‘negaraku II’, which runs until Aug 31, draws on the private collection of Bingley Sim and Ima Norbinsha to explore the complexities of Malaysian history and identity.
Works from the private collection of art collector Bingley Sim, seen here speaking to visitors at Hin Bus Depot, will be on display until Aug 31. (Hin Bus Depot pic)
GEORGE TOWN: As Malaysians proudly fly the Jalur Gemilang ahead of the National Day, the spirit of patriotism, unity and hope for the future is also finding its voice through art.
A year after unveiling “negaraku”, an exhibition honouring the nation’s journey from independence to the future, art collector Bingley Sim and his wife Ima Norbinsha have returned with “negaraku II”, a more expansive sequel that goes deeper into the complexities of Malaysian identity.
Running until Aug 31 at Hin Bus Depot on Jalan Gurdwara here, “negaraku II” showcases compelling works from the private collection of Sim and Ima, who are passionate champions of socially conscious Malaysian contemporary art.
Curated by Ivan Gabriel, the exhibition features 35 works, with some presented as thematic sets, bringing the total number of individual pieces to about 60. These are divided into six chapters.
Sim, 62, explained that the first chapter, titled “Pejuang-Pejuang”, begins with a 1511 masterpiece by Edroger Rosili depicting the Portuguese arrival – a reminder of a history Malaysians must not forget, as their ancestors lived under colonial rule for centuries.
The second chapter, “Malaysia, Truly Asia”, draws inspiration from the tourism slogan, highlighting the country’s rich cultural diversity while addressing the underlying challenges that coexist with its beauty.
“The third chapter, “Pendatang?”, is core as the theme is something very close to Ivan. It explores the migrant roots of many Malaysians,” Sim continued, sharing that his own grandparents were immigrants from China.
‘negaraku II’ tells stories that touch on pride, migration, food, and shared aspirations, while leaving room for visitors to add their own meaning. (Hin Bus Depot pic)
Chapter 4, “Sama-Sama”, celebrates Malaysia’s food culture as a unifying bridge between communities, while highlighting historical connections beyond popular eateries.
Chapter 5, “Impian – A Malaysian Dream”, reflects Malaysia’s youthful ambition and growth through symbols such as portraits of former Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak, which evoke the Red Book and Green Book initiatives, representing rural development and national progress.
The final chapter, “Rakyat Hidup Bersatu dan Maju”, serves as an inspiring conclusion by offering a hopeful vision of unity and growth.
Sim credits the exhibition to curator Gabriel, noting in particular how he has selected and arranged the works. “So, I like to think that ‘negaraku II’ is actually an installation by Ivan, using my and my wife’s collection,” Sim added.
Gabriel, meanwhile, describes the show as “a call to reflect on belonging” and to honour the many faces and untold stories that give life to the nation.
“By organising the exhibition into thematic chapters, we wanted to guide visitors through stories that touch on pride, migration, food and shared aspirations, while still leaving room for the public to bring their own meaning to the journey,” he said.
(Hin Bus Depot pic)
Beyond the artworks themselves, Ivan said “negaraku II” comes alive through a dynamic public programme that includes multilingual guided tours in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, and Malaysian sign language, ensuring everyone feels welcome.
Live food demonstrations featuring traditional dishes such as roti jala and nasi ulam will add to visitors’ experience.
‘negaraku II’ (free admission)
When:
Until Aug 31
12pm-7pm (weekdays)
11am-7pm (weekends)
Where:
Hin Bus Depot
31A, Jalan Gurdwara,
10300 George Town, Penang
For more information, visit Hin Bus Depot’s website.
