KUCHING: Seni Kita is set to unveil two contemporary art exhibitions as part of the Subcultures Weekend held at HAUS KCH, City Square this Saturday (Sept 23).
In a press release issued by HAUS KCH, it was announced that these exhibitions are part of the Seni Kita Weekend: Subcultures programme, supported by the Arts for All Seasons (ArtsFAS) grant from Yayasan Hasanah for the 2023 cycle.
“Both exhibitions will feature contemporary and modern artwork by artists and contributors from all four regions of Borneo.
“Altered Natives, a contemporary art exhibition, showcases new and unreleased visual works by artists from Sabah, Kalimantan, Sarawak, and Brunei. Featured artists include Elroy Ramantan (Brunei), Sang Tukang (Sabah), Marcos Kueh (Sarawak), Reef (Sarawak), T.Bagak (Sarawak), Tuh Dek (Sarawak), and Zakaria Pangaribuan (Kalimantan),” the statement reads.
“I believe art should be expressive and depictive of one’s form and not limited by society’s standards. My art should be seen and worn by all subcultured misfits, wearing their worries and expressions loud and proud,” said T.Bagak, curator, designer, and featured artist of Altered Natives in a similar statement.
“Roots and Remixes” is an art exhibition fusion that explores the concept of subcultures from both traditional and modern perspectives.
“Roots” refers to the representation and expression of traditional practices and art pieces that are linked to the spiritual aspects of a subculture, while “Remixes” delves into the modern twist of art beyond the conventional, focusing more on individual expressions.
“Roots and Remixes” features Jasmine Dadi (Curator and Multi-disciplinary Artist), Pici Pamg (Curator and Mixed Media Artist), Jocelyn Sim (Production Designer), Nagaia (Tattoo Artist), Mira Hector (Tattoo Artist), Leon Noel (Mixed Media Artist), and Adrian Jo Milang (Cultural Practitioner).
“Roots and Remixes” is curated by Jasmine Dadi, Steff Fleur, Pici Pamg, and Asyilah Tan, and contributed to by Catriona Maddocks.
“Many Borneans, including myself, are deeply rooted in our culture, which influences our identity and heritage. Understanding my ancestry through traditions and generational practices empowers me to walk the same path as my ancestors and share this legacy with my future children,” said Jasmine Dadi, curator and featured artist of “Roots and Remixes.”
In addition, the weekend festival will showcase over 20 creative vendors selling various wares and services related to art, food, and drinks through the Pasar Seni Kita segment.
The statement also noted that Seni Kita Weekend is a community-powered arts festival founded by HAUS KCH in July 2022. This September, they are unveiling their third quarterly weekend festival of 2023 (and eighth Seni Kita Weekend in total) under the theme “Subcultures.”
“Seni Kita Weekend: Subcultures” is produced and organised by HAUS KCH in collaboration with Community Social Support Centre Kuching (CSSC), WatchmoviesnotSibu, T.Bagak, Jasmine Dadi, Ezra Tekola, Sang Tukang, Achang Libat, Sylvia Lim, Gerai Sulu Nuan, JayC Panganiban, HERO AVL, Ngirupp, The Other Side, Ensera Creatives, Jaya Chiropractic, Raminari, the Swinburne Sarawak Student Council (SSSC), Rey Rey, and Sarawak Drum Community.
The event, “Seni Kita Weekend: Subcultures,” will take place on Sept 23 and 24, and will be open to the public from 11am to 10pm on both days.
