Recipient of the Curator Open Call 2019
MAT
Curated by Zulkhairi Zulkiflee (Sikap)
Featuring artworks by nor, Farizi Noorfauzi and Zulkhairi Zulkiflee
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: nor, Farizi Noorfauzi and Zulkhairi Zulkiflee.
Press
“MAT” at Objectifs: Pluralisms, perceptions and podcast failings
Arts Equator
Review of ‘MAT’ at Objectifs
Art & Market
About the Curator
The exhibition is organised by Sikap, a project group that engages in organisational experiments and focuses on notions of mutual support, autonomy in idea, and artist-centered actions. Founded by Zulkhairi Zulkiflee, Sikap has supported three projects thus far: LUCKY show (2018) at Lucky Plaza Singapore, Malais-a-trois (2018) (as part of Sobandwine’s 233 Joo Chiat), and an intimacy that allies us… (2019), at 203 Lavender Street. Zulkhairi has also been featured in Buro247.sg for his curatorial efforts.
About the Artists
Nor (b. 1993, Singapore) is an artist whose works investigate the performative aspects of our identities. Her work is rooted in self-portraiture, exploring themes such as gender, sexuality and ethnicity through photography, film and performance. Some exhibitions include a solo presentation, In Love (2018), Coda Culture, and group exhibitions like Waning, Waxing (2018), ION Art Gallery, and Deciphering Clothes: The Troublemakers’ Wardrobe (2018), Hatch Art Project. Nor is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts in NTU’s School of Art, Design and Media.
Farizi Noorfauzi (b. 1998, Singapore) is a multi-disciplinary artist in Singapore who works predominantly with media and performance art. He is interested in investigating the relevance of culture, specifically within the unique socio-cultural context of Singapore as an intersection of diasporic cultures. Recent exhibitions include ORTHODOX (2019) at Coda Culture and Undescribed #3 (2018) at DECK.
Zulkhairi Zulkiflee (b. 1991, Singapore) is a visual artist, educator and exhibition-maker based in Singapore. His practice explores the notion of Malayness in relation to knowledge production, the social agency and distinction/ taste. Recent exhibitions include Stories We Tell to Scare Ourselves With (2019), MOCA Taipei, Taipei; Tell me how they kiss you, tell me how you kiss (2018), Telok Ayer Arts Club, and The Direction I Rub One Matters (2018), Grey Projects.