RuMa Collection’s “negaraku” exhibition celebrates Malaysia

As Malaysia prepares for Merdeka and Malaysia Day, the RuMa Collection by Bingley Sim and Ima Norbinsha presents an artistic tribute to national pride titled “negaraku”.

The “negaraku” exhibition, curated by Ivan Gabriel of Hin Bus Depot, features 26 selected artworks from their 20-year collection.

Sim, a banker, and Ima, both esteemed budayawan in the Malaysian art scene, aim to capture the spirit of Malaysia through this exhibition.

negaraku: A showcase of national pride

“At one point, when we had decided on the pieces for the exhibition and were thinking about the title for the show, we considered several ideas, but none stood out.

Just then, my daughter, Iza, joined the conversation and casually suggested, ‘Why not ‘negaraku’?”

Sim explained the significance: “‘negaraku’ represents the country’s trials and tribulations, nation-building, and hope for a brighter future.

We are passionate about the collection being exhibited and the power it conveys, the feelings of ‘negaraku,’ the connection to the country, and the artworks to each other.”

Sim, originally from Penang, named the collection “RuMa” as a contraction of Ruang Ima, which means “Ima’s space” in Malay.

The name also reflects their former home, now an art space, and their deep connection to Penang.

Art with historical significance

In his opening speech at the “negaraku” exhibition on 12 July, Sim surprised attendees by singing the national anthem, embodying the theme of patriotism.

“I started buying art in 2004. After meeting Pakhruddin Sulaiman in December 2007, my interest in buying art began to reach a more serious level. It was only after I came across Bayu Utomo’s artwork that I became an art collector,” he said.

One notable piece, an 8ft black-coloured painting titled “Kau Sekutu atau Seteru” by Bayu Utomo Radjikin, was inspired by the 2008 general election.

This painting, depicting a mask, a fighter pilot, and a cross, captures the election’s impact and the subsequent government change in Penang, Selangor, and Kedah.

“This was the type of painting I wanted for my art collection. I wanted a painting which was philosophical, a painting that had a soul, a painting that could speak to me, and a painting that could give me pleasure just by looking at it,” said Sim.

Other notable works include Stephen Menon’s “The Journey: From Malaya to 1 Malaysia” (2013), Gan Sze Hooi’s “Into the Jail” (2015), and Chang Yoong Chia’s trilogy “Blue, Yellow, and Red” (2009), featuring the colours of the Malaysian flag in grayscale.

Celebrating Malaysia’s journey

Penang State Art Gallery chairman Lee Khai, who officiated the exhibition, praised Gabriel for convincing Sim to showcase his collection.

“Unlike public institutions, private collectors have the agility to quickly acquire valuable works of art. However, many of these artworks end up locked away in private collections,” he said.

He added that Sim and Ima’s collection provides a thought-provoking exploration of themes such as nationhood, nationalism, politics, and culture.

Lee highlighted Syahbandi Samat’s ‘Khabar Angin’ (2014), depicting cultural norms of lying, and Fadilah Karim’s ‘Bubblegum’ (2018), symbolising Malaysia’s future. “It symbolises our nation’s future – a new birth on the horizon, despite the current trepidation,” he said.

“This is the story of Malaysia. However, it invokes feelings. This exhibition is meant to remind and revitalise where we come from and where we are going,” said Sim.

Gabriel, having known Sim for over a decade, mentioned that curating the show took about a year.

The exhibition intentionally omits labels to communicate a narrative of “negaraku,” beginning with Malaysia’s journey and progressing through themes of hope and uncertainty.

“Visitors can obtain an exhibition guide from the gallery, which serves as a map of this journey. It invites you to move from one work to another according to the guide, but it is merely a suggestion,” Gabriel said.

“negaraku” will run from 13 July to 11 August 2024 at Hin Bus Depot on Jalan Gurdwara. Supported by Yayasan Mr. D.I.Y., Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers, and Swan Consultancy, the exhibition is free.

Proceeds from exclusive catalogue sales will be donated to House of Hope. These catalogues, featuring unique casings, numbering, and autographs, document the show and the stories behind the pieces.

For more information, visit Hin Bus Depot.