Founded in 2018, Borneo Laboratory is a Kuching-based art collective that has received international recognition. After four years of research, including multiple exhibitions and publications, the collective’s trilogical exhibition made its KL debut in April with support from Think City.
Since its opening, “The Lain-Lain Project” has invited visitors to immerse themselves in the themes of postcolonial and multiracial Malaysia. Curated by Wendy Teo, an architect and activist from Borneo, the show is aimed at sparking conversations about identity and heritage.
The exhibition unfolds in three parts: “Serumpun”, “Big Trip”, and “Lain-Lain”.
“Serumpun”, which refers to a bundle of grass that shares the same root, showcases 12 Bornean craft communities striving to preserve their ancestral wisdom amidst the pressures of modernity.
From intricate bamboo and rattan weaving to the creation of bidai mats – handcrafted from rattan and tree bark by the Bidayuh tribe – visitors get a firsthand look at the tools and artistry behind these age-old practices, through a combination of photos, text and short films.
The second part, “Big Trip”, broadens the focus. Through carefully curated visuals, sketches and audio excerpts, this section showcases how Malaysia’s unique traditions and values link diverse cultures across the globe.
It also highlights unexpected parallels, such as the Kelantanese healing ritual Mah Teri and the Indian concept of chakras, that show how seemingly distant cultures share surprising similarities.
“Visitors began to see the relevance of age-old practices in today’s world,” Teo noted.
While the exhibition predominantly highlights the cultures of Sabah and Sarawak, it also seeks to show our shared humanity by incorporating voices from other communities, including refugees in Malaysia.
The third section, “Lain-Lain”, spotlights six extraordinary individuals who have been working to create a more inclusive Malaysia. One standout collaboration features social activist Heidy Quah, founder of Refuge for the Refugees, whose workshop enabled refugee students to create wood-printed art.
Having worked with refugees for around 10 years, Quah said: “Meeting people from all walks of life, each with their unique stories and backgrounds, opened my eyes to the true meaning of diversity. Suddenly ‘lain-lain’ wasn’t just a checkbox on a form; it was a community of individuals who, like me, felt a bit different.”
Another key figure is Temuan-Semai cultural activist Ronnie Bahari, who uses photography to challenge colonial-era stereotypes of Malaysia’s indigenous peoples. “The photographs taken by the British were demeaning; they brought down the spirit and self-esteem of the Orang Asli,” he explained.
Hailing from Perak, Ronnie is dedicated to preserving and passing on his culture through portrait photography that depicts his community in a beautiful and empowering light.
As “The Lain-Lain Project” enters its final month, Teo reflected on the overwhelming support they have received.
“The kindness from people in KL surprised me. There was even a lady from Singapore who spent her first trip to Malaysia at the exhibition, staying the whole day with us. Now, she’s planning a visit to Kuching to learn more about what we do,” she shared.
With just weeks left, the project continues to demonstrate how art can play a powerful role in bridging divides. Teo and her team are already looking forward to future projects, with an invitation to showcase their work in Indonesia.
Clearly, this is just the beginning of a much larger, essential conversation.
‘The Lain Lain Project’ exhibition is showing daily until Oct 20. Admission is free. For more information, click here.
Gallery, Level 6, GMBB,
2, Jalan Robertson, Bukit Bintang
50150 Kuala Lumpur