Curatorial outline

The vernacular term “Mat” is often used as a shorthand for Malay males with the first name “Muhammad”. It may also be used to describe Malay males characterised as delinquent or disobedient. Using this term as a point of departure, this exhibition seeks to challenge common assumptions about Malay identity by presenting artistic responses that unpack gender relations, class affiliations and cultural politics through the works of three emerging artists: Norah Lea, Farizi Noorfauzi and Zulkhairi Zulkiflee.