Naga Wheel

Maybank Foundation & Chan+Hori Contemporary presents “Entwine” Maybank Eco-weavers Group Show, National Museum, Singapore, August 2019

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The Maybank Women Eco-weavers programme is a flagship economic independence initiative that connects ASEAN’s heritage through the ancient art of textile weaving in Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia to create a sustainable weaving industry.

Curated by Khai Hori, this exhibition features six contemporary artists who responded to their experiences with artisans of different weaving communities. A celebration of regional art and culture, their artworks are displayed alongside handmade fabrics from the eco-weavers.

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NAGA WHEEL 
HAND CARVED SUAR WOOD
60CM X 45CM X 45CM
2019

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In July, we were invited by Chan+Hori Contemporary on a trip to a little town named Xieng Khouang in Laos to learn about the artisan weaving process. It was an absolutely eye-opening and educational trip, from the elaborate processes involved to produce an artisanal woven textile to the warmth and hospitality of the people to the ingenuity of their processes (everything is zero waste and organic!) to the generosity and richness of their culture. 

Inspired by Mdm Kommaly, we created the piece “Naga Wheel”. It’s a piece inspired from one of the self-made silk extracting wheel spool she  made when she was younger and just starting the foundation.

“Nagas” symbolize protection and serve as guardians in Lao culture, and Mdm Kommaly was the “naga” protecting and bringing girls in her village out of poverty and away from the dangers of human trafficking.   

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ARTIST SKETCH

    
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WORK IN PROGRESS

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EXHIBITION FLYER