The Neglected Dimension | Arahmaiani, Anissa Rahadiningtyas, Noorashikin Binte Zulkifli & Syaheedah Iskandar

The Padang Sessions

To dwell on the questions concerning Islam and Islamic religiosity/spirituality is to acknowledge its position in mainstream art historical narratives and museological practices. Islam is rarely discussed in this largely secular field and the circles of modern and contemporary art. There are only a few scholarships on art in Southeast Asia that address the continuing role of Islam in the region's modern and contemporary artistic practices.

This conversation highlighted this "neglected dimension" by focusing on how Islam and Islamic objects are contextualised within museums. It observed how artists have worked with religious-derived principles, spiritual dimensions and how they are preoccupied with the ritual and performative aspects of their devotional experience, inseparable from a larger cultural system.

Artists, curators, and scholars looked at the absence of Islam and Islamic religiosity/spirituality in modern and contemporary art historical narratives in Southeast Asia, and how its aspects have been packaged and framed within international exhibition spaces.

This panel discussion took place at National Gallery Singapore on 15 October 2022, as part of October Gathering.

This talk formed part of research for the Gallery's 2023 exhibition The Neglected Dimension curated by Anissa Rahadiningtyas.

Disclaimer: The comments and opinions expressed are those of the speaker/s, and do not represent the views of National Gallery Singapore.

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