Remembering Warisan Nusa @ Badan Warisan Malaysia
After buying a copy of Warisan Nusa years ago, I only browsed it. This exhibition reminded me to read it, and appreciate the great volume that it is. Ilse Noor was commissioned by Shell Malaysia in 1985, to make 24 etchings based on Malaysian buildings with heritage value. The book includes the artist’s jottings when visiting each of Malaysia’s 13 states, with a lyrical translation into Bahasa Melayu by Adibah Amin. Ilse’s road trip begins across the ocean, at a Bidayuh Longhouse and the Kuching courthouse, and ends at the ruins of Kota Datuk Purba and Makam Tok Pelam in one Terengganu cemetery. Her approach for this commission is stated in the book’s preface, “(m)y weapon is my pencil and the trail I leave behind will be of pictures and notes. Forward, towards East we rush.” Kg. Mongkos – Sarawak (1986) As a travelogue, Ilse’s running commentary informs the underlying emotions, that translates into her depictions. Ferried in a boat or a ride-sharing taxi, waking up to inde...
