f s r u i 2 0 1 8 n music . art . crafts . film ... · calendar july 2018 6 fri sarawak: an...
TRANSCRIPT
Music . Art . Crafts . Film . PhotographyFood . Culture
www.rainforestfringe.com
06.07 15.07FRI
SUN2 0 1 8
RAINFOREST FRINGE FESTIVAL 2018
ContentsCALENDAR
HIGHLIGHT SHOWSARAWAK: An Indigenous Journey
First People Party
EXHIBITIONSARTForgotten Beauty
ARTIFACTSAn Introduction to the White Ranee - Margaret of Sarawak
PHOTOGRAPHYBorneo People -A Photographic Journey
Men : Women & Symbols
Tattoos
Ancient Trees
The Carpenter Street
INSTALLATIONSForbidden Fruits
Sarawakia Malpighiales Wallacei
The Forgotten Forest
BAMBOO THAT BINDS & WOODDesign Showcase
The Instrument Featuring Karinding Attack
Creative Forum
THE MARKET
BIG BAD WOLF
FOODSarawak Culinary HeritageA Celebration of Food, Crafts & Arts
01
03
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
16
17
18
YOGA IN THE WILD
MUSICElectric Fields
Voices of Sarawak
NowHere Party
WORKSHOPCyanotype Workshop
Moonshop Forest Workshop
BORNEO BENGKEL
TALKS
SCREENING:THE RAINFOREST STORIES
SPECIAL GUIDED TOURSThe Brooke Gallery
Urang Sarawak Exhibition at Sarawak Museum
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
19
20
21
22
23
24
26
28
Rainforest Fringe
FestivalA 10–day spectacle in the
heart of KuchingRainforest Fringe returns! After a successful inaugural festival in 2017, Rainforest Fringe Festival (RFF) is here once again to deliver the very best of Sarawak’s art, craft, music, theatre, fashion, food, film, photography, and culture, to audiences from all around the world.
RFF aims to reposition Sarawak as more than just an adventure destination, but also a cultural one abundant with diverse potential. We want to place Sarawak on the world map of art, nature, and history.
Use this booklet to navigate the extensive and exciting programme of events. From the opening show SARAWAK: An Indigenous Journey, to the electrifying First People Party, to the Market, exhibitions, film screenings, workshops, talks, and more, RFF is here to provide a full sensorial experience. We want to tell the story of the people and rich culture of Sarawak, living within and alongside the beautiful rainforest.
In the words of Festival Director Joe Sidek: “The Rainforest Fringe Festival is all about Sarawak and is for everyone. It is an exciting time for all to come together and be immersed in art, tradition, culture and fun.”
#RFF2018
For programmes that indicate registration is required, please visit our website at rainforestfringe.com to register.
Programme dates, venues, content and casting are correct at the time of going to print. RFF reserves the right to make amendments to the programme information.
CalendarJuly 2018
6 FRI
SARAWAK: An Indigenous Journey
7 SAT
The Market
Bamboo & Wood: Design Showcase, The Instrument (Karinding Attack Performance) & Creative Forum
Voices of Sarawak
SARAWAK: An Indigenous Showcase
First People Party
Cyanotype Workshop
Talks
NowHere Party
Screening: The Rainforest Stories
8 SUN
The Market
Electric Fields
Screening: The Rainforest Stories
9 MON
Yoga in The Wild
10 TUE
11 WED 12 THU 13 FRI 14 SAT 15 SUN
Brooke Gallery Guided Tour
Brooke Gallery Guided Tour
03
26
05
16
21
03
21
12
24
26
22
26
20
16
26
19
Art, Artifacts, Photography Exhibitions & Installation 06
Art, Artifacts, Photography Exhibitions & Installation 06
Sarawak Culinary HeritageA Celebration of Food, Crafts & Arts 18
Sarawak Culinary HeritageA Celebration of Food, Crafts & Arts 18
Borneo Bengkel 23
Cyanotype Workshop 22
Art, Artifacts, Photography Exhibitions & Installation 06
Urang Sarawak Exhibition Guided Tour 26
Bamboo & Wood: Design Showcase, The Instrument & Creative Forum 12
Yoga in The Wild 19
Screening: The Rainforest Stories
Bamboo & Wood: Design Showcase & The Instrument
Brooke Gallery Guided Tour
12
26
26
Art, Artifacts, Photography Exhibitions & Installation 06
Yoga in The Wild
Screening: The Rainforest Stories
Bamboo & Wood: Design Showcase & The Instrument
Brooke Gallery Guided Tour
19
12
26
26
Art, Artifacts, Photography Exhibitions & Installation 06
Screening: The Rainforest Stories
Bamboo & Wood: Design Showcase & The Instrument
Brooke Gallery Guided Tour
12
26
26
Art, Artifacts, Photography Exhibitions & Installation 06
Screening: The Rainforest Stories
Bamboo & Wood: Design Showcase & The Instrument
Brooke Gallery Guided Tour
12
26
26
Art, Artifacts, Photography Exhibitions & Installation 06
Urang Sarawak Exhibition Guided Tour 26
Screening: The Rainforest Stories
Bamboo & Wood: Design Showcase & The Instrument
Brooke Gallery Guided Tour
12
26
26
Art, Artifacts, Photography Exhibitions & Installation 06
Talks 24
Screening: The Rainforest Stories
Bamboo & Wood: Design Showcase & The Instrument
Brooke Gallery Guided Tour
12
26
26
Art, Artifacts, Photography Exhibitions & Installation 06
Talks 24
Moonshop Forest Workshop 22
Talks
Brooke Gallery Guided Tour
24
26
Sarawak Culinary HeritageA Celebration of Food, Crafts & Arts 18
Borneo Bengkel 23
Moonshop Forest Workshop 22
0201
Voices of Sarawak 21
Big Bad Wolf 17 Big Bad Wolf 17
Big Bad Wolf 17
Screening: The Rainforest Stories
Bamboo & Wood: Design Showcase & The Instrument
Brooke Gallery Guided Tour
12
26
26
Art, Artifacts, Photography Exhibitions & Installation 06
Big Bad Wolf 17
Big Bad Wolf 17
Big Bad Wolf 17 Big Bad Wolf 17 Big Bad Wolf 17 Big Bad Wolf 17
Borneo Bengkel 23 Borneo Bengkel 23
Borneo Bengkel 23
0403
SARAWAK:AnIndigenousJourney
Rainforest Fringe Festival opens with SARAWAK: An Indigenous Journey – with music specially written by ÁT ADAU and Alena Murang, and a soundscape from Kamal Sabran of Space Gambus Experiment. The show displays a visual tapestry of indigenous people with a contemporary twist, the preview of a performance for international festivals.
Performing are special guests SeaHorse from Taiwan. Joining the performance with SeaHorse will be Hao-Hsiang Hsu, actor (Life of Pi) and theatre director, and composer Lin-Jhong Han. Also performing is Paiwan ancient singer Seredau Tariyaljan, who sang at the Pre-Grammy Party at the 55th Grammy Awards.
6 July (Fri)8:30pm – 9:15pm45 mins, no interval
The Waterfront Hotel
Photo credit:SARAWAK: An Indigenous Journey Poster - Sarawak Tourism Board
7 July (Sat)7:00pm – 7:30pm30 mins, no interval
Borneo744
Free Admission Upon Registration
We are delighted to welcome on stage Sarawak-born, New York-based dancer and choreographer Raziman Sarbini, and Kuching-born celebrated soprano Dewi Liana Seriestha, the first Malaysian to win the Miss World Talent title in 2014. The show will also feature a performance choreographed by Malaysian dancer Liu Yong Sean, Malaysia Traditional Dance Competition Gold winner.
Created with support from Siti Shahida, Mohamad Faizuan bin Mat and Endang Lestari from the Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts, UNIMAS for visual creation, and consultation from Dr. Monica Janowski, author of Tuked Rini, Cosmic Traveller.
Get ready for an otherworldly energy and the journey that may be... beyond physical.
A spectacle,a trip,a celestial passage.
Photo credit:Dewi Liana Seriestha - Peter Lai
Raziman Sarbini - Maureen Jafrey
Showcase
0605
FirstPeopleParty
Electric Fields: A potent new music bringing together the brilliance of music producer and composer Michael Ross with the mesmerising sensitivity of Zaachariaha Fielding. Featuring Yidaki player, Brent Watkins.
7 July (Sat)9:00pm – 11:00pm
Borneo744
Photo Credit:Zaachariaha Fielding, Colleen Strangways - Nharla Photography
Electric Fields, Colleen Strangways - Nharla Photography
At Adau, Rustic Photography
Celebrating the “orang asal” with an exhilarating evening of performances. Featuring:
Free Admission Upon Registration
ForgottenBeauty
Forgotten Beauty is an exhibition of intricate portraits of Sarawakian tribal elders. The paintings draw attention to specific adornments symbolic to the elders’ tribes, including tattoos, stretched earlobes, and particular kinds of dress. Wei Kheng was inspired to paint these portraits with the concern that newer generations no longer retain these traditions. Forgotten Beauty looks closely at the tribes’ traditions and puts them under a spotlight before they disappear.
Tan Wei Kheng is an artist from Marudi, Sarawak. He is drawn to the stories and traditional knowledge of Sarawak interior peoples, and travels regularly into the dense interior of Sarawak where he spends time with the tribes of the Orang Ulu (People of the Interior).
6 – 15 July(Whole Festival)11:00am – 9:00pm
The Old Courthouse,Sarawak Tourism Complex
Tan Wei Kheng
Free Admission
An Introduction to the White Ranee - Margaret of Sarawak
6 – 15 July(Whole Festival)11:00am – 9:00pm
The Old Courthouse,Sarawak Tourism Complex
Brooke Heritage Trust
Free Admission
This exhibition explores the extraordinary life of Margaret De Windt, the wife of the Second Rajah of Sarawak, Charles Brooke. Courageous, intelligent and full of energy, Margaret would become renowned as an advocate for women’s rights and universal education.
This exhibition will pair the role and position of Ranee Margaret Brooke as a driving force during her husband’s rule with the Keringkam as a symbol of her co-operation and integration with the local women, one of the foundations of modern Sarawak’s harmony and unity.The first Ranee of Sarawak was a key figure in the early history of Sarawak, unafraid to #pressforprogress and refusing to be entirely confined by the gender roles of her time.
Photo Credit:Courtesy of Richard Koh Fine Art and Tan Wei Kheng
Photo Credit:Brooke Heritage Trust
An exhibition in collaboration with Richard Koh Fine Art
AT ADAU: Sarawak’s own traditional fusion band. Fresh from performing at RWMF 2017, the band fuses modern and traditional instruments to create timeless music.
PETE KALLANG: Sarawak’s very own gem– dubbed the vocal ‘Prince of Borneo’– best known for his deep and soulful voice and jovial persona.
0807
Borneo People -A PhotographicJourney
Dennis Lau presents Borneo People – A Photographic Journey, a rare exhibition of Sarawak’s native people, photographed by a man granted an unusual insight into the indigenous communities.
Lau, a Sarawakian of mixed Chinese-Melanau descent, has worked as a photographer and ethnographic photographer documenting the changes and upheavals facing Sarawak’s native peoples. A teacher by trade, Lau would take extended field trips into the areas of the native people as part of his own passion project – and was welcomed into the heart of the communities.
His photographs clearly demonstrate the deep respect and high regard that he feels for Borneo’s indigenous people. In this exhibition, he revisits his homeland to capture his fellow Sabahans and Sarawakians in a range of black and white photographs concentrating mainly on the indigenous peoples of these two states.
6 – 15 July(Whole Festival)11:00am – 9:00pm
The Old Courthouse,Sarawak Tourism Complex
Photo credit:Dennis Lau
Dennis Lau
Free Admission
Tattoos
A collection from Chris Rainier focusing on world tribal tattoos, showing how skin can become “a map of culture and myth, a sacred geography of the soul”. In Rainier’s work, the human form, whether isolated in the Amazon or swept clean by the bitter winds of the Arctic, becomes through the brilliance of inspired artistry a map of culture and myth.
Chris Rainier is a National Geographic Society Fellow and a photographer highly respected for his documentation of endangered cultures and traditional languages. His photography and books have been widely shown and collected by museums around the world.
6 – 15 July(Whole Festival)11:00am – 9:00pm
The Old Courthouse,Sarawak Tourism Complex
Chris Rainier
Free Admission
Photo credit:Chris Rainer
Men : Women &Symbols
In Dayak culture, spirits embody everything around us – animals, plants, and humans – and an important way to connect with these spirits is through tattoos. The traditional tattoos, touched by spirits, offer protection to the wearers and are the means for the Gods to see the humans.
Photographer Hasse Sode Hamid photographs Sarawak’s game changers working in collaboration with tribal tattoo artist Jeremy Lo. Lo looks at many aspects of Borneo – carvings, structures, boats, weapons, dress, language, and more – to create his designs. In this collaboration, the tattoos are laid on to the photographs and show emerging and influential Sarawakians with their tribal histories.
6 – 15 July (Whole Festival)11:00am – 9:00pm
The Old Courthouse,Sarawak Tourism Complex
Hasse Sode Hamid
Free Admission
Photo credit:Hasse Sode Hamid
1009
Photo credit:Beth Moon
Ancient Trees is the magnificent, internationally celebrated exhibition by Beth Moon, showing stunning natural photography of the world’s oldest trees.
Beth Moon’s fourteen-year quest to photograph ancient trees has taken her across the world. Some of her subjects grow in isolation, on remote mountainsides, private estates, or nature preserves; others maintain a proud, though often precarious, existence in the midst of civilization.
All, however, share a mysterious beauty perfected by age and the power to connect us to a sense of time and nature much greater than ourselves. It is this beauty, and this power, that Moon captures in her remarkable photographs.
AncientTrees
6 – 15 July (Whole Festival)11:00am – 9:00pm
Pullman Hotel
Beth Moon
Free Admission
Photo credit:Siew Thiam Lok
Carpenter Street is one of the oldest streets in Kuching. A tiny street packed with eateries and shops, locals and tourists alike flock to its ancient charm. It also marks the entrance to Chinatown with a great, red archway, symbolic of how peacefully multi-ethnic groups in Kuching co-exist. For Sarawakians, Carpenter Street is part of their history.
However, its future is uncertain and shop-owners in the street risk being priced out of their homes. This exhibition by Siew Thiam Lok aims to draw attention to this story, an open gallery where festivalgoers can walk along the street itself to view the photography before venturing in to observe or purchase the antiques, crafts and intricate furniture sold within the shops.
The CarpenterStreet
6 – 15 July (Whole Festival)8:00am – 5:00pm
Carpenter Street
Siew Thiam Lok
Free Admission
ForbiddenFruits
For the indigenous women weavers, the rainforest is the only resource they have. The fruits of their labour are their beautifully woven crafts, yet their livelihood is being threatened by developmental work.
Forbidden Fruits is a project with several indigenous weaving communities to bring this message to the world. This art installation will introduce these weavers as artisans weaving 60 uniquely individual “fruits” that will premiere at Rainforest Fringe.
The women will work alongside renowned architect-designer and Society Atelier Sarawak President Edric Ong, Tanoti co-founder Jacqueline Fong, and director of The Ranee Rosemarie Wong, in collaboration with IDC Architects.
Forbidden Fruits is a unique project to give traditional weaving new relevance, so the weaving community can carry on this age-old practice into the modern world.
7 – 15 July (Sat – Sun)11:00am – 10:00pm
Borneo744
Free Admission
FORBIDDEN
1211
TheForgottenForest
A striking tree root sculpture installation with video mapping, drawing attention to the sustainability issues facing the tropical rainforests of Borneo. Twice a day it comes alive through light effects, creating optical illusions and questioning our perception of space – until we truly believe we are in the long-forgotten forest.
The installation is inspired by the massive development issues the tropical rainforest ecosystems in Borneo and other parts of the world are facing.
The Forgotten Forest is about the human relationship of love and harmony with the natural world, something that deep down human nature yearns for.
6 – 15 July (Whole Festival)Daily showtime refer to website
Auzani Zeda & Endang Lestari
SarawakiaMalpighialesWallacei
6 – 15 July (Whole Festival)
11:00am – 10:00pm
Wong Keng Fuan
Borneo744
Free Admission
The Old Courthouse,Sarawak Tourism Complex
Free Admission
Alfred Russel Wallace was a naturalist, explorer, geographer, anthropologist, and biologist, famously known for jointly publishing his ideas on the theory of evolution through natural selection alongside Charles Darwin. His explorations within the Malay Archipelago are celebrated to this day.
Rainforest Fringe pays homage to this great explorer by commissioning a glass installation by artist Wong Keng Fuan, who specializes in stained glass and fused glass. Wong owns the famous Art & Garden in Penang, a beautifully landscaped garden that is the result of years of gardening and collection. He is inspired by nature and marries his superb collection of weird and wonderful plants with his installations and sculptures.
DesignShowcase
7 – 15 July (Sat – Sun)11:00am – 9:00pm
Borneo744
Free Admission
BAMBOO THAT BINDS & WOOD
20 days. 6 designs. 3 countries.
Bringing together designers from Thailand and Taiwan with local craftsmen to showcase what happens when international design embraces local craftsmanship. The teams will combine their skills to create innovative new items over a three-week workshop, after which they will display their pieces at the Market during the festival. They will also share their journey at a panel discussion (pg. 14).
Redesigning Bornean Crafts evolves from Borneo Laboratory, which is a creative incubator project to bring out innovation in design through cross continent collaboration. Every year, the team invites designers and artists that are interested in innovating Borneo aesthetic to set up their project at Borneo Laboratory. Through the spirit of collaboration, the invited creative members are encouraged to collaborate with local craftsmen and artists.
Learn more at: http://borneoartcollective.org/.
Thai Artists
Plan ChantarasiriBay One StudioSumanatsya VoharnRakker StudioSupattra KreaksakulPATAPiAN StudioJulian Huang Weave Artisan Society
Taiwanese Artists
Li Sheng, KangDivooe Zein ArchitectsWei Sen, Chao HDG Workshop
Local Craftsmen
Stanley Ngu SOLOTimber, Carpentry, Metal WieldingAlbert SiiTimber, BambooLucas LooBambooCarpenter StreetTinLeft & RightJewellery MakingKenneth FabianLeather Making
11:00am – 9:00pm
The Old Courthouse,Sarawak Tourism Complex
7 – 15 July (Sat – Sun)
1413
TheInstrument
7 July (Sat)8:00pm – 9:00pm
Borneo744
Free Admission
The Instrument installation is an outcome of cross regional dialogue on an exciting mission: how to integrate architectural making and instrument making crafts through a pavilion predominantly made out of Bamboo. When it comes to bamboo, the Borneo landscape is blessed with its diverse palette of this material – but it is rare to see bamboo being applied as a construction material.
For music, however, Bornean sounds are inspired by the region’s surrounding nature. Originally Bornean musicians used to play in the dark, when the jungle was at its loudest. Bornean musical instruments have the goal of creating a symphony with nature, and the Installation will be a striking example of this.
Featuring Karinding Attack
Karinding AttackPerformance
7 – 15 July (Sat – Sun)11:00am – 10:00pm
Borneo744
Installation
What happens when a metal band wakes up one morning with an irresistible urge to go wild on traditional Indonesian musical instruments? Indonesian band Karinding Attack was born in 2009, under the spell of the Karinding, a bamboo mouth harp.
The band learned to play all sorts of bamboo instruments (such as flutes, xylophones, weird percussion…) and added a hefty portion of metal and punk elements to the mix. They were an immediate success in Indonesia and were quickly discovered by fans abroad eager for something new. Karinding Attack will perform within the instrument installation, creating a mystic and sensational sound experience.
CreativeForum
Borneo744
Free Admission Upon Registration
7 July (Sat)11:00am
Sustainable by DesignShahril Faizal
7 July (Sat)2:00pm
Bamboo Silk Ikat: A journey to responsible fashionMadhu Jain
Madhu, designer extraordinaire and a doyen in the Indian crafts sector, shares her journey as a designer and her work towards responsible and sustainable fashion in India. Moderated by Vinita Dawra Nangia, an associate editor, columnist and author with The Times of India.
Industrial designer by education and product and furniture designer by practice, Shahril is known for his minimalist interpretation on Malaysian design. His ethos is that designs should be innovative and contain a story that users can relate to.
The artists of Redesigning Bornean Crafts discuss their creative journey, where they combined their skills to create innovative new items over a three-week workshop in June and July – showcasing what happens when international design embraces local craftsmanship.
7 July (Sat)5:00pm
Panel Discussion: The Artists of Redesigning Bornean Crafts
Free Admission
1615
TheMarket
The best of Sarawakian products will be showcased at the Market. A treasure trove of wood and bamboo designed crafts, antiques, exotic plants, books, fashion, food, music and more.
Hosted at Borneo744, this will be an exciting space for everyone to explore and discover the diverse facets of Sarawak through different sights, sounds and taste.
Featuring the Healing Forest, cabins that provide you with a space to relax, breathe, and meditate. With gentle, carefully-curated music, soft lighting, and an overall ambient setting, our enclosed spaces give you time to think and be apart from the manic outside world.
Visit our website to see the full line-up of vendors.
7 – 8 July (Sat – Sun)11:00am – 10:00pm
Borneo744
Free Admission
8 July (Sun)11:00am
Learning to Create a Design from TraditionChung-Tsung Feng
8 July (Sun)2:00pm
Architecture of Impermanence Jed Long
Jed works at the intersection of art and architecture and is the co-founder of Cave Urban. Architecture of Impermanence explores how bamboo can help play a role in lowering the carbon footprint of the building industry and constructing suitable architecture.
Cheng-Tsung is a Taiwanese young artist with an old soul, fascinated by exploring the wisdom of traditional utensils. He is reluctant to let go of these intangible assets, so inherits them by design and learns to create utensils from their tradition.
Indonesian bamboo architect Joko invites us to look at how the depletion of bamboo forest vegetation has resulted in changes in social life. Bamboo is a symbol of his anxiety on the theme of the destruction of cultural diversity via industrialization.
CreativeForum
Borneo744
Free Admission Upon Registration
8 July (Sun)5:00pm
Bamboo in Contemporary ArtsJoko Avianto
Photo credit:Bonsai - M’aturalForest Food - Jong Saw Kang
1817
SarawakCulinaryHeritage
Come and join the Sarawak Culinary Heritage and Arts Committee as they bring you another Festival of Streetfood.Crafts. Arts in India Street Pedestrian Mall.
This culinary adventure will allow visitors and locals alike to experience and enjoy Sarawak’s ethnic foods from across all the communities. From Malay mee jawa and satay, to Dayak umai and kacang mah, to Chinese fried chai kueh and orh chien, finished off with a spicy Indian curry – sit down and enjoy at the batik covered tables.
And if you don’t mind getting your hands messy, you can learn how to make local tidbits during the Kino Live Kitchen “Hands Up or Hands On” demo “Snacks Alive!”
As you listen to the lilting tunes of the sape, there will be beads and crafts galore. Come and support the local social entrepreneurs by buying their colourful woven baskets or diligently upcycled earrings and notebooks.
6 – 8 July (Fri – Sun)6:00pm – 10:30pm
India Street Pedestrian Mall
Free Admission
Big Bad Wolf The Big Bad Wolf proudly presents The Bite-Sized Book Sale! Arriving in Sarawak for the very first time, Big Bad Wolf is offering a special selection of curated books at the Rainforest Fringe Festival in a bite-sized edition of its annual Kuala Lumpur sale. Readers can expect a carefully curated selection of art and designer photobooks, to fiction and non-fiction bestsellers at incredible discounts. Parents will also be delighted to discover an exciting range of children’s books, such as interactive books, colouring and sticker books and educational reference books.
Big Bad Wolf is well-known for offering brand new titles at fantastic discounts, with books at under half price. The organization aims to spread the joy of reading around the world by providing their books at affordable prices. From its very first sale in Malaysia in 2009, Big Bad Wolf has been on a mission to introduce non-readers to new reads and cultivate a love for books.
It has since established itself as a must-visit book event in Kuala Lumpur, as well as in countries around the world. Big Bad Wolf takes its sale abroad to Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the Philippines each year – and is making a stop at Sarawak this July with a bite-sized collection of its very best titles. Find out more about The Bite-Sized Book Sale on www.facebook.com/bbwbooks.
7 – 15 July(Sat – Sun)11:00am – 10:00pm
Borneo744
Free Admission
Photo credit:Top - Datin Dona Drury-Wee
Bottom - Kenneth Lee
2019
RFF 2018 presents the inaugural Yoga in the Wild programme, an event introducing Sarawak as the intact and untouched space for a clear mind. At Yoga in the Wild, a small group of festivalgoers will enjoy a three-day bodily and spiritual retreat amidst the lush forest. Discover a deep connection with nature against the tropical backdrop of Sarawak.
The 3-day programme is hosted at Cove 55, an ethnic-inspired hideaway where the naturally untainted foot of Mount Santubong gently welcomes the undulating South China Sea. Where tribal elements subtly influence contemporary sensibilities, ethnic luxury takes on a refreshingly renewed and refined form at Cove 55.
Taught by yoga instructors Denise Keller, certified yoga instructor, model and former VJ for MTV Asia, and Hendri Take, yoga practitioner and entrepreneur.
Yogain TheWild
9 – 11 July (Mon – Wed)Whole Day
Cove 55
By Registration
Programme Partner:
Electric Fields
8 July (Sun)7:00pm – 8:00pm
Borneo744
Photo Credit:Electric Fields, Colleen Strangways - Nharla Photography
Playing to mammoth crowds at the world-famous WOMADadelaide last year, the exhilarating Electric Fields will take centre stage. The band combines modern electric-soul music with ancient indigenous culture.
A potent new music bringing together the brilliance and creativity of music producer and composer Michael Ross, with the mesmerising sensitivity of Zaachariaha Fielding - whose rare and beautiful voice has been described as ‘taking soul to the stratosphere’.
What happens when you take the edges of gender and culture, then meet at the cross section? Elegantly coupling Ananu language and English in their EP Shade Away, these girly boys are in the business of bypassing the barriers. Think Daft Punk meets Deep Forest with the fearlessness of Nina Simone.
“… this beautifully powerful group broke down the guards and drew out a uniquely human experience from a crowd of people whose bread and butter is made in music. Fielding is a force to be reckoned with, possessing the single greatest live voice I have ever experienced … This act is something truly special.” – Laundry Echo
The band will be supported by Brent Watkins playing the Yidaki, a traditional wind instrument developed by indigenous Australians.
Free Admission Upon Registration
2221
NWHR presents the NowHere party at RFF 2018. NWHR is a Kuching-based crew of electronic music enthusiasts and DJs trying to bring change to the local nightlife scene by introducing genres such as techno, house, disco and other underground sounds onto the dance floor. They aim to avoid the commercial and mainstream aspects of clubbing by prioritizing the most important part - the music. Whether the DJs are sourced locally or around the world, the tunes are guaranteed to be extra fresh. Their parties generally take place in pop-up locations around town, wherever there’s space for a dance floor - in this case, the atmospheric Borneo744.Please check out website for DJ’s lineup
NowHereParty
7 July (Sat)11:00pm till late
Borneo744
Free Admission
Soul nusantra folk band Rawi was born in Kuching. The multi-talented personalities merged with one shared vision and direction – to bring nusantra folk music to the world.
VoicesofSarawak
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Borneo744
Free Admission
Tribal contemporary band Suk Binie’ was formed in 2014 to spread “THE SOUND OF UNITY”. The band now performs at large occasions around Kuching.
Experimental traditional and modern fusion band Pinanak Sentah is a family band. Their aim is to keep ethnic contemporary music alive across all generations.
CyanotypeWorkshop
7 – 8 July (Sat – Sun)11:00am & 2:00pm
Karen Lai
Borneo744
By Registration
Come and join this unique photographic printing workshop with Hong Kong artist Lai Garling.
Social media and the internet are heavily used to share and stay in touch with people. However, there is something special and particularly meaningful about a physical and intimate postcard that you can hold in your hands.
Cyanotype is an old photographic printing process invented in 1842. In the workshop you will use sunlight or a lightbox, botanical plants, and photographic solution to custom-make your own postcard. This is also a wonderful opportunity to gain an understanding of the differences of each flora and fauna in Kuching.
MoonshopForest Workshop
7 – 8 July (Sat – Sun)2:00pm
Moonshop Gallery
Borneo744
By Registration
Moonshop Gallery, a plant design laboratory specialized in tropical ornamental plants forest, will host two workshops at RFF 2018. The team at Moonshop collects abundant jungle species in the region and incorporates them into art.
Forest in a Bottle is a terrarium made out of a mixture of stone, soil, clay and plants to form a little forest. There is a particular art and science to creating this mini eco-system; the workshop will consist of creating these forests with your own hands. Alternatively, own a part of the forest with a beautiful handcrafted Forest Frame, using Pafcal, a special soilless sponge-like material. This workshop will involve creating the Forest Frame and learning how to maintain it. Visit our website to register.
7 July (Sat)
8 July (Sun)
8 July (Sun)
23
BorneoBengkel
Borneo Bengkel is a creative platform that explores issues of Bornean identity and culture through the eyes of craft makers, musicians, social activists, academicians and performers. Curated by Catama Borneo and HAUS KCH, it has over 40 collaborators from Sarawak, Sabah and Kalimantan.
People of the Land is a thematic exhibition featuring selected artworks from Pangrok Sulap, Sonia Luhong, Rico Leong and Catriona Maddocks.
The exhibition includes woodcut prints, a papercut installation and pyrography (woodburning) artworks, and explores a myriad of themes including folklore tales, endangered flora and fauna and disappearing cultural practices. People of the Land questions how our indigenous narratives define people and place, and weave together landscape, spirituality, heritage and identity.
7 – 11 July (Sat – Wed)11:00am – 10:00pm
Borneo744
Free Admission
Exhibition
7 – 8 July (Sat – Sun)11:00am – 6:00pm
Borneo744
By Registration
Workshop Woodcut and Printmaking by Pangrok Sulap Design, carve and print a woodblock or bring your own t-shirt to print on
Pyrography by Sonia LuhongExplore burning and mark-making using a pyrography pen
Paper Jungle by Catriona MaddocksCreate a jungle of paper cut leaves and flowers
Prices vary from RM10 - RM50 and are suitable for all age ranges and abilities.
For more information please check out:rainforestfringe.com/programme/borneo-bengkel-exhibition-workshop Or www.facebook.com/BorneoBengkel
Talks
7 July (Sat)11:00am
Rajahs and Research: the Brookes, science and the Sarawak Museum
Jennifer Morris
Exploring the story of the historic Kuching landmark, the Sarawak Museum, and the scientific legacy of the Brookes, the museum and Sarawak society. Jennifer Morris is a British historian specialising in the history of museums and science in colonial Southeast Asia.
7 July (Sat)2:00pm
Looted Objects: Triggers to Alternative Histories
Valerie Mashman
Looking at objects looted from the Kenyah Badeng which serve as a trigger to examine Badeng responses to Brooke rule. These looted objects provide an opportunity to examine Badeng oral histories which convey agency, resistance and independence. Valerie Mashman is a researcher, anthropologist, and author who has lived for over 35 years in Sarawak.
8 July (Sun)11:00am
Decolonisation of colonial collections: The debate in Europe with special reference to the deaccessioning of the Delft Nusantara collection
Dr. Jos Van Beurden
Focusing on the shifting debate about the decolonisation of colonial collections in Europe, and the challenges that museums face, after having to de-accession a complete collection in a relatively short period of time. The lecture will be followed by a guided tour through the Treasures of Nusantara exhibition in the Textile Museum.
8 July (Sun)2:00pm
Pratuokng, a Bidayuh Bamboo Zither of Annah Rais
Arthur Borman Kanying
Pratuokng is a six stringed bamboo zither played by the Bidayuh community in Annah Rais, located in the upper Padawan Region. Arthur will introduce the history of the instrument, how the instrument is made, and its role and function of the repertoire in Bidayuh’s culture.
The Old Courthouse, AuditoriumFree Admission Upon Registration
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The talks are curated by Friends of Sarawak Museum and in collaboration with Sarawak Museum and Netherlands Embassy in Malaysia.
14 July (Sat)10:00am
The Alienation of Ali: Was A.R.Wallace’s assistant from Sarawak or Indonesia?
Dr. Jerry Drawhorn
Alfred Russel Wallace, the famous zoologist, travelled through the Malay Archipelago accompanied by a Malay assistant named Ali Wallace. Most experts have accepted that Ali came from Sarawak, but recently some have suggested that Ali was actually Indonesian. This lecture re-establishes Ali as a native son of Sarawak and explores his significance to Wallace’s work.
14 July (Sat)2:00pm
Wallace Trail of Bukit Peninjau
Rebecca D’Cruz and Lim Kooi Fong
Retrace the footsteps of Alfred Russel Wallace. This talk will tell the story of Wallace on his collecting trail up Mt Peninjau, and will introduce a ground breaking new eBook, the “Wallace Trail of Bukit Peninjau” which explores key areas stepped on by the famous biologist, just outside of Kuching.
15 July (Sun)11:00am
Tuked Rini: the ideal human and the cosmic multiverse
Dr. Monica Janowski
This talk will explore the relationship of cultural heroes like the Kelabit hero Tuked Rini with cosmic power, and the complex cosmic multiverse within which heroes travel in oral narratives. Monica Janowski is an anthropologist who has been carrying out research on the Kelabit Highlands for more than 30 years.
15 July (Sun)2:00pm
Beyond Pua Kumbu: other woven Iban textiles”
Janet Rata Noel
A talk on the Iban textiles weaving practices of the Iban weavers of Sarawak, including the Iban pua kumbu, a warp-patterned ceremonial blanket, as well as other textile weaving skills of Iban weavers, such as the making of the Iban pua sungkit, and the anyam or sulam or karap technique.
Screening:The RainforestStories
7 – 15 July (Sat – Sun)Borneo744
A set of screenings of films and documentaries that pay homage to Sarawakian culture. To find out what’s on, visit:rainforestfringe.com/programme/the-rainforest-stories.
SPECIAL GUIDED TOURS
BrookeGallery
6 – 15 July (Whole Festival)10:00am & 2:00pm
By RegistrationRM10 Entrance Fees
Urang Sarawak Exhibition
11 July (Wed)10:00am
Free AdmissionUpon Registration
Brooke Gallery
Sarawak Museum
Visit the Brooke Gallery for free guided tours throughout the duration of RFF, and learn the story of one of the most remarkable kingdoms in history: Sarawak and its ‘White Rajahs’.
Free Admission(First come first serve basis)
Sarawak Museum presents a guided tour of the Urang Sarawak Exhibition at the museum, given by the curator. Sarawak Museum was established in 1860 and acts as a research centre in Borneo, where Sarawak Museum Journals are published annually for world circulation since 1910.
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Talks The Old Courthouse, AuditoriumFree Admission Upon Registration
The talks are curated by Friends of Sarawak Museum and in collaboration with Sarawak Museum and Netherlands Embassy in Malaysia.
14 July (Sat)2:00pm
HOSTED BY
IN COLLABORATION WITH
ORGANISED BY
MINISTRY OF TOURISM, ARTS, CULTURE, YOUTH AND SPORTS SARAWAK
OFFICIAL HOTEL & VENUE SPONSORS
HOTEL PARTNERS
PROGRAMME PARTNERS
VENUE PARTNER TICKETING PARTNER
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