There would seem to be two forces that will often tug on an artist from opposite directions. There is the need for inner exploration of the conflicts and possibilities inherent in individual humane development, and there is the tug from the world outside which is filled with corruption, racism, injustice, intolerance, violence and unresolved issues from the historical past. President Obama promised a pivot away from Europe and toward Asia during his presidency since Asia had been sorely neglected by past administrations, and Sundaram Tagore Gallery pivots nicely toward Southeast Asia in its current and very significant show, toward an area of the art world that has been sorely neglected in our neck of the woods. This show focuses on the tug from the outside world and history on Southeast Asian artists as we see artists who seem to feel that their social conditions are of such pressing concerns that the political has to trump the personal, although the show also demonstrates personal development, engagement and commitment as a means to gain greater peace and justice.