Jamuan- meaning feast in Malay, is a project born from a desire to delve into the roots of Malaysian culture and to popularise it in contemporary design. In order to do so, the subject matter should resonate with Malaysians from all walks of life, and for that the tummies of the hungry citizens all crave for popular Malaysian cuisine. Which is why delicacies such as nasi lemak, ais kacang, and muruku take centre plate in this feast of surface pattern. This is also a self-exploratory project to combine hand drawn illustration, food, and surface pattern to produce something unique.
Through this project, it is hoped that young Malaysian designers feel inspired to trace back to what is familiar and loved by them, and to develop their style upon this foundation.
After all, the best way into one’s heart is through one’s stomach.
Jamuan is my final project, showcased in the 2014 graduate exhibition Nocturnal held in Black Box gallery, Publika Solaris Dutamas in July.
Nasi Lemak- Malaysian dishes, when observed, tend to consist of bright, colourful ingredients. This pattern is a tribute to the delicious ingredients that make up the nasi lemak. Each ingredient is arranged in a circle, and tiled like polka-dots for regularity. From afar, it draws viewers closer to scrutinise the details added to the elements.
Lapis- Kuih lapis (steamed layer cake) is commonly sold in square or lozenge portions. Its shape conveniently lends itself to this vector, 3D pattern. The pink and white of the kuih lapis is so iconic it is almost impossible to not recognise it.
Onde-onde- Sticky, soft and oh-so-sweet, the onde onde makes a delightful organic pattern. The dark, gula-melaka (coconut palm sugar) brown background compliments the green of the onde onde. This pattern is more masculine in colour, and yet maintains the quirky, hand-drawn feel of the overall collection.
Ais Kacang- Otherwise known as the number one dessert of Malaysia, the ais kacang is a cold, sweet heaven for Malaysians living in a tropical climate. Inspired by the acronym for this dessert (ABC- air batu campur, ‘mixed ice’), the ingredients are broken down to their simplest shapes and arranged into an abstract pattern. The result is an almost petri-dish like pattern, as if the viewer is observing the bright ingredients through a microscope.
Muruku- The spiral shape of the crunchy Indian snack inspired this medallion-like pattern. Curry leaves and cumin seeds add variation. The gold sparkles and bright purple background are reminscent of the rustle of silk saris and festive feasting.
