The Modern in Southeast Asian Art: A Reader

Co-published by National Gallery Singapore and NTU Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore, The Modern in Southeast Asian Art: A Reader brings together nearly 300 texts spanning from the late 19th to the late 20th centuries. Originally composed in 11 languages—many of which had never before been translated into the English language—it is the first such reader with this reach and compass. Touching on issues of modernism and modernity, regionality, vernacular expression and post-coloniality, the volume features texts that are anecdotal, journalistic, programmatic or personal, as well as those that are analytical or historical.

Comprising two volumes with a total of over 1,300 pages, the set comes wrapped in a specially designed paper cover.

Within each chapter, the texts are organised by their thematic linkages to one another, allowing the reader to follow the through-lines of a particular debate or concern in a generally chronological and regional sequence.

We developed a disciplined layout to maintain structural integrity throughout the extensive collection of texts, while crafting typographic detailing to keep tension and variety across the book. For instance, the recurring use of the asterism—a particular and nearly obsolete type of dinkus indicating minor breaks in text—visually enforces the flow of curatorial and republished contents. A flexible grid, with varying column numbers and widths, allow the different text typologies their own expressiveness on the page. Supplementary information—such as side-notes and translators’ notes—are integrated into an auxiliary column, ensuring easy accessibility.

To cater to the diverse language content, we’ve chosen revival typefaces that support multiple languages and tie into and strengthen the book’s narrative. Type sizes have been adjusted according to the contents, providing rhythm and allowing for instant identification.