Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to sit behind Tunku Abdul Rahman as he declared “Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!” in 1957? Or missed shopping in the kedai runcit that once constituted our local grocery trips? Or read historical accounts written in the colonial era and wondered how the events transpired from a Malay perspective? Well, several Malaysian contemporary artists have, and presented their imaginings to us in artworks inspired by archives as a means to decode Malaysia’s complex history.
Renegotiating archival material compels many Malaysian artists. This might be via sepia toned photographs and written documents we immediately consider archival. Other times it comes through objects, recordings or architecture. As an ex-British colony, this archival turn in Malaysian art takes on significance. After all, archives originally rose to prominence in 19th century culture during the expansion of European colonial empires. For us, to reclaim archival information often selected and presented via the colonial lens offers one route for fuller conversations on Malaysian history and identity to sprout.
This story is from the August 2023 edition of Prestige Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2023 edition of Prestige Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
PARTY TIME
Whether it's partying to forget, cultural enrichment, or a new wellness routine, we're right there with you on bringing forth 2025.
HOLIDAY CHEERS
With the season of togetherness upon us, it's only natural that these latest releases are born from collaborations that celebrate unity and shared sentiments.
STILL THE ONE
With a distinctive design including an off-centre dial, outsize date, and an asymmetrical layout, the Lange 1 stood out from the horological pack when it was launched in 1994. It continues to do so even today, three decades on.
'TIS THE TRAVEL SEASON
Whether a white Christmas beckons your name or a holistic retreat calls as 2025 looms, here are our picks for ending the year on a high.
A HEART FOR GIVING
Whether it's for coral reef rehabilitation or to be a voice where there is none, to leave the world a better place is a daunting task that these titans are ready to uphold.
BEHIND THE STILLS WITH ...STUART FEAR
Having made a career out of sharing his love for scotch, Stuart Fear is a Keeper of the Quaich and regional ambassador for Brown-Forman, dedicating his life to spreading the joy of whisky across Asia. Here, he reflects on the craft, the culture, and what makes a good dram.
MASCULINE ELEGANCE
With its gracefully simple exterior lines penned by Studio De Voogt and interior design by Paris-based Gilles & Boissier, known for their work on New York's Baccarat Hotel, Dutch shipbuilder Feadship's latest megayacht, One, offers luxury and comfort in equal measure.
PLAYING IT FORWARD
In sport, victory isn't measured only on the scoreboard, but also by its impact beyond the game. Six sport philanthropists share their experiences of using their platforms to champion change and uplift the community by promoting an active and mindful lifestyle.
A LIFE INCOMPLETE
Nicholas Shakespeare has penned the ultimate authority on the life and work of Bond author, lan Fleming. PRESTIGE heads out to the Rajasthan desert for a clandestine one-on-one with the writer of one of this year's must-read books.
TIME WELL SPENT
With the Rado Captain Cook High Tech Ceramic Skeleton and the Centrix Open Heart, every second becomes a reminder of what it means to live fully and appreciate the finer details of time.
