LANGKAWI ART BIENNALE 2025
Date : 10 – 16 July 2025
Venue : MaliBest Resort, Pantai Cenang
RESET
Just as the Earth rotates around its axis as it revolves around the Sun, life continues to revolve each day as we resume our life after a long period of lockdowns due to the pandemic.
The moment lockdowns were lifted, it “unleashed” everyone to pick themselves up, to face the challenges that the pandemic has damaged. There is this desire for a BETTER TOMORROW and at the same time, in the midst of the reality of the situation, where lives were lost, and businesses were closed, they had to start afresh and find their source of ENERGY where they can put themselves on the path to RECOVERY.
This is similar to how the traditional game of TOP SPINNING, known as ‘Gasing’ in the Malay community, is played. A string is carefully and tightly wrapped around the top for a powerful force to create tension for the top to spin endlessly. Thus, it is a metaphor for where everybody finds within themselves the latent energy, that positive energy to come out from this pandemic where so much has been damaged.
Interestingly, spinning tops have originated independently in many countries around the world, evidenced by archaeological finds in ancient Rome, and tops (traditional and modern) are still played from across Europe to Asia and the Far East.
So, we invite all LAB 2025 participants to bring tops from their home countries as a collective metaphor where each can SHARE their unique ways to spin their tops and also their journey to recovery from the pandemic into the new norm.
About the theme : RESET
As we all saw and experienced painfully, the world was hit badly by the Covid-19 pandemic, throwing a wrench into the works of the modern world. The spinning world almost literally stopped in its tracks. However, history has shown us that humans are resilient and constantly evolving to cope with the changing environment.
In the ancient world, many glorious civilizations like the Egyptians and Incas have come and gone. In more recent centuries there were wars & diseases like the Bubonic Plaque that caused a global pandemic – Black Death, resulting in 75-200 million horrific deaths in Europe, Asia and Africa. And it’s still lurking around!
Closer to home, the Kingdom of Siam attacked Langkawi in 1821 and rice fields and granary were burnt by the villagers themselves to starve & push out the Siamese troops but this failed and Langkawi was captured in 1822. Villagers were taken as slaves, some forced to flee Langkawi, including its Orang Laut, seafaring population. Many attributed this misfortune to a local legend. A few years before the Siamese invasion, Mahsuri was condemned to death after being accused of adultery. Frustrated that no one believed her innocence and angered about the lies the villagers believed, before she died, she cursed that Langkawi will for 7 generations be fraught with misfortune.
Langkawi laid ‘barren’ and backward until 1986 when Tun Mahathir Mohamad, the Prime Minister at that time began a series of economic and infrastructural development under the purview of Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) to awaken Langkawi and mold it into an internationally known “City of Tourism” by bringing in major international exhibitions like LIMA (Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition) and international sporting events like Le Tour de Langkawi and Ironman. This formerly untouched island with its natural beauty attracted hoteliers to set up luxurious resorts like The Datai, Four Seasons, St Regis, Westin and Danna Langkawi. It was also bestowed duty-free status as an impetus for the loads of tourists that was now streaming in locally and internationally. The curse of Mahsuri has finally been lifted? Langkawi has been RESET.
Ground handler
Kian Creative Venture
Once again in 2020, Langkawi, being a City of Tourism, was badly hit as people stopped travelling. But we have braved the wave and after more than 2 years once again, Langkawi is awakening with renewed fervor. It’s going through another RESET.
Now, as lockdowns have been lifted worldwide, the world has put the pandemic behind them although traces still linger. We can see the world moving on, finding new directions and new hope. Where is this source of energy to RESET coming from? Perhaps, this source is from the Humanity within us with people helping people movements; turning to and deepening their faith; strengthening of the family unit and more people seeking to re-connect with Nature. Our need to survive and strive fuels us.
As the world continues to spin, on its axis like a spinning top, life and challenges continue. Similar to the traditional game of top spinning, the way we wrap the string and the tension is likened to how we prepare and equip ourselves to face the challenges ahead. The force and angle of the throw, creating gravitational torque determines how long the top spins. Our energy to move ahead depends on the intensity of our resolve, how we throw ourselves into our endeavor and the results further fuel our ‘spin’.
Supported by
Langkawi Artist Visual Art Association
What this unfortunate pandemic has taught us is to respect and appreciate what we have. To never give up, and that we cannot continue in the old way as one must evolve as all organisms do at one time or another, for survival.
So we RE-strategise our life, RE-invent the way we communicate and work, RE-educate ourselves and change our mindset going forward into the ‘new norm’. We, in one word, RESET.
Gasing “TOP”
Spinning Towards a Better Tomorrow: Harnessing the Energy Within
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world experienced unprecedented lockdowns that left many feeling trapped and powerless. These restrictions, though necessary, had taken a toll on individuals and communities alike. However, as the lockdowns were gradually lifted, it was as if a collective force was unleashed, akin to the powerful spin of a top in the traditional Malay game of ‘Gasing.’ Just like this age-old game, where a string is tightly wrapped around the top, creating tension for it to spin endlessly, people too found the latent energy within themselves to embark on the path to recovery and build a brighter future.
Much like the top in ‘Gasing,’ our lives had been carefully wound with strings of routines, responsibilities, and limitations before the pandemic struck. The sudden halt caused by lockdowns disrupted our normalcy and left us feeling confined, just like the top before it is released to spin. The tension built during this period was palpable, and it was unclear how it would be released or if it would propel us forward.
But as restrictions eased and the world gradually reopened, it was as if the strings that had bound us were suddenly unraveled, setting us spinning toward new possibilities. The desire for a better tomorrow, a longing for normalcy, and the need to rebuild what was lost became the driving force, much like the powerful force that propels the ‘Gasing’ top into motion.
Just as in the traditional game, where players master the art of spinning the top, individuals and communities harnessed their inner energy and resilience to face the challenges ahead. The pandemic had exacted a toll in terms of lives lost and businesses shuttered, but it also revealed the human capacity for adaptation and perseverance. Like the skilled ‘Gasing’ players who expertly control the top’s spin, people found ways to navigate the uncertainty and move forward.
One can draw several parallels between the ‘Gasing’ top and our journey towards recovery. Just as the top requires skill and precision to spin gracefully, we had to be intentional and adaptive in our approach to rebuilding our lives and communities. We needed to find the right balance, just as the ‘Gasing’ player adjusts the tension on the string to achieve the perfect spin.
Moreover, like the top, we discovered the importance of balance in our lives. As we emerged from the lockdowns, we realized that a better tomorrow required not only resilience but also a harmonious equilibrium between personal well-being and the collective good. Just as the ‘Gasing’ top must maintain its balance to spin smoothly, we had to find ways to support one another while also taking care of ourselves.
The metaphor of the ‘Gasing’ top also speaks to the resilience and adaptability of human nature. In the face of adversity, we tapped into our latent energy reserves, much like the tension in the string, to overcome challenges. We learned to adapt to new circumstances, pivot our businesses, and support one another. Just as the ‘Gasing’ top transforms potential energy into kinetic energy, we transformed our latent energy into actions that propelled us toward recovery.
Furthermore, ‘Gasing’ embodies the idea that it is not about the initial force but about the continuous motion. Similarly, our journey toward a better tomorrow is not solely about the initial burst of energy when lockdowns were lifted but about the sustained effort and commitment to rebuilding our lives and communities. We realized that recovery was not a one-time event but an ongoing process, much like the spinning top that requires constant attention and skill to keep it going.
In conclusion, the metaphor of the ‘Gasing’ top beautifully encapsulates the collective experience of emerging from the pandemic. Just as the top relies on tension to spin endlessly, we found within ourselves the latent energy and resilience to face the challenges brought about by the pandemic. Our desire for a better tomorrow, combined with our adaptability and perseverance, set us on the path to recovery. Like the ‘Gasing’ player carefully controlling the top’s spin, we too must continue to balance our efforts, adapt to new circumstances, and keep moving forward to create a brighter future.
“WAU”
“Wau Soaring High: Finding Resilience in the East Coast of Malaysia”
In the picturesque East Coast of Malaysia, where the azure waters meet the vibrant greenery, a symbol of tradition and resilience soars high above – the wau, a traditional flying kite. This iconic cultural artifact not only graces the clear blue skies but also serves as a poignant metaphor for the people of the region who, like the wau, rely on the winds of change to lift them up during the tumultuous times of the pandemic.
The wau, with its intricate design and vibrant colors, is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and engineering. Just like the people of the East Coast, it depends on the wind as its source of energy to ascend to the heavens. When the pandemic struck and lockdowns were imposed, it was as if the winds of life had momentarily stilled. Many in the region, whose livelihoods were closely tied to the rhythms of daily life, found themselves grounded, struggling to navigate the uncertain terrain.
However, much like the wau that patiently waits for the perfect wind to soar, the people of the East Coast displayed remarkable determination and resilience. In the midst of trouble and lockdowns, they sought to find their own source of energy to keep going, to rise above adversity, and to maintain their way of life.
The pandemic had disrupted the traditional means of livelihood for many, particularly those involved in fishing and tourism. These industries, which depended heavily on the ebb and flow of daily life, were suddenly brought to a standstill. Families that had relied on the sea and the flow of tourists for generations found themselves facing an uncertain future.
Yet, just as the wau remains patiently tethered to the earth, waiting for the wind to return, the people of the East Coast did not lose hope. They turned to their inherent resilience, ingenuity, and sense of community to adapt to the new reality. Traditional artisans who crafted the wau, for example, redirected their skills to create intricate and beautiful face masks, providing a much-needed source of income while contributing to the safety of their communities.
In the midst of lockdowns, there was a growing desire to preserve and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the East Coast. Communities rallied together to showcase their traditions and share their stories through online platforms and virtual exhibitions. Just like the wau adorned with vibrant colors, the culture and traditions of the region were brought to life in innovative ways, connecting people and fostering a sense of unity.
The wau also symbolizes the undying hope that resides within the human spirit. As the pandemic persisted, the people of the East Coast kept their eyes on the horizon, eagerly awaiting the return of better days. They knew that, like the wau that can’t wait to soar when the wind season comes, they too would rise once again.
When the winds of change finally began to blow in their favor, the people of the East Coast were ready to soar. Fishing boats returned to the sea, and tourists started to trickle back, bringing with them a sense of renewal and rejuvenation. The wau, with its colorful tail streaming behind it, became a symbol of hope and resilience, reminding everyone that even in the midst of trouble, the human spirit can rise above adversity.
The East Coast of Malaysia is not just a region on the map; it’s a place where tradition, resilience, and the power of community come together. The wau, with its reliance on the wind to soar, serves as a perfect metaphor for the people of this region who, during the darkest days of the pandemic, patiently waited for the winds of change to carry them to new heights.
In conclusion, the wau of the East Coast of Malaysia is not just a cultural treasure but a powerful symbol of resilience and hope. Just as the wau depends on the wind as its source of energy to soar, the people of the region relied on their determination and sense of community to rise above the challenges brought by the pandemic. Like the wau, they patiently waited for the winds of change, and when the season came, they soared, reminding us all of the incredible strength of the human spirit.
The “Wedding” Symphony
Langkawi Art Biennale 2023: Reset – Love, Life, and the Post-Pandemic Renaissance”
In the serene landscapes of Langkawi, as the sun’s golden rays painted the horizon, a remarkable transformation was underway. The Langkawi Art Biennale 2023 provided a platform for artists from all walks of life to reflect upon and celebrate the theme of ‘Reset’. It was an opportunity to explore the profound changes brought about by the pandemic, and one of the most poignant stories that emerged was the tale of love, life, and renewed beginnings.
The pandemic had forced humanity into an unprecedented state of hibernation. People were trapped in their homes, their dreams and aspirations put on hold. Among them were countless couples who had dreamt of celebrating their love through marriage but had to postpone their plans due to the uncertainty that had gripped the world.
As the lockdowns gradually lifted, a sense of hope and renewal pervaded the air. Just as nature reawakened with the changing seasons, couples who had postponed their weddings began to come together in joyous matrimony. It was as if they were hitting the reset button on their love stories, rekindling their dreams and embracing a fresh start.
The Langkawi Art Biennale 2023, with its theme of ‘Reset’, provided a canvas for artists to depict this powerful narrative through various mediums, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. One particularly moving piece, titled “The Wedding Symphony,” captured the essence of these renewed vows.
“The Wedding Symphony” was a mesmerizing sculpture that depicted a couple, locked in an eternal embrace, standing on a platform adorned with symbols of rebirth and new beginnings. The sculpture was crafted from materials collected during the lockdown, symbolizing the transformation of adversity into opportunity. It stood as a testament to the resilience of love in the face of adversity and the human spirit’s capacity for renewal.
In another corner of the Langkawi Art Biennale, a series of vibrant paintings titled “Love Unlocked” told the story of couples who had found solace and strength in each other during the darkest days of the pandemic. The paintings captured the raw emotions, the laughter, and the tears that had filled their lives as they navigated the uncertainties of a world in turmoil. These couples had unlocked the power of love to overcome adversity and redefine their relationships.
One of the most striking installations at the Biennale was a massive, intricately woven web titled “The Ties That Bind.” It represented the interconnectedness of human relationships and how they had been tested and strengthened during the pandemic. Couples, families, and friends had leaned on each other for support, forming a resilient network of bonds that transcended physical distance.
As visitors walked through the web-like installation, they could read heartwarming stories of couples who had reimagined their weddings in intimate and creative ways. Some had held virtual ceremonies with guests from around the world, while others had exchanged vows in the presence of only a few loved ones. The pandemic had forced them to reset their expectations, but it had also deepened their commitment to each other.
The Langkawi Art Biennale also featured a collaborative mural titled “Love’s Resurgence.” Artists from different backgrounds came together to create a vibrant and dynamic piece that symbolized the collective spirit of renewal and hope. The mural depicted couples dancing in celebration, surrounded by blooming flowers and symbols of unity. It was a visual representation of the resilience and love that had flourished in the wake of the pandemic.
In conclusion, the Langkawi Art Biennale 2023 beautifully captured the theme of ‘Reset’ by showcasing the stories of couples who had postponed their weddings during the pandemic and then came together to celebrate their love in the face of adversity. These stories were a testament to the enduring power of love, resilience, and the human spirit’s capacity for renewal. Just as Langkawi’s natural beauty had remained untouched by the challenges of the world, love had found a way to flourish and thrive, reminding us all of the profound capacity for hope and renewal that resides within us.