Stolen artefacts—objects that are smuggled and traded in underground networks—take centre stage in Maeve Brennan’s investigations. The artist examines the life of these objects, across time and place, seeking to expose the hidden narratives that surround them.

Brennan is driven by a curiosity to understand the material histories and economic systems that operate just below the surface but nevertheless have a profound impact on society. Her practice combines extensive research and long-term collaborations with documentary-style filmmaking, unearthing overlooked and often deliberately concealed narratives.

RECORDS is the artist’s first presentation in Asia, and it brings together works from The Goods, an ongoing project that delves into the international traffic in looted antiquities. Since 2018, Brennan has collaborated closely with forensic archaeologists to tell stories of an underground economy involving smugglers, dealers, collectors and museums, as well as the looted tombs and excavated lands that are left behind.

This exhibition marks the premiere of Brennan’s film Siticulosa, which traces the origin of looted objects back to southern Italy. By weaving together stories from local inhabitants, the film addresses the impact of illicit archaeological excavations on the landscape and the lives of people in this region.