WITH the plight of Palestinians vividly imprinted on the minds of Malaysians, the evocative lines of Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish's poem, On This Land, poignantly highlight the invader's fear of memories.
Darwish's phrase "invader's fear of memories" captures the poignant reality that occupying or oppressive regimes are often haunted by the collective memories of the people they subjugate.
These memories are not just remnants of the past; they are powerful, enduring reminders of lost identities, silenced cultures and shattered histories.
Each recollection is a whisper of what once was, a testament to resilience, and a cry for justice that lingers in the hearts of the oppressed.
Wei Ling Gallery's latest exhibition draws inspiration from Darwish's words, transforming the space into a profound exploration of how personal memory can become a powerful weapon against oppressive regimes.
Although memory is often discussed in terms of its subjectivity and malleability, it is precisely this fluidity that grants memory its formidable strength in shaping historical narratives. The stories we choose to tell about the past, significantly influence our collective identities, both socially and politically.
However, memory also carries a heavy burden. What we collectively choose to forget is as important as what we remember. For centuries, artists have played a crucial role as historians and guardians of memory, bringing forgotten stories to light through their work.
Unlike historians, who often present history with authoritative certainty, artists create a dialogue about the interaction between personal memories and society's broader recollections. They invite audiences to question, reinterpret, and engage actively in shaping the ongoing narrative of our collective history.
ARTISTS TO HISTORIANS
In this exhibition, artists disrupt the conventional dominance of linear narratives that often govern our understanding of the past. They introduce alternative perspectives that defy established frameworks and reveal suppressed histories.
Through their creative endeavours, these artists transform into historians and storytellers, crafting narratives that illuminate the multiplicity of truth and the inherently subjective nature of historical interpretation.
Curated by Line Dalile, the exhibition will feature seven contemporary artists:
Dadang Christanto (Indonesia), FX Harsono (Indonesia), Ken Matsubara (Japan), Lawrence Abu Hamdan (Jordan), Sean Lean (Malaysia), Suzann Victor (Singapore) and Wei Leng Tay (Singapore).
The exhibition features a diverse array of works, including installations, multimedia pieces, sculptures, and photography. Each artist delves into their own reservoir of memory, unravelling the intricate threads that connect individual experiences to shared histories.
Their creations serve as crucial juncture points, amplifying the many silenced voices within the historical archive. By doing so, they challenge the audience to reconsider their understanding of history and recognise the power of memory in shaping our present and future.
This exhibition is not just a display of art; it is a call to action. It urges viewers to reflect on their own memories, question the dominant narratives they have been told, and consider the impact of forgotten histories on their current lives.
In recognising the power of memory, both as a source of strength and as a burden, we are invited to engage in a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of our collective past. Through this engagement, we can begin to construct a more just and empathetic society, one that honours the complexity of our shared human experience.
On this Land
by Mahmoud Darwish
We have on this land that which makes life worth living
We have on this land all of that which makes life worth living
April's hesitation
The aroma of bread at dawn
A woman's beseeching of men
The writings of Aeschylus
Love's beginning
Moss on a stone
Mothers standing on a flute's thread
And the invader's fear of memories
We have on this land that which makes life worth living
September's end
A woman leaving 'forty' behind
with all of her apricots
The hour of sunlight in prison
A cloud reflecting a swarm of creatures
A people's applause for those who face their own erasure with a smile
And the tyrant's fear of songs.
We have on this land all of that which makes life worth living
On this land
The lady of our land
The mother of all beginnings
And the mother of all ends
She was called Palestine
Her name later became Palestine
My lady…
Because you are my lady
I have all of that which makes life worth living.
AND THE INVADER'S FEAR OF MEMORIES
WHEN: July 9 to Aug ust 10
WHERE: Wei-Ling Gallery, 8, Jalan Scott, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur
ADMISSION HOURS: Tuesday to Friday:10am-6pm; Saturday:10am-5pm.
The exhibition is available by appointment only. For appointments and additional information, please call +603-2260 1106 or email siewboon@weiling-gallery.com.