A Conversation with Artists & Authors: Illustrating Diversity & Inclusivity, One Word at a Time’, moderated by Esther Van Nes and featuring (start from second left) William Tham, Pauline Fan, Adriana Nordin Manan, Srijah Nair and Esther Van Nes.
In conjunction with Asian Heritage Month, the High Commission of Canada in Malaysia collaborated with Sunway University’s School of Arts and launched the ‘Transpacific – An Asian-Canadian Literary Journey’, artistic exhibition.
With the theme ‘Continuing a legacy of greatness’, this year marks the 20th anniversary of the official declaration of May as Asian Heritage Month and the 65th anniversary of Canada and Malaysia’s bilateral ties.
Asian Heritage Month, celebrated every May in Canada, is an opportunity for people to learn more about the many achievements and contributions by Canadians of Asian heritage, who throughout Canada’s history, have done so much to make Canada the country that it is today.
“To commemorate these milestones, the High Commission of Canada in Malaysia together with Sunway University School of Arts supported the development of the unique literary and artistic exhibition, curated by William Tham, JF Garrard, and Vincent Ternida, working with Penang Institute, the Asian Canadian Writers Workshop in Vancouver and Dark Helix Press,” shared His Excellency Wayne Robson, High Commissioner of Canada to Malaysia.
The exhibition addressed the Asian Canadian literature and challenges reflecting topics on identity, culture, intersectionality, decolonisation, racism, and inclusion. It consists of four posters combining visual design and text coupled with visual imagery in the form of heritage photographs, magazine covers, and photos, including works from Sunway University School of Arts students.
The launch was accompanied by a panellist session, ‘A Conversation with Artists & Authors: Illustrating Diversity & Inclusivity, One Word at a Time’, which featured William Tham, Design and Production Team Lead of the Transpacific Literary Exhibition, Pauline Fan, Creative Director of PUSAKA and Director of the George Town Literary Festival, Adriana Nordin Manan, Writer and Translator, Srijah Nair, Creative Designer of the Transpacific Literary Exhibition and moderator Esther Van Nes, Political Counselor, High Commission of Canada where they discussed the inspiration and ideas behind the development of the exhibition and the role of Asian-Canadian authors in shaping and diversifying the literary landscape in Canada.
The artistic exhibition officially will be held at Sunway University until 20 May. In keeping with the goals of the Mission Cultural Fund (MCF), the exhibition will provide a well-rounded introduction to the Asian Canadian literary scene and bring greater awareness of Canadian writers of Asian heritage to Malaysians.
