Zai Kuning's Singapore Pavilion at 2017 Venice Biennale Explores Ancient Malay History
Zai Kuning's installation, 'Dapunta Hyang: Transmission of Knowledge,' is showcased at the Singapore pavilion during the 2017 Venice Biennale, running from 13 May to 26 November at the Arsenale. The centerpiece is a 17-meter-long vessel crafted from rattan, string, and beeswax, representing the journey of the inaugural Malay King, Dapunta Hyang Sri Jayanasa. This work delves into the overlooked Srivijaya empire and features sealed books that symbolize the passage of knowledge. Additionally, the exhibition includes 30 photographic portraits of mak yong performers by Wichai Juntavaro, accompanied by recordings of traditional Malay audio. Supported by Singapore's National Arts Council, Kuning seeks to foster conversations about Malay culture and identity, with plans for future research in Palembang, Indonesia, and Phattalung, Thailand.
Key facts
- Zai Kuning's Singapore pavilion exhibition 'Dapunta Hyang: Transmission of Knowledge' runs from 13 May to 26 November 2017 at the Venice Biennale's Arsenale site
- The installation features a 17-meter-long ship made with rattan, string, and beeswax using traditional techniques
- The work explores the seventh-century voyage of Malay King Dapunta Hyang Sri Jayanasa and the Srivijaya empire across Southeast Asia
- Kuning's research began in the mid-1990s focusing on Malay history and the orang laut (sea people) of the Riau Archipelago
- The exhibition includes 30 photographic portraits by Wichai Juntavaro of mak yong performers with audio recordings
- Kuning previously participated in the 2014 Venice International Performance Festival and had a film banned in Singapore
- The National Arts Council of Singapore supports his Venice presentation
- Future research will focus on Palembang, Indonesia, and Phattalung, Thailand
Entities
Artists
- Zai Kuning
- Wichai Juntavaro
- Andrea Pagnes
- Verena Stenke
Institutions
- ArtReview
- Venice Biennale
- Singapore pavilion
- National Arts Council
- Venice International Performance Festival
- Singapore Biennale
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Singapore
- Arsenale
- Riau Archipelago
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Cambodia
- Palembang
- Bukit Seguntang
- Phattalung