Magic of 'wayang kulit' comes to life at Bank Negara museum exhibit

Shafiee Hassan's painting 'Seniman Dan Warisan Wayang Kulit (1987) is one of the artworks at the 'Gerak Bayang: Seni Penceritaan' exhibition at Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery

A total of 144 artworks, including wayang kulit (shadow puppets) instruments, paintings, sculptures, and new media are now on display at the Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery’s (BNM MAG).

BNM MAG curator Siti Melorinda Khuzaini Sakdudin said the artworks, by 39 well-known and new artists, including familiar names such as Long Thien Shih, Nik Zainal Abidin, Ismail Mat Hussin, Nik Husyaidie, Haris Abadi and Adeputra, will be on display until Jan 28 next year.

A general view of the exhibition 'Gerak Bayang: Seni Penceritaan' at Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery. Photo: Bernama

She said visitors at the Gerak Bayang: Seni Penceritaan exhibition will have the opportunity to see various forms of artistic expression, with the artworks made using various mediums, such as buffalo or cow hides, paper and canvas which involved the integration of sophisticated new media techniques.

"This exhibition is an appreciation of puppetry because not everyone has the opportunity to see wayang kulit and how the artists use the elements of wayang kulit in their artworks.

The 'Gerak Bayang: Seni Penceritaan' also features interactive exhibits for young visitors. Photo: Bernama

"In terms of storytelling, before, the Tok Dalang is the storyteller. Now, it’s the artists or sculptors using their own techniques to tell stories.

"Indirectly, the artists share with the public what the Tok Dalang is showcasing in wayang kulit through artworks," she said.

Siti Melorinda said the exhibition, which is open to the public for free, will also include workshops, talks, puppet-making workshops and wayang kulit performances. - Bernama