Roundtable Discussion Explores Development and Future of Contemporary Art

On 13 June 2026, the literary and arts roundtable discussion “Art in Time and the Unknown” was held at Wisma Kebudayaan SGM in conjunction with the “Harmony: In Colours and Combinations” exhibition. Led by visual artist, art educator and art critic Nasir Baharuddin, the session brought together artists, academics and arts enthusiasts for an exchange of ideas on the development of contemporary art.

The discussion centred on the relationship between art, time, history and the future, exploring how artistic practice can draw from historical and social contexts while opening up new perspectives and possibilities for the future.

Participants highlighted that artistic creation requires not only a solid foundation of knowledge and a spirit of research, but also the courage to step beyond one’s comfort zone, embrace risks and challenge existing assumptions. Through continuous reading, research, analysis and dialogue, art can generate new interpretations and forms of expression across different contexts.

Throughout the session, participants actively shared their insights and perspectives. The lively exchange of ideas fostered deeper reflection and encouraged exploration of the many possibilities for the future development of art.

Reported by Ting Cheau Ya, photographed by Tan Chor Ju