An encounter of 12 independent spaces from the Nordic countries and Southeast Asia, accompanied by a public program, was curated by Tenthaus (Oslo), Bunga Siagian (Jakarta), and Jatiwangi Art Factory (Majalengka).

The tropics were those imaginary lines where the sun, positioned at the zenith, paused after each cycle before shifting toward a new direction. Humanity seemed to be going through a similar time—a solstice-like state—where the organic and artificial structures that had sustained the dominant form of civilization were no longer useful, while others, emerging from the margins, had already begun to appear and organize.

This was also a time of extreme polarity, a condition that divided the human species by projecting identity in opposition to the other. Paradoxically, polarity embodied the basic principle of attraction: it was the tension between opposing poles that generated movement and impulse, drawing elements together and allowing energy to flow.

Observing these phenomena, Polar and Tropic proposed an encounter between art spaces that came from opposite extremes—the Nordic region and Southeast Asia—and formed cultural ecosystems sustained by networks of collaboration and solidarity. Confronting the hegemonic idea of equilibrium through radical self-interest, the practices developed by these projects suggested the opposite model, expanding the region of artistic creation and exploring new ways of relating, forming networks, and building shared spaces.

The program brought together twelve independent spaces from both regions through booth exhibitions and an extensive public program. Curated by Tenthaus, Bunga Siagian, and Jatiwangi Art Factory, it included a video presentation with AV-arkki (Helsinki) and MES 56 (Yogyakarta), a common prints exhibition in collaboration with Lumbung Press, and a radio program with Station of Commons/Lumbung Radio.

The guiding question of this gathering was how to expand the networks—and how to make them sustainable. How to continue building lasting structures of mutual support and collaboration, capable of sustaining possible futures.