What does it mean to be Malaysian today?
That question lies at the heart of negaraku II, a thought-provoking art exhibition currently running at Hin Bus Depot in George Town, Penang, from 1 to 31 August 2025.
As Malaysia approaches another Merdeka Day, negaraku II offers more than a visual spectacle — it offers a space for deep reflection, community engagement, and national introspection.
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural negaraku, this second chapter continues the exploration of identity, culture, and belonging in contemporary Malaysia.
Curated by Ivan Gabriel and produced by Hin Bus Depot, the exhibition brings together around 60 works — 35 individual pieces and several thematic sets — from the private collections of Bingley Sim and Ima Norbinsha, both known for their commitment to socially engaged Malaysian art.
Stories That Speak to the Soul of a Nation
Unlike conventional art exhibitions, negaraku II feels like a living, breathing document of the people. The curators and collectors have chosen works that don’t just depict Malaysian life, but challenge us to confront its layers and contradictions.
From portraits of migrant families to symbolic representations of shared meals and festivals, each piece serves as a narrative thread in the complex fabric of national identity.
Curator Ivan Gabriel explains, “negaraku II is a call to re-examine what it means to belong. The works we’ve gathered are living reflections of the people and everyday realities that shape Malaysia.”
By organising the exhibition into bab, or thematic chapters, Gabriel allows visitors to journey through different facets of Malaysian life — from pride and migration to unity, food, and collective dreams.
Unity in Diversity, Seen and Felt
The exhibition’s theme, “Rakyat Hidup, Bersatu dan Maju” (The People Live, United and Progressing), serves as a powerful counter-narrative to division.
For collector Bingley Sim, the goal is to showcase the everyday acts of unity that often go unnoticed — from a neighbour sharing food to the quiet resilience of immigrants who now call Malaysia home.
“These quiet, powerful gestures echo across the exhibition,” says Sim. “Unity isn’t about being the same — it’s about choosing to support each other, over and over again.”
Many of the artworks carry subtle messages of shared identity and mutual respect, reminding visitors that being Malaysian isn’t a monolithic experience. It’s a mosaic built from countless small moments of connection.
A Truly Inclusive Cultural Experience
negaraku II also stands out for its dedication to inclusivity.
Beyond the gallery walls, the exhibition invites public participation through multilingual guided tours in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, and even Sign Language, ensuring that the experience is accessible to everyone, regardless of linguistic or physical ability.
This year’s edition includes new works by contemporary artists, providing fresh takes on pressing social and political themes in Malaysia — from environmental concerns to urban migration and racial identity.
But the exhibition doesn’t stop at visual storytelling. In true Malaysian fashion, food plays a central role in bringing people together.
Live demonstrations of beloved local dishes like Roti Jala and Nasi Ulam are woven into the public programme, offering visitors a taste of the nation’s rich culinary heritage.
These shared meals act as both sensory experiences and cultural storytelling sessions.
An Invitation to Reimagine Malaysia
negaraku II ultimately extends an open invitation to every Malaysian — whether born here or arrived later in life — to claim their place in the ongoing narrative of this nation.
It challenges us to see Malaysian identity not as something fixed, but as something dynamic, evolving, and enriched by every voice.
By showcasing honest, often overlooked stories, the exhibition reminds us that Malaysia is far from a finished product. It’s a living idea, shaped by love, struggle, creativity, and community.
Supported by Yayasan Mr. D.I.Y. and Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers, this free exhibition is open to the public throughout the month of August — a fitting tribute to the spirit of Merdeka and what it truly means to call this country home.
For more information visit www.hinbusdepot.com.
Keywords:
- Negaraku II exhibition
- Malaysian identity art
- Hin Bus Depot Penang
- Malaysian contemporary art 2025
- Art exhibitions in Malaysia
- Unity in diversity Malaysia
- George Town art events
