On Your Radar is our weekly deep-dive into the tastes and top picks of a creative involved in London’s arts and culture community. By unravelling their thoughts, opinions and favourite things about the city, we unveil an exploration of the capital through the eyes of the insiders. For this edition, we caught up with Bart Seng Wen, co-curator at Kawaii agency.
Born and bread in Singapore, Bart is an artist currently based in London. Working primarly with photography and moving images, his practice draws on uncanny scenes of festishisation, confabulation and meditation. He is also co-curator of Kawaii Agency, a curatorial project with a focus on up-and-coming artists, yassified Gen Z aesthetics, digital cultures, transdisciplinary experimentation and quirky new ideas.
We spoke with Bart to discover his top cultural spots in the city.
The ICA is always doing a great job in championing underrepresented critical art practices that are radical and urgent. The range of programming is very diverse, from cinema to live gigs to solo exhibitions.
Gray Wielebinski, The Red Sun is High, The Blue Low, 2023
A local cinema with a deep passion for arthouse films. Brilliant curation with a lovely bar area...
A London-based art organisation that focuses on contemporary digital art. Their Canning Town gallery features cutting-edge artists and ambitious installations.
Zach Blas, CULTUS, 2023. Installation view, arebyte Gallery, London. Image: Max Colson
I've always enjoyed their curation, and I'm thankful for their endless contributions to contemporary photography practices. The gallery hosts the annual Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize exhibition - always a must-see.
The best night out in London currently. Hot, safe and has the right atmosphere for absolute sleaze.
Gasworks Gallery is constantly pushing the possibilities of visuals arts and research-based practise.
Their show with Nina Davies was incredible. A really special and unforgettable experience. Every time they have a new show on, it's straight to my notifications.
Installation view of Nina Davies, Precursing, at Matt’s Gallery, London (2023)