MAT curated by Zulkhairi Zulkiflee (Sikap) 

Curator Open Call is part of Objectifs’ ongoing efforts to to broaden perspectives by supporting curatorial research and innovative ways of presenting image-based work. The programme supports the realisation of a curatorial proposal for an exhibition in the Chapel Gallery by providing professional and financial support. The exhibition will be presented in August 2019.

The awardee was selected by the following selection panel, in addition to the team at Objectifs:

  • Charmaine Toh, Curator/National Gallery Singapore
  • Bridget Tracy Tan, Director for the Art Galleries and the Institute of Southeast Asian Arts/Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts

MAT
Curated by Zulkhairi Zulkiflee (Sikap)

MAT ​is a photography exhibition that features artists Nor, Farizi Noorfauzi and Zulkhairi Zulkiflee. Reorienting the conception of curation beyond staging and display, otherwise known as the ‘curatorial’, the exhibition surrounds itself ​around the Malay identity by exploring identity preoccupations towards gender relations, class affiliations and cultural politics of feelings.

About the curator

The exhibition is organised by ​Sikap,​ a project ​group that engages in organisational experiments and focuses on notions of mutual support, autonomy in idea, and artist-centered actions. Founded by Zulkhairi Zulkiflee, Sikap has supported three projects thus far: LUCKY show (2018) at Lucky Plaza Singapore, ​Malais-a-trois (2018) (as part of Sobandwine’s 233 Joo Chiat), and ​an intimacy that allies us… (2019)​, at 203 Lavender Street. ​Zulkhairi has also been featured in Buro247.sg for his curatorial efforts.

About the artists

NOR (b. 1993, Singapore) is an artist whose works investigate the performative aspects of our identities. Her work is rooted in self-portraiture, exploring themes such as gender, sexuality and ethnicity through photography, film and performance. Some exhibitions include a solo presentation, ​In Love (2018)​, Coda Culture, and group exhibitions like ​Waning, Waxing (2018)​, ION Art Gallery, and ​Deciphering Clothes: The Troublemakers’ Wardrobe (2018)​, Hatch Art Project. Norah is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts in NTU’s School of Art, Design and Media.

FARIZI NOORFAUZI (b. 1998, Singapore) is a multi-disciplinary artist in Singapore who works predominantly with media and performance art. He is interested in investigating the relevance of culture, specifically within the unique socio-cultural context of Singapore as an intersection of diasporic cultures. Recent exhibitions include ​ORTHODOX (2019) at Coda Culture and Undescribed #3 (2018)​ at DECK.

ZULKHAIRI ZULKIFLEE (b. 1991, Singapore) is a visual artist, educator and exhibition-maker based in Singapore. His practice explores the notion of Malayness in relation to knowledge production, the social agency and distinction/ taste. Recent exhibitions include ​Stories We Tell to Scare Ourselves With (2019)​, MOCA Taipei, Taipei; ​Tell me how they kiss you, tell me how you kiss (2018)​, Telok Ayer Arts Club, and ​The Direction I Rub One Matters (2018)​, Grey Projects.

Header image credit: No Corner by Farizi Noorfauzi