Promoting Sabah through Arts Exhibitions

4 December 2024

SINGAPORE: Art exhibitions abroad that feature local artists can significantly enhance Sabah’s global reputation, according to Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.

At the launch of Yee I-Lann's solo exhibition at the Singapore Art Museum, he emphasized that art serves as a powerful medium for sharing Sabah’s stories, culture, and heritage with a wider audience.

He noted that such platforms help to shape the narrative of Sabah not just as a destination rich in natural beauty, but also as a hub of artistic and cultural significance.

“Art is a universal language that sparks curiosity and interest. By showcasing works inspired by Sabah, we invite people to connect with our culture and, ultimately, to visit Sabah to experience its wonders firsthand,” he stated.

Joniston expressed hope that more local artists would create Sabah-inspired art for international exhibitions.

The launch was attended by notable figures, including Malaysia's High Commissioner to Singapore Datuk Indera Azfar Mustafar, Singapore Art Museum Chairman Edmund Cheng, Tourism Malaysia Director Norliza Mohd Zain, and Sabah Trade and Tourism Office Singapore Managing Director Wendy Clare Stephens.

The exhibition, titled “Mansau-Ansau”—a Dusun phrase meaning "to walk without a predetermined destination"—runs until March 23, 2025, and is expected to attract over 45,000 visitors.

Spanning two decades of Yee I-Lann’s career, the exhibition showcases her openness to discovery through a blend of photo collages, textiles, and natural materials, merging traditional techniques with contemporary ideas to explore themes of power and identity.

This launch follows Yee’s recent accolade at the ANTEPRIMA × CHAT Contemporary Textile Art Prize 2024, which recognized her innovative contributions to the field of textile art.

Additionally, the “Mansau-Ansau” exhibition coincides with her participation in Art Basel Miami Beach 2024 from December 4 to 8, further solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the global art scene.

Joniston highlighted that international art showcases like these are essential for positioning Sabah as more than just a travel destination.

He added that such efforts could spark new cultural tourism initiatives, such as art-based tours and collaborations with international artists, further enhancing Sabah’s reputation as a vibrant hub of culture and creativity.