GEORGE TOWN: As Malaysia marks 67 years of independence, it is worth reflecting on our origins and thinking about the direction of our future.

With this in mind, Bingley Sim and his wife Ima Norbinsha are driven to hold a collector’s exhibition aptly themed Negaraku at the Hin Bus Depot Exhibition Space here.

The event will feature 26 artworks from various artists examining the nation’s socio-political landscape, charting its trials and tribulations as well as expressing their hopes and dreams for the future.

“We are passionate about this collection and the power it conveys – the sentiments inspired by Negaraku and our connections to the country.

“This is the story of Malaysia,” Sim said at the opening ceremony last Friday.

He said the art pieces, which were among his 20-year of collection, range from paintings to sculptures, silk screen prints and mixed media works.

Sim, an investment banker, realised just how powerful art can be after laying eyes on local artist Bayu Utomo Radjikin’s painting Kau Sekutu atau Seteru in 2008, right after the political tsunami which resulted in several states falling to the Opposition following the 12th General Election.

He said Bayu’s brooding piece, which is almost all black except for the faint silhouette of a fighter pilot and some meaningful words, felt like an encapsulation of that epoch.

“Displaying a large, dark painting at home may not be for everyone but the words spoke to my soul and emotions,” quipped Sim, who is also a non-executive director of a listed developer.

That piece, and another by Stephen Menon titled The Journey: From Malaya to 1Malaysia, are what Sim described as cornerstones of his collection.

“Menon’s work from 2013 is actually a series of 50 similar acrylic screen prints of the country’s first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra al-Haj. Each is paired with a quote from the founding father and a Malaysian road sign.

“Tunku is someone everyone can relate to. The series shows the growth of Malaysia and how leaders like him fought to get us where we are today,” the collector shared.

Other notable pieces displayed at the exhibition are Gan Sze Hooi’s 2015 oil on canvas painting Into The Jail and Bibi Chew’s 1996/2017 sculpture 100 Half-Boiled Eggs.

The former depicts the demolished Pudu Jail against Kuala Lumpur’s cityscape while the latter features eggs in a lightbox alongside words like “nurture” and “demolish”.

Sim also highlighted Izat Arif’s 2022 wood and linoleum sculpture Dilarang Masuk Tanpa Kebenaran Tuan/Puan Di Banglo No. 27 which questions the rich-poor divide and Jalaini Abu Hassan’s 2010 acrylic and bitumen on canvas painting Mat Jenin and the Angel of Mercy which ponders how achievable some dreams are.

“I’ve always wanted to do a show with a patriotic narrative. As a collector, if I don’t share these works with the public, their qualities would never be known.

“History can be rewritten but art is eternal,” said Sim.

Star Media Group adviser and Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai commended Sim for the exhibition and the appropriate timing in the run up to National Day.

“These paintings give us different perspectives on the evolution of the country.

“While we all see Malaysia via different lenses, we love it wholeheartedly and always remain optimistic,” he said.

Also present at the launch was Penang State Art Gallery chairman Lee Khai.

The exhibition runs until Aug 11.

It is open from noon to 7pm on weekdays, and 11am to 7pm on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free.

For more information, visit www.hinbusdepot.com.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/18/the-malaysian-journey-in-various-artforms