4 days ago
Negaraku II Explores Malaysia's Story Through Art In George Town
By Siti Azila Alias
GEORGE TOWN, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- As Malaysians proudly fly the Jalur Gemilang ahead of the National Day, the spirit of patriotism, unity and hope for the future is also finding its voice through art.
A year after unveiling negaraku, an exhibition honouring the nation's journey from independence to its future possibilites, art collector Bingley Sim and his wife Ima Norbinsha return with negaraku II, a more expansive sequel that goes deeper into the complexities of Malaysian identity.
Running throughout the month (until Aug 31) at Hin Bus Depot, Jalan Gurdwara here, negaraku II showcases compelling works from the private collection of Sim, 62, and Ima, 63, two passionate champions of socially conscious Malaysian contemporary art.
Curated by Ivan Gabriel, the exhibition features 35 works from the couple's private collection, with some presented as thematic sets, bringing the total number of individual pieces to about 60, divided into six chapters.
In an interview with Bernama, Sim explained that the first chapter titled 'Pejuang-Pejuang' (Warriors), begins with a 1511 masterpiece by Edroger Rosili depicting the Portuguese arrival, a reminder of a history Malaysians must not forget, as their ancestors lived under colonial rule for centuries.
He said the second chapter 'Malaysia, Truly Asia' takes inspiration from the well-known tourism slogan, highlighting the country's rich cultural diversity while also addressing the underlying challenges that coexist with its beauty.
'Third chapter 'Pendatang?' (Immigrants?) is quite core in this show because this is something very close to curator Ivan. It explores the migrant roots of many Malaysians, in fact, many of our parents or grandparents, in my case, were actually a migrant and became an immigrant from China,' he said.
In Chapter 4 titled 'Sama-sama' (Together), Sim pointed out that it celebrates Malaysia's food culture as a unifying bridge between communities, while highlighting historical connections beyond popular eateries.
