NOR’S NUSANTARA

In this episode, we embark on a journey in the Nusantara with Khir Johari, through his multi-award-winning book The Food of Singapore Malays: Gastronomic Travels. Together, we explore a rich heritage — culture, traditions, and people—through Khir’s perspective. Growing up in Gedung Kuning, a historic villa on the grounds of Singapore's last Sultan at Kampong Gelam, Khir offers a rare glimpse into his memories, deep insights into its culture, and a fascinating collection of artefacts. Whether you're new to the topic or well-versed in it, this episode promises an enriching exploration of a world that continues to inspire.

Welcome to today’s episode, where we immerse ourselves in the fascinating world of ancient maritime networks with Dr. Stephen Murphy. Join us as we investigate the mystery of a remarkable 9th-century shipwreck discovered off Belitung Island, Southern Sumatra. This incredible find, now housed at the Asian Civilisations Museum and expertly curated by Stephen, has transformed our perspective on the Nusantara trade routes and their pivotal role in the ancient global economy.Stephen also brings us insights from his latest book, “Buddhist Landscapes: Art and Archaeology of the Khorat Plateau, 7th to 11th Centuries,” a discovery that casts new light on the influence of Buddhism in the region during the early millennia rendering regional . Followed by his exhibition “Raffles in Southeast Asia” which made history by showcasing the royal regalia of Johor Riau Lingga’s last sultan for the first time in Asia. Tune in for an episode packed with history, art, and groundbreaking discoveries!

In this episode, we’re joined by renowned art historian T.K. Sabapathy to delve into the ancient roots of Nusantara art. Taking us back to the pre-modern era, T.K. explains how archaeologists and philologists, rather than art historians, were the first to apply the term “art” to Southeast Asia’s heritage, as they encountered works framed within Hindu-Buddhist cosmologies. Through two key examples of early Hindu-Buddhist art of Prambanan and Borobudur temples in Java, T.K. illuminates the symbolic depth and historical significance embedded in these ancient art forms, offering us a rare look into the foundational layers of art in the Nusantara region. Join us for this enlightening exploration of Southeast Asia’s rich artistic legacy.

Nor’s Nusantara X Money FM98.3In our Singapore Home Brew segment where we look at the rich maritime history, art, and culture of the Nusantara — an interconnected region shaped by centuries of trade, migration, and creativity. Joining us today are two guests who discuss Singapore’s role in this vast and layered story. Nor Wang, Founder, Nor’s Nusantara Podcast and Richard Hassell, Co-Founder, WOHA Architects join Saturday Mornings Host Glenn van Zutphen and Co-host Neil Humphreys

In this pilot episode of Nor’s Nusantara, we re-examine Singapore from the vantage point of maritime Southeast Asia’s urgent ecological and cultural shifts through her curatorial leadership as Founding Director of NTU Centre for Contemporary Art. We discuss her work with maritime communities in "Climate Crisis and Cultural Loss," highlighting her oceanic journey from the Pacific to Riau as expedition leader for TBA21–Academy's The Current, navigating climate-vulnerable Pacific archipelagos. In re-looking visual clichés of Southeast Asia, we discuss the centre’s artists’ residencies such as Robert Zhao, whose photographs of Christmas Island challenge stereotypical narratives of exoticism and otherness. His work offers fresh perspectives on regional identity and environmental care. When the seas are forgotten, we return to "Arus Balik: From Below the Wind to Above the Wind and Back Again", a project inspired by political prisoner Pramoedya’s book on the decline of Majapahit’s maritime power in the 16th century because they turned their backs to the sea. Curated by Ade Dermawan and Philippe Pirotte, it features Melati Suryodarmo’s Dancing under the Black Sky (2019), exploring Reog dance performance as resistance during Majapahit’s decline.For over 30 years of, she has curated major exhibitions; Documenta 11 with the late Okwui Enwezor, renowned for its politically engaged approach that highlighted diverse voices and social justice. She was also part of Documenta's Finding Commission with Amar Kanwar and Philippe Pirotte among others, instrumental in appointing ruangrupa as its first Asian artistic directors.Ute has held key roles at the Royal College of Art London, MIT, and Vienna’s Academy of Fine Arts. Her curatorial work includes the 3rd Berlin Biennale and the U.S. Pavilion at Venice 56 with Joan Jonas. Recently, she received an Honorary Doctorate from Aalto University in Finland.

Exciting podcast coming soon! NOR’S NUSANTARA is a podcast series that explores the essence of the Nusantara through the language of art by highlighting influential voices, thinkers and creators in the sphere of culture from Singapore and beyond. Directed and produced by Nor, it is part of her ongoing research to explore how the language of art can contribute new knowledge towards understanding the contexts we are in.