The contemporary art world has long been enriched by the diversity of voices and practices, yet certain communities and art forms remain persistently underrepresented. Among these are East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) artists, whose contributions often exist on the margins, and the ephemeral, time-based mediums of sound and performance art, which face challenges in gaining recognition within traditional exhibition contexts. This marginalisation not only limits the visibility of ESEA artists but also diminishes the broader cultural dialogue that their work could inspire.

 

In response to these imbalances, independent curator Erika Song and TRA Collective proudly present the inaugural Undercurrent: ESEA Performance and Sound Art Festival, a groundbreaking event in London dedicated to spotlighting the vibrant and innovative practices of ESEA artists working in sound and performance. Taking place at Copeland Gallery, the festival will bring together 12 artists and collectives across a programme of live works, sonic installations, moving image, and an exhibition.

 

At the heart of the festival are performances that engage questions of heritage, integration, and lived identity, illuminating how ESEA subjectivities are expressed, questioned, and transformed through sonic and performative practices. The programme spans experimental sound, voice, movement, and cross-media installation, offering audiences a critical and immersive encounter with contemporary ESEA art.