Malaysian Spring dawns amidst political messages
Aidila RazakPublished: Aug 27, 2013 8:03 AM | Updated: Aug 27, 2013 2:44 PM
Although not part of the official state co-organised M50 Selamat Hari Malaysia art show, the controversial Malaysian Spring installation has found life, just metres away from the main show.
Although not part of the official state co-organised M50 Selamat Hari Malaysia art show, the controversial Malaysian Spring installation has found life, just metres away from the main show.
On the Art Row of the Publika Mall, the little flags have risen from the ground and are now surrounded by other seemingly political messages.
Adopted by pro-Pakatan Rakyat groups in the 13th general election campaign, the brainchild of landscape architect Ng Sek San was initially considered "inappropriate" for M50 due to the state's involvement.
The Culture and Tourism Ministry and Balai Seni Visual Negara (BSVN) are co-organisers of the show, and there were concerns over the 'Malaysian Spring', as the minister is due to launch the show on Sept 8.
Sharing the space with two other bold artworks in a seeming compromise, however, seems to have enhanced the message of the Malaysian Spring.
On its part, the latest version of the Malaysian Spring has transformed from being stuck to the ground, before, to floating up to the sky.
Lingam, Anwar and fictional parties
On one wall, Saiful Razman's installation features familiar names and faces: a canvas block with a picture of a judge's wig and has the words 'Pelan Cap' and 'Lingam', while a caricature of Anwar Ibrahim comes with the words 'Pelan Cap' and 'Rakyat'.
Ironically, BSVN, which Ng earlier said had "banned" his work from the main show, is also featured in Saiful's artwork, with the words 'Pelan Cap' and 'Seni'.
On the other side of the room, posters by visual artist Munkao show different types of fictional political parties, some of which also sound very familiar.
This includes the 'Malay Nationalist Party' whose logo features several keris and membership is only open to Malays.
This party, the poster states, is incompatible with the Socialist Party, Social Justice Party and Social Democrats Party.
The posters are enlarged versions of cards from the card game Politiko he co-created with the group LoyarBurok earlier this year.
Neither Ng, Saiful nor Munkao are part of the 50 artists who are officially part of the M50.
However, their work is located just next door to that of Yee I-Lann and Chi Too, who are among the 50 artists. The duo are due to show their work as part of the M50 next month.
According to co-organiser MapKL@Publika, the M50 Selamat Hari Malaysia celebrates Malaysia's 50th anniversary as a nation state, and is on display from today until Sept 17.
Although many of the works are displayed at Publika's White Box gallery, some are displayed in the Publika Mall thoroughfare.
The M50 is also a collaboration with several other galleries, which curate their own collections in various venues nationwide.
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On the Art Row of the Publika Mall, the little flags have risen from the ground and are now surrounded by other seemingly political messages.Adopted by pro-Pakatan Rakyat groups in the 13th general election campaign, the brainchild of landscape architect Ng Sek San was initially considered "inappropriate" for M50 due to the state's involvement.
The Culture and Tourism Ministry and Balai Seni Visual Negara (BSVN) are co-organisers of the show, and there were concerns over the 'Malaysian Spring', as the minister is due to launch the show on Sept 8.
Sharing the space with two other bold artworks in a seeming compromise, however, seems to have enhanced the message of the Malaysian Spring.
On its part, the latest version of the Malaysian Spring has transformed from being stuck to the ground, before, to floating up to the sky.
Lingam, Anwar and fictional parties
On one wall, Saiful Razman's installation features familiar names and faces: a canvas block with a picture of a judge's wig and has the words 'Pelan Cap' and 'Lingam', while a caricature of Anwar Ibrahim comes with the words 'Pelan Cap' and 'Rakyat'.
Ironically, BSVN, which Ng earlier said had "banned" his work from the main show, is also featured in Saiful's artwork, with the words 'Pelan Cap' and 'Seni'.On the other side of the room, posters by visual artist Munkao show different types of fictional political parties, some of which also sound very familiar.
This includes the 'Malay Nationalist Party' whose logo features several keris and membership is only open to Malays.
This party, the poster states, is incompatible with the Socialist Party, Social Justice Party and Social Democrats Party.
The posters are enlarged versions of cards from the card game Politiko he co-created with the group LoyarBurok earlier this year.
Neither Ng, Saiful nor Munkao are part of the 50 artists who are officially part of the M50.However, their work is located just next door to that of Yee I-Lann and Chi Too, who are among the 50 artists. The duo are due to show their work as part of the M50 next month.
According to co-organiser MapKL@Publika, the M50 Selamat Hari Malaysia celebrates Malaysia's 50th anniversary as a nation state, and is on display from today until Sept 17.
Although many of the works are displayed at Publika's White Box gallery, some are displayed in the Publika Mall thoroughfare.
The M50 is also a collaboration with several other galleries, which curate their own collections in various venues nationwide.
Related stories
Separate fact from fiction, filmmakers told
Kit Siang wants RCI on May 13 bloodletting
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