Curating as (Expanded) Art History in Southeast Asia: Recent Independent Projects in Ho Chi Minh City, Luang Prabang, and Phnom Penh

Independent curatorial practices in Southeast Asia are emerging as significant contributors to art history, particularly in regions with limited state funding and infrastructure. This study highlights how such practices, exemplified by projects in Phnom Penh, Luang Prabang, and Ho Chi Minh City, utilize diverse archives and methodologies to uncover the often-overlooked histories of modern arts—including architecture, cinema, and photography—in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. By operating outside traditional institutional frameworks, these initiatives foster art historical research that might otherwise remain underdeveloped due to resource constraints. The findings underscore the potential of independent curation as a tool for expanding our understanding of regional artistic legacies.

Nelson, R. (2020). Curating as (Expanded) Art History in Southeast Asia: Recent Independent Projects in Ho Chi Minh City, Luang Prabang, and Phnom Penh. ARTMargins, 9(2), 33–60. https://doi.org/10.1162/artm_a_00262