'Sama-sama' showcases Malaysian spirit through arts

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 4 -- In conjunction with Malaysia Day on Sept 16, an art exhibition named Sama-Sama (Same-Same) is depicting the resilience of "People of Malaysia" through art works that are on display from Sept 2 to 16.

Curator of Sama-Sama, Jaafar Ismail, said it evokes a sense of togetherness and equitable participation in many aspects including nation building, which is the overarching theme of the exhibition. 

"Most importantly, this is about expressing our gratitude to this land through arts, regardless of race and religion," he said.

Maldivian-born artist Shani Ahmed, or known as Manje, expressed her passion for Malaysian culture through her art piece named "Where National Boundaries Overlap", which depicts a colourful Malaysia through its various traditional clothing overlaying each other, all in one picture. 

"My work is usually inspired by culture and feminism and for this piece, since I love fabric so much, I want to display our own true culture through what we wear such as batik Malaysia, Sarawakian batik, Indian saree and cheongsam. All of these, all in one picture," said Manje, who enjoyed her stay in Malaysia for 12 years. 

Manje is one of the 47 visual artists and photo journalists participating in Sama-Sama. 

For local artist Nurulfitriah Azwan Roslan, she created her piece using oil paint to depict national monuments. 

Sama-Sama art show is located at The Gallery Publika, hosted in collaboration with the National Archives of Malaysia in conjunction with Malaysia Day and Publika Art Show 2019. 

-- BERNAMA