I Love God, Gold, & Glory

Nation-building, nature, cultural identity, and the ties that bind them. Wei-Ling Gallery is pleased to announce ‘I Love God, Gold, & Glory’ by Malaysian artist, Anas Afandi; marking the artist’s first solo show with the gallery. An exhibition showcasing drawings and installations, the artist dives into the nuances of the deep-rooted pervasive legacy of colonialism.

It’s time to discard those rose-tinted glasses. To discern the complexities regarding the shaping of the nation’s identity and cultural landscape from historical exploitation and environmental degradation. The underlying influences that have persisted through time, seeping into every nook and cranny. Anas brings up an important aspect of the realities behind nation-building; the deforestation of nature in paving the way for monoculture farming. As per the artist, the belief in a harmonious and romantic relationship with nature is something people subconsciously agree upon. Nevertheless, it is a mere superficial ‘branding’ effort to mask environmental destruction. This agricultural practice has led to significant environmental destruction, and the displacement and endangerment of native species. Despite efforts to conserve wildlife and promote sustainability, the damage done is profound and ongoing. Oil palm plants have been depicted as part of the narrative of ‘progress’ from a pre-modern subsistence economy, Anas uses it to serve as a metaphor for the nation’s action; perpetuating the colonial practice of objectifying the natural world as something to be defeated and exploited. This particular plant appears quite frequently in his body of work. Harking back to the history of how oil palms first arrived in South-East Asia; a result of the British colonial administration. It is hard to deny that the westernisation and industrialisation of a nation are part and parcel of nation-building. Regrettably, Malaysia’s cultural identity, closely tied to its natural environment, is being eroded as traditional practices and symbols are replaced by those linked to colonial and capitalist influences.

The work is placed between two bookends. The first is the profound affinity and the admiration for the diversity of the natural world. The second, is the current sense of mourning for the loss of that diversity due to humanity’s destructive nature, both of which he is also part of. Concerned that without a shift in values and a more genuine appreciation of the environment, Malaysia will continue to lose its cultural distinctiveness, leading to a homogenised and diminished national identity. As always, Anas’ work consistently provides a subtle perspective on the interconnected and evolving relationship between the natural world, historical narratives, and cultural identity, encouraging reflection on its influence in modern society.

‘I Love God, Gold, & Glory‘ is featured at Wei-Ling Gallery from 21 September – 19 October 2024.

Wei-Ling Gallery is located at No 8, Jalan Scott, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Admission hours are Tuesday – Friday 10am – 6pm, Saturday 10am – 5pm.

Exhibition is open by appointment only. For appointments and further assistance, please contact +60322601106 or e-mail siewboon@weiling-gallery.com

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Anas Afandi (b. 1991, Malaysia) is a Kuala Lumpur-based artist whose practice spans drawings, paintings, sculptures, and installations. His work offers nuanced perspectives on the interconnectedness and dynamic relationships within the natural world, historical narratives, and cultural identity. Prompting contemplation on their impact on contemporary society.

Drawing has always been the cornerstone of Anas’ practice. His works explore the boundaries between art and life, fact and fiction, as well as, design and function. Often drawing from his personal experiences and memories, Anas believes that art should be deeply personal and closely tied to its creator. Constantly evolving, as the artist evolves through life’s experiences and emotions. By reflecting his experiences in his artworks, Anas is able to question the role of art in human life.

The conceptual underpinnings of his work are rooted in his close relationship with nature, a connection established during his upbringing in a familiar natural environment. His interests in history, archaeology, and botany often inform his art; with the environment serving as the foundation for his work. Anas views himself as a vessel, channelling ideas derived from this foundation, with the resulting artwork becoming a fusion of both the artist’s touch and the environment’s influence.

Anas has participated in several group exhibitions, including Interwoven Realities at HARTA Space, Kuala Lumpur (2024), WLG Ignite by Wei-Ling Gallery at GMBB, Kuala Lumpur (2021), WLG Incubator Young Artist Show at Wei-Ling Contemporary, Kuala Lumpur (2020), Drawings Matter at HOM Art Trans, Kuala Lumpur (2019), and SH/FT: A Contemporary Art Show at White Box, Kuala Lumpur (2019).