4 days ago
Sabahan artist's epic Kaamatan-inspired folio transformed into children's book
A close-up view of Leong's 'Pesta Menuai' children's book, featuring text in Bahasa Malaysia, English, and Dusun. Photo: Rizo Leong
In August 2023, Sabahan woodcut artist Rizo Leong exhibited an epic "art book" installation titled Tadau Kaamatan (harvest festival), which was showcased at the GoBlock: Senibuku group show in Kuala Lumpur.
Printed on a long sheet of paper, Tadau Kaamatan, measuring 4.3m in length, celebrates the rice-growing journey – from ploughing and planting to harvest – honouring farmers' labour and the spirit of cooperation.
In an art gallery space, it remains Leong's longest woodcut artwork.
The 14-page book 'Pesta Menuai' covers the process of planting and harvesting paddy that is traditionally carried out by the entire community among the farming villages in Sabah. Photo: Rizo Leong
Nearly two years later, the art folio has been reimagined as Pesta Menuai, Leong's first children's book – bringing Sabahan harvest festival art and celebrations to young readers through illustrations and storytelling.
'I turned it into a children's book because as a proud Sabahan, I want to keep our culture and traditions alive. What better way to preserve them than by teaching younger generations through stories?" says Leong.
The book was released to coincide with this year's Kaamatan, the annual Kadazandusun harvest festival, and is available at the Arcane Literature and Kinderstories Hub booth at the 2025 Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair, held at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.
Sabahan printmaker Rizo Leong (right) alongside Memeto Jeck, a fellow artist. Both of them are part of the Pangrok Sulap collective. Photo: Rizo Leong
Leong, a founding member of the Pangrok Sulap art collective formed in Ranau, Sabah, hopes the book will reach both local and international audiences. Written in Bahasa Malaysia, English, and Dusun, the 14-page book also highlights the strong community spirit of Sabah's farming villages.
'I also wanted to write the book (in three languages) because as a culturally-diverse country, I feel it is very important to use as many languages as possible if we want to spread knowledge of our traditions for educational and illustrative purposes, especially in Sabah,' he adds.
Pesta Menuai might be Leong's first children's book as a writer and illustrator, but he's no stranger to the genre, having illustrated the Alak series with writer Salhan K. Ahmad.
Leong's 'Tadau Kaamatan' art book installation, measuring 4.3m long, was showcased at the 'GoBlock: Senibuku' exhibition at Cult Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, in August 2023. It has since been adapted into a children's book titled 'Pesta Menuai'. Photo: The Star/Filepic
Leong sees Pesta Menuai as a book for all ages – a Sabahan story meant for everyone.
'I think readers of all ages can learn and appreciate the book's main message, which is the importance of retaining our customs and culture,' he concludes.
Pesta Menuai, priced at RM15, is also available by mail (postal charges apply). In Kota Kinabalu, you can find it at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) and Ruang Tamu Ekosistem at Alamesra.
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