ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

National Art Gallery Malaysia's NUSA exhibition critiques regional art history amid curatorial and nationalist tensions

exhibition · 2026-04-20

After two years of renovations, the National Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, has reopened its doors with an exhibition titled NUSA, featuring over 400 pieces from its permanent collection, which will be on display until 2025. The name NUSA, derived from Sanskrit meaning 'homeland', explores Malaysia's modern art evolution and its regional ties, divided into ten thematic sections. It showcases a blend of indigenous carving traditions, such as Mah Meri tribe masks, alongside contemporary art like Lim Kok Yoong's 2008 installation. Nonetheless, the exhibition has faced backlash for its curatorial decisions and perceived nationalism, which some argue oversimplifies history. Additionally, the gallery continues to grapple with logistical challenges reminiscent of previous infrastructure issues.

Key facts

  • NUSA exhibition marks the reopening of Malaysia's National Art Gallery after two years of renovations
  • Over 400 artworks are displayed, aiming to plot Malaysia's modern art history from the twentieth century to present
  • The exhibition runs through 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • It includes indigenous Mah Meri tribe masks from the 1950s to 1970s and Lim Kok Yoong's 2008 multimedia installation
  • Curatorial choices are criticized as bewildering, with sections like 'Solicitude Culture' and 'Vibe the Verve, Escalating Geist'
  • The show features Southeast Asian artists such as Thawan Duchanee from Thailand and Ristyo Eko Hartanto from Indonesia
  • One gallery remains closed due to temperature and humidity control issues, highlighting institutional logistical problems
  • Roslisham Ismail (Ise)'s 2015 installation chronoLOGICAL metaphorically exposes state exhibition-making conditions

Entities

Artists

  • Lim Kok Yoong
  • SnakeTwo
  • Shahrul Jamili Miskon
  • Thawan Duchanee
  • Ristyo Eko Hartanto
  • Ahmad Fuad Osman
  • Roslisham Ismail
  • Ise
  • Antares Maitreya

Institutions

  • National Art Gallery
  • Balai Seni Negara
  • Balai
  • ArtReview

Locations

  • Kuala Lumpur
  • Malaysia
  • Thailand
  • Indonesia
  • Kelantan

Sources