Southeast Asia comprises two broad geographical regions – the Mainland and the Archipelago. The former refers to Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar and Peninsular Malaysia. The latter is made up of the island arcs and archipelagos of the Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore and West Malaysia.

The diverse region of Southeast Asia is home to about 500 million people. The history and society of Southeast Asia have been shaped by a confluence of geographical, historical and cultural forces. With exhibits drawn from the National Heritage Board's permanent collection, the theme Earth and Water conjoins two of life's basic elements with the Mainland and the Archipelago. These works by the region's best known artists further offer multiple manifestations of life, society and traditions of Southeast Asia.

This show is a special research exhibition by the National Art Gallery, Singapore, held on the premises of the Singapore Art Museum.