THE REMNANTS OF A DREAM

The third and final chapter of Izat Arif's trilogy, Tinggal Kenangan showcases the failed dreams of Izat's fictional town, centered on the grounds of the legendary Gunung Ledang.

- ALISON LOH

IN 2019, Malaysian artist Izat Arif embarked on a creative journey to build the fictional town of Taman Kenangan, nestled in the mythical setting of Gunung Ledang-also known as Mount Ophir. Izat's vision was split into three exhibitions, each representing a different phase of the town's development: the planning, the execution, and ultimately, the end result.

To bring these stages to life, Izat adopted different personas for each exhibition. First, as an architect-bureaucrat, he designed a new township. Then, as a real estate developer, he sought to sell the vision. Now, after four years, Izat completes the trilogy by taking on the role of an archaeologist. The final exhibition, Tinggal Kenangan (2024), imagines the discovery of the abandoned project, reflecting on the remnants of what could have been.

Through Tinggal Kenangan, Izat leans into the commodification of Malaysia's land, culture, and history, using contemporary styles to craft a world that feels eerily familiar. In this world, the images resonate with a sense of déjà vu, where meaning is elusive and reality elusive.

Curated by Lim Sheau Yun, the exhibition features drawings, sculptures, and dioramas, satirically critiquing humanity's choices, spiritual beliefs, and misplaced optimism with humour and detail. Runs until Nov 9 at A+ Works of Art, d6 Trade Centre, Sentul, Kuala Lumpur.

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