10×3
Ten Painters, Three Nations, One Contemporary Voice
19 JULY - 2 AUG 2025
G13 Gallery is pleased to present 10×3, a group exhibition featuring ten emerging painters from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Curated as a focused reflection on the state of contemporary painting in Southeast Asia, this exhibition offers a critical and visual dialogue between artistic practices that are rooted in local contexts yet resonate with shared regional urgencies.
At a time when digital media, installation, and conceptual frameworks dominate the global contemporary art scene, 10×3 draws our attention back to the painted surface. This return is not a nostalgic retreat but an active and evolving site of inquiry and expression. The ten participating artists include Abenk Alter, Addy Debil, Cedrick Dela Paz, Demi Padua, Khairudin Zainudin, Miller Laberinto, Nik M Shazmie, NPAAW, Pongbayog and Shafiq Nordin. Each artist engages the canvas with a variety of approaches that span figuration, surrealism, abstraction, and symbolic narrative.
Their works emerge from a complex web of influences, including urban subcultures, socio-political critique, popular culture, mythology, and personal histories. Each painting offers a distinct voice. When viewed together, they form a composite image of a region in transformation. This Southeast Asia is not defined by fixed identities but by movement, negotiation, and multiplicity.
10×3 positions itself not as a survey but as a curatorial statement. It proposes that painting remains a vital and resonant language through which emerging artists in Southeast Asia explore the intersections of culture, history, and the present moment. The exhibition invites broader reflections on the role of young artists in shaping contemporary discourse and how they balance authenticity, experimentation, and visibility in a rapidly shifting cultural economy.
In the Midst of Destruction
In the Midst of Destruction
122 x 91.5cm
Acrylic on Canvas
2025
Demi Padua
In the Midst of Destruction
In the Midst of Destruction
122 x 91.5cm
Acrylic on Canvas
2025
Demi Padua
Anything Goes, Everything Now: Bones
Abenk Alter
125.5 x 40cm
Mixed Media & Collage on Paper
2024
Anything Goes, Everything Now: Bones
Abenk Alter
125.5 x 40cm
Mixed Media & Collage on Paper
2024
Anything Goes, Everything Now: Free Your Mind
Abenk Alter
125.5 x 40cm
Mixed Media & Collage on Paper
2024
Anything Goes, Everything Now: Free Your Mind
Abenk Alter
125.5 x 40cm
Mixed Media & Collage on Paper
2024
Muses and The Garden of Unknown #1
Abenk Alter
100 x 80cm
Acrylic, Oil Stick & Pastel on Canvas
2024
Muses and The Garden of Unknown #1
Abenk Alter
100 x 80cm
Acrylic, Oil Stick & Pastel on Canvas
2024
Muses and The Garden of Unknown #2
Abenk Alter
100 x 80cm
Acrylic, Oil Stick & Pastel on Canvas
2024
Muses and The Garden of Unknown #2
Abenk Alter
100 x 80cm
Acrylic, Oil Stick & Pastel on Canvas
2024
Love & Chaos: The End of the Beginning
Shafiq Nordin
182 x 158cm
Acrylic on Canvas
2025
‘Love & Chaos: The End of the Beginning’ reflects the artist’s wish as a father. He imagines riding a pop-colored horse with his child, moving through a chaotic world, not with weapons, but with colors and hope. The horse becomes a symbol of strength and peace, carrying them toward calm. This work is his quiet plea for a gentler world where his child can grow up surrounded by wonder, not war.
Love & Chaos: The End of the Beginning
Shafiq Nordin
182 x 158cm
Acrylic on Canvas
2025
‘Love & Chaos: The End of the Beginning’ reflects the artist’s wish as a father. He imagines riding a pop-colored horse with his child, moving through a chaotic world, not with weapons, but with colors and hope. The horse becomes a symbol of strength and peace, carrying them toward calm. This work is his quiet plea for a gentler world where his child can grow up surrounded by wonder, not war.
The Lobster Wants To Be A Butterfly
Shafiq Nordin
98 x 80cm
Acrylic on Canvas Mounted on Mdf
2025
This piece tells the story of an impossible dream, where a deep-sea lobster longs to become a butterfly. It symbolizes those trapped in oppression, like the people of Gaza, who continue to dream of freedom. Vibrant colors reflect the noise of social media and propaganda, masking real suffering. The melting peace symbol, along with chaotic patterns and hidden symbols, turns this artwork into a silent protest and reflection of an absurd world.
The Lobster Wants To Be A Butterfly
Shafiq Nordin
98 x 80cm
Acrylic on Canvas Mounted on Mdf
2025
This piece tells the story of an impossible dream, where a deep-sea lobster longs to become a butterfly. It symbolizes those trapped in oppression, like the people of Gaza, who continue to dream of freedom. Vibrant colors reflect the noise of social media and propaganda, masking real suffering. The melting peace symbol, along with chaotic patterns and hidden symbols, turns this artwork into a silent protest and reflection of an absurd world.
Penunggang Makhluk Kayangan
Nik M Shazmie
150 x 150cm
Acrylic on Canvas
2025
'Penunggang Makhluk Kayangan' (Divine Realm Beast Rider) exposes the dark undercurrents of power and influence, where individuals in politics, business, or social circles exploit elite connections for personal gain. A devil-like figure riding a massive shark under an eerie yellow glow symbolizes the calculated, often hidden nature of manipulation and ambition. The shark’s strength reflects dominance, while the rider represents those who mask self-interest behind charm and authority. This work highlights how unchecked power in any realm quietly shapes society from the shadows.
Penunggang Makhluk Kayangan
Nik M Shazmie
150 x 150cm
Acrylic on Canvas
2025
'Penunggang Makhluk Kayangan' (Divine Realm Beast Rider) exposes the dark undercurrents of power and influence, where individuals in politics, business, or social circles exploit elite connections for personal gain. A devil-like figure riding a massive shark under an eerie yellow glow symbolizes the calculated, often hidden nature of manipulation and ambition. The shark’s strength reflects dominance, while the rider represents those who mask self-interest behind charm and authority. This work highlights how unchecked power in any realm quietly shapes society from the shadows.
Kebal Demi Kesejahteraan
Nik M Shazmie
150 x 150cm
Acrylic on Canvas
2025
KEBAL DEMI KESEJAHTERAAN (Invisible for the Sake of the Greater Good) portrays a wolf in sheep’s clothing, living among sheep, symbolizing political figures who hide their predatory nature behind a mask of virtue. Surrounded by knives that cannot pierce it, the work critiques hypocrisy, immunity and the lack of accountability in power.
This new painting series features clay animals encased in clay boxes, offering a poignant commentary on the current political climate. Through symbolic animal figures, the artist explores the complexities of power, deceit and destruction within a confined political agenda.
Kebal Demi Kesejahteraan
Nik M Shazmie
150 x 150cm
Acrylic on Canvas
2025
KEBAL DEMI KESEJAHTERAAN (Invisible for the Sake of the Greater Good) portrays a wolf in sheep’s clothing, living among sheep, symbolizing political figures who hide their predatory nature behind a mask of virtue. Surrounded by knives that cannot pierce it, the work critiques hypocrisy, immunity and the lack of accountability in power.
This new painting series features clay animals encased in clay boxes, offering a poignant commentary on the current political climate. Through symbolic animal figures, the artist explores the complexities of power, deceit and destruction within a confined political agenda.
Tiang Langit Retak
Nik M Shazmie
150 x 150cm
Acrylic on Canvas
2025
TIANG LANGIT RETAK (The Cracked Sky Pillar) depicts a tiger and a bear locked in fierce combat, causing devastation that shakes everything around them. The clash symbolizes destructive political rivalries, showing how power struggles and ego-driven conflicts can weaken the nation’s foundation, damaging social unity, trust and progress and threatening overall stability.
Tiang Langit Retak
Nik M Shazmie
150 x 150cm
Acrylic on Canvas
2025
TIANG LANGIT RETAK (The Cracked Sky Pillar) depicts a tiger and a bear locked in fierce combat, causing devastation that shakes everything around them. The clash symbolizes destructive political rivalries, showing how power struggles and ego-driven conflicts can weaken the nation’s foundation, damaging social unity, trust and progress and threatening overall stability.
Menanti (Waiting) & Doa (Wishing)
Khairudin Zainudin
75x75cm each
Acrylic on Canvas & Wood Frame
2025
RM12,000 (Diptych)
It is most fitting for these two works to be presented as a diptych, because they reflect the emotional contrast between a husband and wife in two very different settings. The wife is portrayed like a little queen in the calm palace, sacred space, surrounded by a beautifully ornate frame that suggests peace and stability. In contrast, the husband is shown facing the rough, unpredictable sea, representing the harsh reality and struggle of providing for the family
Menanti (Waiting) & Doa (Wishing)
Khairudin Zainudin
75x75cm each
Acrylic on Canvas & Wood Frame
2025
RM12,000 (Diptych)
It is most fitting for these two works to be presented as a diptych, because they reflect the emotional contrast between a husband and wife in two very different settings. The wife is portrayed like a little queen in the calm palace, sacred space, surrounded by a beautifully ornate frame that suggests peace and stability. In contrast, the husband is shown facing the rough, unpredictable sea, representing the harsh reality and struggle of providing for the family
Doa (Wishing)
Khairudin Zainudin
75 x 75cm
Acrylic on Canvas & Wood Frame
2025
At the break of dawn, while the sea still rests beneath a blanket of mist, a man lifts his hands in silent prayer. He places his fate in the hands of the heavens as he faces the vast, unpredictable ocean in search of sustenance.
On the shore, his wife waits with quiet strength. She does not wait merely out of longing, but with steadfast hope. Her eyes remain fixed on the horizon as she offers her own silent prayers, wishing for her husband’s safe return.
These paired works portray the quiet endurance of a fisherman and his wife. Their lives are bound by the sea, by devotion, and by the willingness to surrender to the unknown. One endures the waves; the other carries the weight of faith.
The artist’s careful rendering captures both the quiet beauty of devotion and the strength that underpins it. The classically painted floral frames enhance this symbolism. One frame, vibrant and harmonious, represents the ideal life the husband strives to provide. The other, more chaotic and textured, reflects the harsh realities and unseen struggles that make such dreams possible. Together, they create an emotional contrast between serenity and survival, between stability and sacrifice.
Doa (Wishing)
Khairudin Zainudin
75 x 75cm
Acrylic on Canvas & Wood Frame
2025
At the break of dawn, while the sea still rests beneath a blanket of mist, a man lifts his hands in silent prayer. He places his fate in the hands of the heavens as he faces the vast, unpredictable ocean in search of sustenance.
On the shore, his wife waits with quiet strength. She does not wait merely out of longing, but with steadfast hope. Her eyes remain fixed on the horizon as she offers her own silent prayers, wishing for her husband’s safe return.
These paired works portray the quiet endurance of a fisherman and his wife. Their lives are bound by the sea, by devotion, and by the willingness to surrender to the unknown. One endures the waves; the other carries the weight of faith.
The artist’s careful rendering captures both the quiet beauty of devotion and the strength that underpins it. The classically painted floral frames enhance this symbolism. One frame, vibrant and harmonious, represents the ideal life the husband strives to provide. The other, more chaotic and textured, reflects the harsh realities and unseen struggles that make such dreams possible. Together, they create an emotional contrast between serenity and survival, between stability and sacrifice.
Menanti (Waiting)
Khairudin Zainudin
75 x 75cm
Acrylic on Canvas & Wood Frame
2025
At the break of dawn, while the sea still rests beneath a blanket of mist, a man lifts his hands in silent prayer. He places his fate in the hands of the heavens as he faces the vast, unpredictable ocean in search of sustenance.
On the shore, his wife waits with quiet strength. She does not wait merely out of longing, but with steadfast hope. Her eyes remain fixed on the horizon as she offers her own silent prayers, wishing for her husband’s safe return.
These paired works portray the quiet endurance of a fisherman and his wife. Their lives are bound by the sea, by devotion, and by the willingness to surrender to the unknown. One endures the waves; the other carries the weight of faith.
The artist’s careful rendering captures both the quiet beauty of devotion and the strength that underpins it. The classically painted floral frames enhance this symbolism. One frame, vibrant and harmonious, represents the ideal life the husband strives to provide. The other, more chaotic and textured, reflects the harsh realities and unseen struggles that make such dreams possible. Together, they create an emotional contrast between serenity and survival, between stability and sacrifice.
Menanti (Waiting)
Khairudin Zainudin
75 x 75cm
Acrylic on Canvas & Wood Frame
2025
At the break of dawn, while the sea still rests beneath a blanket of mist, a man lifts his hands in silent prayer. He places his fate in the hands of the heavens as he faces the vast, unpredictable ocean in search of sustenance.
On the shore, his wife waits with quiet strength. She does not wait merely out of longing, but with steadfast hope. Her eyes remain fixed on the horizon as she offers her own silent prayers, wishing for her husband’s safe return.
These paired works portray the quiet endurance of a fisherman and his wife. Their lives are bound by the sea, by devotion, and by the willingness to surrender to the unknown. One endures the waves; the other carries the weight of faith.
The artist’s careful rendering captures both the quiet beauty of devotion and the strength that underpins it. The classically painted floral frames enhance this symbolism. One frame, vibrant and harmonious, represents the ideal life the husband strives to provide. The other, more chaotic and textured, reflects the harsh realities and unseen struggles that make such dreams possible. Together, they create an emotional contrast between serenity and survival, between stability and sacrifice.
Colour Constellation
NPAAW
150 x 100cm
Acrylic & Spray Paint on Canvas
2025
Through a repetitive process that challenges patience and rewards focus, the act of creation becomes as important as the image itself. The work reflects a state of quiet endurance and control, inviting viewers into a hypnotic space where the line between presence and absence blurs. In this constellation of color and form, the eye constantly searches, only to return again to the grid, endlessly open, endlessly contained.
Colour Constellation
NPAAW
150 x 100cm
Acrylic & Spray Paint on Canvas
2025
Through a repetitive process that challenges patience and rewards focus, the act of creation becomes as important as the image itself. The work reflects a state of quiet endurance and control, inviting viewers into a hypnotic space where the line between presence and absence blurs. In this constellation of color and form, the eye constantly searches, only to return again to the grid, endlessly open, endlessly contained.
Click to view Artist Profile
- Abenk Alter
- Addy Debil
- Cedrick Dela Paz
- Demi Padua
- Miller Laberinto
- NPAAW
- Pongbayog
