negaraku II returns to Penang’s Hin Bus Depot this August, presenting a compelling invitation to reconsider what it means to belong in Malaysia. Through an engaging mix of contemporary art and community experiences, the exhibition celebrates the country’s cultural diversity, shared challenges, and everyday acts of unity.
Following on from the first negaraku exhibition last year, negaraku II deepens the conversation around belonging, nationhood, and the stories that shape the Malaysian experience.
Curated by Ivan Gabriel and produced by Hin Bus Depot, the showcase draws from the personal collections of Bingley Sim and Ima Norbinsha — two collectors known for championing contemporary Malaysian art with a strong social conscience.
Featuring roughly 60 artworks across 35 curated pieces and thematic groupings, the exhibition reflects decades of thoughtful collecting. Rather than presenting a singular narrative, the works selected invite viewers to consider the complexities of identity, not just what Malaysia is, but who Malaysians are, and how they live together.
This latest edition broadens its perspective to highlight not only citizens but also migrants and all those who find themselves between definitions.
Malaysia’s identity, it argues, is not fixed but an ever-changing mosaic shaped by shared experiences, unspoken struggles, and moments of everyday harmony. The exhibition gives voice to underrepresented stories, painting a vibrant and multidimensional portrait of the nation.
“negaraku II is a call to re-examine what it means to belong,” explains curator Ivan Gabriel. By structuring the show into thematic blocks, or chapters, visitors are guided through stories of pride, migration, food, and shared dreams — but always with room to interpret and reflect for themselves.
The chosen theme this year, Rakyat Hidup, Bersatu dan Maju (“The People Live, United and Progressing”), threads through every corner of the exhibition.
“In each artwork, there are echoes of everyday harmony,” says collector Bingley Sim. “From the kindness of a neighbour to the resilience of those who’ve made Malaysia home, unity shines through in the quiet, powerful moments.”
negaraku II also features newly commissioned works by selected artists, addressing current social and political issues with fresh urgency. But it’s not only about what hangs on the walls. A vibrant public programme includes guided tours in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin and Sign Language — making the exhibition accessible to all.
Outside the gallery, negaraku II celebrates the simple pleasures that tie Malaysians together. Live food demonstrations offer up the sights, scents, and tastes of national favourites like Roti Jala and Nasi Ulam, turning communal dining into a living act of storytelling.
Ultimately, negaraku II is a celebration of a nation always in progress — and a standing invitation to participate in its creation. Supported by Yayasan Mr. D.I.Y. and Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers, the exhibition is open and free to the public from August 1 – 31, 2025, at Hin Bus Depot.
