Art for Change: Meet the Judges for Asia

This year’s prize asks emerging artists to submit work in response to the theme ‘Regeneration’, bringing the opportunity to create new stories of a liveable future and motivate people to do what it takes to be a driving force for the change we need. 

Six winners from around the world will be decided by some of the best business and creative minds from the M&C Saatchi Group globally and eminent guest judges. 

In this Art for Change series, we hear from our regional judges. Find out what makes them tick artistically, why this year’s theme is so critical, and what they are looking for in our winners.

Introducing our judges for Asia: Ali Shabaz, chief creative officer at M&C Saatchi Singapore, Dami Sidharta, chief creative officer at M&C Saatchi Indonesia, Nadya Wang, Editor of Art & Market and Fashion & Market, Lecturer at LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore.

Q> If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Ali > The power to heal hearts of negativity.

Dami > With my working hours, the traffic in Jakarta, and the fact that my wife and kid are both living in Germany, definitely teleportation.

Nadya > To be present in the moment.

Q> How would you sum up your job in three words?

Ali > Ideas. Courage. Change.

Dami > Being silly responsibly.

Nadya > Spotlighting creative talent.

Q> Where do you find inspiration for your work?

Ali > From real world conversations and people who work in fields other than advertising.

Dami > I steal them from other people’s stories. If you meet enough people and spend enough time listening to their stories, you have enough inspiration for all your work.

Nadya > From all the good work that fellow practitioners do in the community. 

Q> Why did you agree to judge this year’s Art for Change Prize?

Ali > The theme is powerful. Also, it’s a level playing field and just about anyone has the chance to be recognised as the next big artist.

Dami > I just want to be amazed by the artist and their works. And maybe steal some of their brilliance.

Nadya > It aligns with my ambition to facilitate opportunities for emerging artists, especially from Southeast Asia.

Q> This year’s theme is ‘Regeneration’. Why do you think this theme is so important?

Ali > We are facing a crisis of resources that can threaten our very existence. “Regeneration” is a highly relevant theme that art can bring a lot of attention to.

Dami > It’s important because of the urgency. Because the world cannot wait. And because we have the power to regenerate the world for the better.

Nadya > It gives us hope for a better, more sustainable future. 

Q> If you could have your portrait painted by one artist from art history, who would it be?

Ali > Salvador Dali. (I’m sure it would be hilarious)

Dami > Nowadays I can get any great artist who has ever lived to paint me using AI. Well, almost. I want Shakespeare to paint my portrait with words.

Nadya > Yeo Tze-Yang

Q> You’re judging entries for Asia. What will you be looking for as a judge?

Ali > Asia is a hotbed of cultural diversity and I’m hoping to see how artists reflect that using the theme.

Dami > Power to provoke change. It’ll be great if it comes rich in Asian culture.

Nadya > A distinct point of view.

Q> Do you think art can create meaningful change?

Ali > It can certainly get the conversation started and bring people together.

Dami > Only the great ones.

Nadya > A resounding yes!