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Adib Noor

The Brunei Art Scene


Hello People. I haven't been writing in a while so excuse me if I'm somewhat rusty. First I would like to thank Creative Space Gallery and Studio (Creative Space), for giving me this opportunity to share my thoughts and in a way be a part of the EMERGE Project.

Where do I begin? I guess a bit of an introduction of who I am would be a good start let’s just call this context. Most of you may know who I am ( low-key pushing my luck with this one huh) and for those who don’t hello! I am Adib Noor an avid supporter and observer of the creative scene here in the sultanate. Ive created several content in regards to the creative scene albeit not on a traditional sense of fine arts but others which falls within the scope of “Creatives”.

I’ve always had a fascination an admiration with the “Scene” here. Being in awe looking at epic and detailed graffiti pieces thrown up at secret spots around Brunei, most notably the abandoned flats near Maktab Duli (many of which paved the way for the establishment of a legal wall and entities such as Guerrilla Architects to exist) to intricate and personal work of poetry encased in lyrics and rhymes of artists such as Zed Peace and his predecessors. And even “Trippy” visuals by Reza and action packed skits by Adam Groves.

In a nutshell, I'm a fan and a student of what these individuals have created and brought in to the fore front in terms of pushing the creative scene in the sultanate. A place where there should not have existed at all with a society designed not to appreciate or even incubate such talents and works of art each in respect to their own unique an individual form.

Most of these topics and points I've actually touched and shared sporadically in my created content be it for personal use and even at a professional level during my time as a journalist for the now defunct “ The Brunei Times” and my podcast aptly known as the “B-Side” which I've produced and created exclusively for Progresif Radio. Osveanne was actually one of the guests I was lucky to interview who gave me a better understanding of Creative Space, its goals and its role in pushing and nurturing the Art scene here in Brunei.

Just recently last week as I was admiring the work taking photos of SketchOne of Guerrilla Architects who was finishing up his piece in the heart of the capital during the BWN Street Fest held at the Yayasan Complex. A former colleague of mine walked up to me and asked me a very significant question which was “ What is the greatest challenge for creatives here in Brunei?” and without any hesitation I answered “ Monetisation, fuelling the scene and craft with just passion has its limits.

Im’ sharing this because its poetically a perfect “Segway” to what I am assigned to talk about in this post. which is the EMERGE Project. The project is an initiative spear headed by Creative Space which began in April back in 2016 with the goal of enriching and recording local art culture by providing both physical and online platforms for free to the young and emerging local artists to showcase their art and further develop their talents.

Osveanne once shared to me, and I'm paraphrasing here, that by participating in the EMERGE project Creative Space helps the participating artist by fine tuning their message and overall package of their pieces and guide them further in ways to transform their art practice into a sustainable career and even aspire these artists to make their work relevant relevant not only locally by internationally.

And because of that Ive been a strong supporter of their movement ever since I’ve known about it.

The latest installment of the EMERGE Project is a significant one, Titled as a ‘Retrospective' it is the perfect exhibition for first timers to get to know the overall history of EMERGE. Showcasing the works of passionate individuals in the industry who have participated and contributed to the project since its inception.

At the exhibition members of the public and art enthusiasts alike are able to see the development of the project through a chronological timeline, featuring artists and works that have been presented during the course of the series of the EMERGE Exhibitions.

If I had to take a pick out of all the amazing pieces featured in this series it would be the pieces from Emerge 5 : Folklore. One its the theme of the exhibition which is close to my heart. Being a person who I would labelled as most of our parents or “Orang Tua” would say as someone who being heavily influenced by “Budaya Barat” the theme of the exhibition is my answer to what I'm actually looking for, the expression of identity.

The thing about me and the whole element of Hip Hop, Pop Culture or even Spoken word just to name a few is the fact it tells the story of the creator and their expression and identity but telling it through an unconventional medium. In actuality I want to know more about my identity as being Bruneian and being Anak Melayu Brunei. I don't want to be drilled and things to to be thrown in my face I want the genuine origins the fairy tales the organic essence of our culture and history. And Emerge 5 in its own way has given me that.

And to see pieces by friends of the scene such as Graffiti Artist MadNycer take on the story of “Jong Batu and Nakhoda Manis” meant a lot to me. I was able to recognise his trademark touch and too see it merge with one of our local legends and featured in a gallery truly encompasses what the EMERGE project really is. Giving a platform for Artists no matter their background to show their passion and work.

And in all honesty all of the work featured in that series and some which are on display during the latest course of the EMERGE exhibition is amazing in its own way. And I have nothing but respect and admiration to those who have contributed in making it a reality including Artists and the team behind it.

I am a lover of the arts and Brunei has fallen into hard times, being a victim of unemployment. It pains me to admit that I cannot fully support this cause financially as God knows if i had the expandable income I would buy this piece and some other pieces that Ive have seen throughout the course of this impactful project. All i can do is support it the best that I can by sharing and shedding a light of why project such as this matters and should be pushed to its fullest.

To the Creative Space I would like to say, I have nothing but respect and admiration in what you all are pushing and doing and thank you, thank you for giving a platform and home to the hidden treasures of our country.

Art is not always tangible and is hard to be valued but one thing for sure, we need it, it gives us hope, meaning and identity. you might not realise this until its too late. I don’t know this for sure or even have numbers to prove this, but if we have statistics on this, Brunei would be the most surpassed country in terms of pure expressions and creativity. as compared to the rich culture and wealth of creative outlets in other developed and non developed countries in the world. But by saying this tho, the creatives of this country are the most determined and passionate of them all. Because they kept fighting and is doing what they are doing purely for the Craft, the Art they Love.

 

About the Author

Adib Noor

Avid supporter and observer of the creative scene. Creator of the podcast aptly known as the “B-Side” which he has produced and created exclusively for Progresif Radio.


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