The Focus Art Fair in New York, a celebration of contemporary Asian art, offered a poignant reminder that even as technology advances, human connection remains the true masterpiece.

Upon entering, I was immediately greeted by an eerie digital self with a giant eyeball, symbolising the unsettling fusion of man and machine. The theme, “human-technology coexistence,” felt both topical and corporate, given the tech giant LG Electronics as one of the sponsors.

Among the exhibits, Ukrainian-born twins F-Twins stood out for their Primarealism movement, advocating self-determination in a world dominated by AI. Their pieces at the Opening Gallery entrance showcased an interconnectedness between themselves and the broader world, reflecting on our collective desire to think critically.

In more political territory, Annu Yadav’s ‘This Land is Wounded’ dripped hibiscus juice onto her miniature model of the Himalayas, a powerful commentary on militarised borders. Nearby, Taezoo Park’s ‘Hacked Snoopy’ and ‘Yellow Candle with Sony 5-303W’ sculptures offered a poignant critique of neglected technological relics.

Popstar Kento Senga shared his artwork with his grandmother, using FiNGA to connect and heal from Alzheimer's. At Galerie Shibumi, Ari Kim’s large-scale painting of two long-braided figures symbolised historical connections, blurring the lines between humans and supernatural entities.