busan Biennale 2004, Liverpool Biennale 2002 and Fukuoka Asian Triennale 2002.
Mr Tran Luong co-founded the Gang of Five (1983-1996), which organised monthly exhibitions in alternative spaces. In 1998, he co-founded NhaSan Studio, the country’s first, artist-led, experimental art space, and curated most of its exhibitions in the initial four years. He is also the Founding Director of APD Center for Art Patronage and Development in 2020.
A generous mentor of youth, Mr Tran Luong goes beyond normal curatorship, encouraging performers to push the boundaries, negotiating censorship with the authorities, creating exchanges between North, Centre, and South Vietnam, bringing diaspora artists back, and hosting international artists.
His moving artworks critique repression, emphasise human resilience, and empower the individual through personal action and self-reflection; for his dedicated energy in developing spaces, initiatives, networks, and communities for performance and video arts in Vietnam; for questioning the dominant norms and supporting alternative visions in a context of censorship and conformity; and for his commitment to freedom of expression, community enrichment and nurturing younger generations.
After 2000, he also acts as a social developer. He has organised and operated several long-term social development projects in areas such as changing public awareness in the new social interface, and environmental issues, and improving and developing the skills of expression for poverty and isolated communities. Mr Tran Luong has participated in many art international events suchas Jogja Biennale 2019, Thailand Biennale 2018, Taipei Biennale 2016, Asian Art Biennial Taichung 2015, Havana Biennale 2009, Busan Biennale 2004, Liverpool Biennale 2002 and Fukuoka Asian Triennale 2002.
Mr Tran Luong
Vietnam
Mr Kwok Kian Chow
Mr Kwok Kian Chow
Special Advisor, UOB Painting of the Year Vietnam
Mr Kwok Kian Chow was senior curator (1992-1994) of the National Museum of Singapore, director (1994-2009) of the Singapore Art Museum, and director (2009-2011) and senior advisor (2011-2015) of the National Gallery Singapore. He was the associate professor and headed the arts and culture management programme (2015-2019) and Wee Kim Wee Centre (2017-2018) at the Singapore Management University. Mr Kwok is a steering committee and board member of Global (De)Centre. and has been a member of the UOB Group Art Advisory Panel since 1994. He holds the Singapore Public Administration Medal (Silver) and the Officier and Chevalier titles in the French Order of Arts and Letters.