Kuala Lumpur’s thriving art scene has a new jewel: ‘The Lain Lain Project’, a captivating trilogical exhibition presented by Borneo Laboratory at GMBB KL. This unique showcase, running until October 20th, promises to be an immersive journey that celebrates diversity, heritage, and the wisdom hidden in the nuances of cultural differences.
A celebration of diversity
‘The Lain Lain Project’, directly translated as ‘The Different Project’, encapsulates the essence of Borneo’s multifaceted identity. Presented in a trilogical exhibition curation, the exhibition presents stories, dialogues, and chronicles from three life-changing expeditions that the Borneo Laboratory undertook over the previous four years.
The exhibition aims to reconnect us with our shared heritage by utilising the traditional knowledge acquired from Borneon crafts, Malayan communities, and international society. Its deep desire is to heal the divisions brought about by outward differences.
The exhibition: A three-part journey
This exhibition is divided into three thematic segments, each offering a unique perspective on the concept of ‘lost and found’ wisdom:
Serumpun 1
The exhibition opens with a presentation of 12 Bornean-based craft communities and their dedication to maintaining traditional knowledge despite the erosion of extraction economics. The ‘Serumpun: Crafts Without Borders’ project, which debuted at the Borneo Cultures Museum in 2022, was an attempt to address the concerns of craft practitioners and communities throughout Borneo that were motivated by intuition and intelligence.
The term ‘serumpun’, which refers to a bundle of grass with similar roots and goals, effectively captures how knowledge and skill in craft from Kalimantan, Sarawak, and Sabah combine to form a larger ecosystem.
Big Trip
The exhibition’s second section is a continuation of Borneo Laboratory’s 2021-2023 research project, ‘Big Trip – Tracking New Connections’. The group investigates how ingrained customs and inherited knowledge operate as the cornerstone for fostering deeper international ties.
It investigates how dreams direct exploration, how gathering in nature shapes culture, the capacities we have lost owing to environmental changes, and our conceptions of medicine by collecting stories from various cultures, some of which are from distant places.
Lain Lain in Kuala Lumpur
The last section of the exhibition features continuing debates after delving into the essence of identity in the past. Wendy Teo, founder and curator of Borneo Laboratory, met with four people to explore the nuances of ‘lain-lain’ in the context of Malaya.
She posed insightful questions to the chosen ‘Lain Lain’ candidates, who came from a range of backgrounds and vocations. Beyond this audio conversation, they are showcasing the efforts of six remarkable people actively working to build a more welcoming community in Malaysia. After the show, visitors are invited to express their opinions on a piece on the gallery wall, hoping they will have a fresh understanding of the meaning behind it.
‘The Lain Lain Project’ will be on display at GMBB KL for six months, from now through October 20th, 2024. Entry is free. To learn more about the exhibition, check out their socials.
