Working only with artists born after the independence and separation, the exhibition asks what it means to call ourselves Singaporean or Malaysians - when prior to 1963, we were all part of a loose geographic expression, Malaya. A Chinese  writer had once said, “The culture of Xin Ma (Singapore, Malaysia) is essentially the same.”

Alan Oei, the curator suggests that, “as individuals and nations, we have much more cultural similarities then we care to admit. Using ‘Malaya’ as a starting point might be a good way to see how our shared history and culture impacts our creative and artistic practice. It’s a good time to engage our past now that post-Mahathir and the old guard of politics, Singapore and Malaysia are working towards a more harmonious relationship.”

In contrast, the Malayan period was rife with ideological battles, armed insurgency, union riots, door to door campaigning. People were willing to fight and die for their beliefs. 

The sense of multiple and contesting visions - some were fighting for liberty, equality, others for basic working and living conditions - will be brought to life by primary source material interspersed within the exhibition.

“Back in the days of Malaya, it was a world full of optimism, a spirit of can-do. Anything was possible...”

For more information about Negaraku Boleh!, please visit www.evilempire.asia . Thank you.