You may not know his name, but you sure know of his existence. Long considered the oldest nomads on the land we live in, the indigenous people, or better known as "Orang Asli" in Malay, has called "Malaysia" their home way before our country gained its independence. Artist Brandon Ritom is one of the younger generations of the community, sharing its rich history and culture of which many of us deemed mysterious.
While browsing and shopping have become a crucial ritual that transforms our identities and the values we live by, resulting in what would seem to be an inevitable movement of diminishing some of the precious traditional cultures, the Sarawak-born artist illuminated his latest art exhibition by drawing attention to the increasingly isolated indigenous culture, along with other artists like Shaq Koyok, Kendy Mitot, and more.
Through a bold use of colour, coupled with a proper ovation and critique of consumerism, these canvases came alive, speaking volumes about core beliefs on behalf of the artists. Koyok shared, “My work emphasizes the inequalities that exist between modern consumerism and traditional sustainable ways of life.”
The author of 'Amusing Ourselves to Death' Neil Postman once said, “In 1984, people are controlled by inflicting pain. In Brave New World, they are controlled by inflicting pleasure. In short, Orwell feared that what we fear will ruin us. Huxley feared that our desire will ruin us,” as he highlighted comments made by both fellow authors alongside his view. Every now and then, perhaps there's a need for us to redefine the essence of life amid our ego and desire, and protect what is left for us, that is now fading away.
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