23/07/2025
BIMPeaga exhibition
July2025-May2026 🇧🇳🇮🇩🇲🇾🇵🇭🎨
Artist Statement – Aksara
By Umi Zaty (Brunei Darussalam)
My art practice explores the space between tradition and contemporary expression. Inspired by the beauty of woven textiles, I reflect on how heritage evolves while keeping its core. My work often includes textures and tactile elements that reference Southeast Asian weaving, creating a sensory experience that carries meaning, memory, and emotion.
“Aksara” means “letter” or “script” in many Southeast Asian languages. It symbolizes communication—spoken, written, and felt. This project explores how we express identity, share stories, and create spaces that welcome everyone.
The installation highlights connections between Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines (BIMP-EAGA). Though culturally distinct, these nations share traditions and geography.
Portraits of Heritage
At the center are four watercolor portraits of women in traditional attire: Melayu (Brunei), Dayak Kalimantan (Indonesia), Kadazan Dusun Sabah (Malaysia), and T'boli Mindanao (Philippines). Each represents cultural pride and personal history. Braille descriptions make the artwork accessible to visually impaired visitors. Tactile surfaces, dots, textures, and raised details are a recurring element in my practice. Braille have been proof-read by .
Patterns in Motion
On both walls, pegboards hold paper boxes and wooden cubes printed with textile motifs. Some elements float, suggesting cultural rhythm, motion, and exchange.
A Tactile Journey
A textured path leads visitors through the space. At its center, a group of wooden figurines face one direction. Each is unique but moves forward together, symbolizing unity in diversity.
Why Aksara?
Aksara is more than a word, it’s a way of sharing stories across senses, generations, and cultures.
About the Artist
Umi Zaty is a Brunei-based multidisciplinary artist exploring identity, memory, and inclusivity through tactile and cultural forms.
