Entwine - Maybank Women Eco-Weavers Meet South-East Asian Artists

Merlion Wayfarer was recently at  a travelling exhibition presented by Maybank Foundation on contemporary artworks by six established South East Asian artists who were inspired by the cultural history and art of the region’s weaving heritage. Displayed at the National Museum of Singapore concourse, the exhibition was curated by Singapore’s Chan + Hori Contemporary and will run from 21 August 21 to 08 September 2019.

The Maybank Women Eco-Weavers is an economic empowerment programme designed to support traditional weaving practices in a sustainable manner whilst creating economic independence and financial inclusion for women weavers across the ASEAN region. The programme showcases the bank's role towards a more inclusive ASEAN, by strengthening women’s empowerment and gender equality in the region to support the ASEAN Community Vision 2025.

Traditional textile weaving is an ancient art form and today, it provides a source of income for a diminishing number of women weavers regionally. Through the exhibition entitled “Entwine: Maybank Women Eco-Weavers meet Southeast Asian Artists”, the public will have a glimpse into the livelihood and artistic talents of traditional weavers living in rural parts of Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia, who have been supported by the Maybank Women Eco-Weavers programme. 

The textiles from different countries vary in their use of the patterns and the material used...

Mr. Shahril Azuar Jimin, CEO of Maybank Foundation, said, “Since 2016, the Maybank Women Eco-Weavers programme has partnered local social enterprises and NGOs to provide an ecosystem for the sustained development of weaving crafts and environmentally-friendly production practices within the region. Six contemporary artists visited our weavers in their natural environment and responded to their experiences after meeting artisans of different weaving communities, and hence, we put together this exhibition to showcase the art creations alongside naturally-dyed and handwoven fabrics from the eco-weavers, in celebration of ASEAN’s arts and culture.”

Artists and Curator’s Profiles

Curator: Khairuddin Hori

Khairuddin Hori (b. 1974, Singapore) is best known for his multidisciplinary and unconventional approach to curating, supported by his experience in theatre and work as an artist. Khai’s profile was placed on spotlight in 2014 after he was invited onboard Europe’s largest and internationally renowned art center, Palais de Tokyo in Paris, France as its Deputy Director of Artistic Programming. Prior to that, Khai was Senior Curator at the Singapore Art Museum, overseeing Singapore’s national collection for contemporary art, and Senior Curator at the Curatorial Development department of the National Heritage Board, Singapore. In 2018, in partnership with the National Arts Council, Singapore Khai was commissioned to curate DISINI a new visual arts festival featuring outdoor sculptures, public programmes and exhibitions, He was also the curator behind LOCK ROUTE, the first international outdoor sculpture exhibition at visual art precinct, Gillman Barracks in 2017. 

Khai explaining the functions of the loom and how it is used for weaving...

In 2016, Khai co-curated In Praise of Shadows, a sustainable light art festival in the Marina Bay precinct; was an international affiliate of “What happens now?”: Public Art Melbourne Biennial Lab (2016) and co-curator of The Light of the Light by Quistrebert brothers. Other notable projects include Tianzhuo Chen, Palais de Tokyo, Paris (2015); Sous la lune, Institute of Contemporary Arts, Singapore (2015); Secret Archipelago, Palais de Tokyo, Paris (2015); Open SEA, Museum of Contemporary Art, Lyon (2015); Welcome to the Jungle, Yokohama Museum of Art and Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto, Japan (2013); If the World Changed, Singapore Biennale (2013); Lucid Dreams in the Reverie of the Real, Singapore Art Museum, Singapore (2012); and Negotiating Home, History and Nation, Singapore Art Museum, Singapore (2011). Khai is currently Curatorial Director and Partner at Chan + Hori Contemporary in Singapore.

Artist 1: Sheryo

Sheryo (b. 1984, Singapore) is a visual/mural artist who started painting in the streets in 2005. Her art seeks to investigate, analyse and document the human psyche and frustrations towards contemporary lifestyles. She works across mediums, from 2D paintings to 3D sculptures, installations and moving images. Her style, often referencing pulp illustrations and skateboard graphics, comes across as jovial and surreal imagery that speaks to those who grew up admiring 80’s and 90’s skateboarding and surfing culture. 

She has exhibited and painted murals around the world with fellow artist, Yok. Select exhibitions include Art from the Streets at the ArtScience Museum in Singapore (2018), Forest for the Trees at Sodo Track Mural Festival in Seattle, U.S.A. (2018) and Double Tigers at Baandam Museum in Chiang Rai, Thailand (2017).

Naga Wheel : This is a re-interpretation of a silk-spinning wheel from the Lao Sericulture weaving centre where Mdm Kommaly shared stories of her legacy with Sheryo...

Artist 2: Sharon Chin

Sharon Chin (b. 1980, Malaysia) works across a variety of media, developing narratives on environmental and political issues on her home country. One of her well-known series, Local Flora, Patterns (2017) is an installation piece based on 25 floral patterns she developed as illustrations for Creatures of Near Kingdoms, a book of short stories by Malaysian writer Zedeck Siew. This work was collected by the Singapore Art Museum. 

Sharon is featured in the 2019 Singapore Biennale and participated in the 2013 Singapore Biennale with Mandi Bunga/Flower Bath, where over 100 people gathered to bathe together on the lawn of the National Museum of Singapore, making front page news of The Straits Times. Her works have also been shown at institutions such as the National Art Gallery of Malaysia, Galeri Petronas, Singapore Art Museum and Incheon Culture and Arts Centre, Korea. She has also been on residencies and festivals in Vietnam, Myanmar, Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom and Japan. 

Yang Tersirat Dan Tersurat : Following her visit to the Lenek Lauk Village in Lombok, Sharon invited 40 individual women weavers to create 240 woven strips...

The motifs, colours and materials decided by each woman, accompanied by their names and titles which hinted at stories behind their weaving...

Gaps in the hanging arrangement create negative space, which also represents the invisible labour of women...

Artist 3: Lyle Buencamino

Lyle Buencamino (b. 1978, The Philippines) graduated with a Bachelor in Fine Arts majoring in Painting. He is known for his large-scale paintings based on movie stills produced by the now-defunct LVN Productions in the 1950's - what is often referred to as the 'Golden Age' in Filipino cinema. His series, No Fighting in the Museum, began as a reflection on propriety and behaviour in institutions and other similar public spaces. 

Lyle has held three solo exhibitions thus far, namely Death of the Last Romantic at Finale Art File (2013); All The Symptoms But Not The Disease at Ateneo Art Gallery (2008) and A Bowtie for John Lyle at Mag:net Gallery (2006). Selected exhibitions include Mutable Truths: Perspectives in Philippine Contemporary Art Practices at the Ateneo Art Gallery in Manila (2017); What does it all matter, as long as the wounds fit the arrows? at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (2014) and No talking points 2 at TAKSU Gallery in Singapore (2013). His latest solo exhibition was presented at Chan + Hori Contemporary in Singapore in 2019.

Escape From/To Kuching : During his visit to the Tanoti Crafts showroom in Kuching, Lyle encountered an ornate songket Sarawak pattern. Through this inspiration, by knotting fabrics together, Lyle imagine an "escape rope" from the scaffolding structure to the ground...

Artist 4: Ubatsat Sutta

Ubatsat Sutta (b. 1980, Thailand) obtained a Master’s Degree in Philosophy and Religion at Chiang Mai University in Thailand in 2007 and is currently reading his PhD in Buddhism at Mahachulalongkorn University in Thailand. He was previously the artist assistant to Thai artist, Rirkrit Tiravanija. In 2017, he participated in an artist residency programme in Rikuzentakata and Paradise Air in Tokyo. His group exhibitions include Food Matters at Karin Weber Gallery, Hong Kong (2018); Articulation Existence at the Baan Tuek Art Center, Chiang Mai, Thailand (2017) and In the Remembrance of the Great King at the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre in Bangkok, Thailand (2017). His solo exhibition, Sox Stars, took place in 2019 at the CMU Art Centre in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Harry The Train Song : Ubatsat reflects different evolutions of the Royal Railway in this artwork, with colour palettes representing paint jobs of carriages and key stations along the track...

Artist 5: Shahrul Jamili Miskon

Shahrul Jamili Miskon (b. 1978, Malaysia) trained as a ceramicist in Central Academy of Arts, Kuala Lumpur and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Surrey Institute of Arts, UK in 2003. He later went on to study at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC), International Islamic University, Malaysia, graduating in 2013. Typically found working with materials and approaches such as aluminium, paper, print, sculpture and installation art, Shahrul favours geometric principles as fundamental junctures and philosophical footing in both art and religiosity. His solo exhibition, METALANGUAGE took place at Chan + Hori Contemporary in Singapore in 2017. Other exhibitions include Cannot be Bo(a)rdered at the Urban Art Fair, Paris, France (2017); Pangea at the International Art Biennial, Shah Alam, Malaysia (2016) and New Object(ion) III at Galerie Petronas in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

Artist 6: Lugas Syllabus

Lugas Syllabus (b. 1987, Indonesia) is a contemporary artist who lives and works in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. He is widely known for his paintings and sculptures that address the ironies and contradictions in modern and contemporary society. Woven into his pieces are narratives and iconography from pop culture, media and technology; coupled with memories and folklore. The artist completed his undergraduate degree in painting at the Institut Seni Indonesia (ISI) in Yogyakarta. His solo exhibitions include We Dance Together at Chan + Hori Contemporary in Singapore (2018), Tomorrow Must Be Better at Element Art Space, Shanghai, China (2017); Natural Born Worker at Finale Art File in the Philippines (2017) and The Garden of Triumph at Art Stage Singapore (2016). He has participated in artist residencies in Passau, Germany; Brisbane, Australia and Singapore. Awards he has garnered include the Artmajeur Art Award (Silver) in 2009 and the Second Heritage Winner for Portraits of Indonesia at the National Museum of Indonesia. He was featured in the DISINI public art festival at Gillman Barracks, Singapore, by Chan + Hori Contemporary which ran from January to September 2018, and is a participating artist in ArtJog MMXIX, Arts in Common (2019) with a work titled Berbatas tapi Tak Terbatas (Painting set).

(Photo Credit : Maybank)

Curator tours, storytelling for children and weaving demonstrations are available over the next three weekends. All activities are free of charge, and are listed here at www.facebook.com/events/2218040074975525/.

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Parklane Wantan Mee - MSG-Laden Disappointment

After a gap of several years, Merlion Wayfarer visited this famous wantan mee stall again. Surprisingly, despite its fame, its two units at Sunshine Plaza were relatively empty at lunch.

Orders were placed with an employee who shouts it across to the other unit in a jarringly loud voice. In the meantime, rest on the simple stackable stools in the no frills dining area.

The plating was simple. This half-palm sized portion was "Regular" and consisted of char siew, fried wantan and some green vegetables. In a separate small bowl, there were some mini steamed wantan swimming inside. Priced at an above-average price of S$4.50, the noodle portion was sparse and char siew so dry that you either need to soak it in the dark sauce longer or eat it accompanied by green chili. Noodles were springy, and that was about the only saving grace.

For hungrier diners, the Large size costs slightly more at S$5.50. Merlion Wayfarer recommends you skip the soup as it leaves a very strong aftertaste and is laden with MSG.

If you have a strong desire for soup, the Shrimp Dumpling Soup can be considered. Priced at S$5.00, it comes with 6 dumplings and green vegetables. Definitely more princely than other similar soups elsewhere.

Even before the meal is done, the employee will be back to collect money. Orders may be taken at separate tables but she will demand that all to pay in one bill, despite requests to have separate table billing. She was back again for payment when she missed out one order. Definitively not a place to come by in big groups unless all have a craving for some basic no frills noodles.

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Bangkok Jam - Misleading Promotion, Unpleasant Staff

Marina Square

Marina Bay, Singapore 

09 February 2015

It was some time since we stepped into the Marina Square mall. Due to the renovation, there were few shoppers. The aircon was freezing cold. Despite the very attractive promotions, many of the shops and restaurants had few visitors.

Feeling a need for steaming hot food after some shopping, we opted for Bangkok Jam. Opened by Creative Eateries, this restaurant is located at the Level 2 dining zone near the Marina Mandarin exit.

This poster was what attracted our attention at dinnertime:

DINNER SPECIAL

50% off second main course

 

Hesitant about such claims, we clarified with the restaurant staff (lady in black uniform with long rebonded hair) that all the items under "Thai Classic Noodles", " Exotic Spaghetti" and "Aromatic Rice" were included. She even ran her finger down the column to indicate the coverage of the promotion.

Agreeable, the order was made. For a review of the food, refer to "Mini Portions, Intense Flavours".

When it came to the payment, we were shocked to discover the promotion was not extended to us. We queried on this, and were told that the items we ordered were not included in the promotion.

We were shocked. The long-haired lady in black was the same one that welcomed us at the entrance and later, took our order. We were positive that she knew that we were ordering based on the promotion. We tried to call her to verify with her, but she ignored us, being more interested to stay behind the bar counter to handle other tasks.

We had no choice but to contend with the cashier (lady in brown with long hair and spects). She did not seem to understand what we were saying and kept repeating that the promotion included only "fried rice" among the "Aromatic Rice" options.

Thinking that we had misread the Terms and Conditions of the promotion, we double checked the poster. These were the exact words:

• "Main Courses applicable to Thai Classic Noodles, Exotic Spaghettis and Aromatic Rice"
  [Yes, we had ordered 2 different Aromatic Rice dishes.]
• "Promotion only available at selected outlets"
  [Yes, this promotion is definitely available at this outlet.]

There was no mention that it was limited to any dishes. Among the list of dishes that the cashier had included as part of the promotion, some were also not featured in the poster. So why is it that the two dishes we ordered were excluded?

As we were leaving the manager came out and said "不好意思" and that she could not do anything, as it was part of company policy.

We are very upset by this experience - the promotion is misleading, the staff are unpleasant and unprofessional, and the food portions are small.

Afternote

Creative Eateries has responded promptly to this incident with an apology and has taken the necessary corrective action, including feedback to the staff at the Marina Square branch. 

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Bangkok Jam - Mini Portions, Intense Flavours

Marina Square

Marina Bay, Singapore 

09 February 2015

Attracted by this poster, we were drawn into the Marina Square outlet of Bangkok Jam.

To know more about the false claims in this poster, 

see "Misleading Promotion, Unpleasant Staff".

Our orders came within 10 minutes.

This was the Basil Rice with Beef option. Part of the "Aromatic Rice" options, it comes with an egg and is priced at $13.90 (excluding GST and service charge).

Infused with small chili padi and a thick sweet sauce, the flavours for this dish were intense, although a tad salty. The beef was tender and not overcooked, resulting in a pleasant palate. However, the egg was dripping with oil and dark at the edges, indicating the use of old oil to fry it.

This was the Green Curry Seafood with Rice, part of the "Aromatic Rice" list. Priced at $11.90 (excluding GST and service charge) for the Chicken version, a top-up of an additional $2 is required for the Seafood version, i.e. $13.90.

The Rice was a regular sized portion, about fist-sized. On the white plate, the pickled vegetables looked really sparse - with a thin strip of cucumber, some cauliflower and a single slice of carrot. The curry was really mini. Here's the size compared to the spoon that was part of the cutlery set provided with the meal.

As it can be seen from this angle, the width of the pot was barely bigger than the small head of cauliflower and could not even accommodate the spoon provided. With a price of $13.90, it was hardly any value for the price.

The curry was thick and aromatic. However, there was a sweet aftertaste, indicating the use of excessive sweetener, which did not taste natural. Despite the small size, the portions of seafood were somewhat adequate with 2-3 pieces each of cuttlefish, shrimps and fish slices.

All-in-all, it was a meal which was not worth its price, especially with the staff's unpleasant responses to the promotion. (See "Misleading Promotion, Unpleasant Staff")

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Nothing Beyond Spiciness

Lucky Surabaya Ayam Penyet

Far East Plaza

Orchard, Singapore

August 2012

Merlion Wayfarer found this outlet next to its famous competitor in Far East Plaza. Zero queue and yet serving the same famous dish. Worth trying?

Rice 

Rice was warm and fluffy and served warm. Very good. Only that it was served way before anything arrived. It was only 15 minutes later that the food arrived. Not very good serving etiquette. Fortunately, the wait staff took back the rice upon request.

Ayam Penyet (S$6)

Ayam Penyet Surabaya is prepared the authentic way as it is over at Surabaya, Indonesia’s second largest city. The price is lower compared to $6.50 at Ayam Penyet Ria, with the size of the chicken is a little smaller too. The smashed fried chicken (Small!) is served on a banana leaf with lots of crispy crumbs (So few!), a slice of fried soyabean (Salty!) and a piece of fried beancurd (Cold!). It is accompanied by their potent homemade chili sauce and a slice of cucumber to cool the palate.



BBQ Squid

Like the Ayam Penyet, the BBQ Squid is served on a banana leaf. The squid is laden with very potent Indonesian-style chili. The portion here is small too, and the squid is overcooked and tough. There is no taste other than the spiciness. Another totally disappointing experience.

 





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The full album is available at:
Merlion Wayfarer's Picasa (Food - South East Asian)

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