After being exhibited in Taiwan and Hong Kong, the original manuscripts of the documentary comic series, "Monsoon (熱帶季風)," published by Taiwanese publishing house Slowork Publishing (慢工出版) will be displayed at Hin Bus Depot in Penang, Malaysia from May 6 to 28.
Co-organized by the Cultural Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Malaysia and Ruang Kongsi, a collective space in Penang, the "Angin Berlabuh - Asian Documentary Comics" exhibition will feature more than ten extraordinary pieces by five Taiwan and Malaysian artists, namely Adoor Yeh (阿多), 61Chi (劉宜其), Tseng Yao-ching (曾耀慶), Lefty (甘承耀), and Novia (冼佩珊).
Curated by Lee Cheah-ni (李嘉霓), a member of Ruang Kongsi, the exhibition aims to demonstrate a variety of possibilities in the field of documentary comics to Malaysian audiences. The exhibition title "Angin Berlabuh" is a Malay phrase that intentionally highlights the exhibition being held in Malaysia during the shift from the Northeast monsoon to the Southwest monsoon. In addition, the subject matter of the works focusing on the distinctive features of Southeast Asia is not common.
Small installations that present visual narrative in three-dimensional forms will be displayed, along with the notes that document the artists' creative processes, sketches, storyboards, and more, enabling audiences to gain a better understanding of the journey from conceptualization to realization.
During the month-long exhibition, several thematic lectures and workshops will also be held. From May 12 to 14, the artists are scheduled to participate in thematic dialogues, sharing sessions, and workshops. Through these activities, audiences will have the opportunity to learn more about the cultural background and creative thinking of the two countries, and further understand the significance of documentary comics.
Positioned as "documentary comics for adults, “Monsoon” was founded in 2017 and has set off a wave of documentary comics. With the craftsman's spirit, the publication aims to showcase the various possibilities of combining "documentary" and "comics," and through this, to present a more authentic and diverse portrayal of the social and cultural landscape in Asia.
For more information, please visit the exhibition's Facebook page.