‘The Poetics of Pusat in the Malay World and Beyond'

The word 'pusat' is rich in meaning and significance in this region. It could mean 'navel' in human physiology, or a middle or central position, or even an office or organisation. From past to present, 'pusat' represents an interesting notion of space, sacrality and ideological claims. This talk surveys the multiplicity of meanings that cross history, socio-politics, culture and mythologies to offer a view of how power, place and emotion have become central in our imagination.

@surianisuratman.pusat

@theartshouse

Suriani Suratman ‘Pusat: Conversations with my mama Saerah’ Sat 2 to Mon 11 July 2022 The Arts House, Gallery 2

Dr Azhar Ibrahim

Dr Azhar Ibrahim is a Senior Lecturer in Malay-Indonesian literature and ideologies of development at the Department of Malay Studies, National University of Singapore (NUS). His research interests include sociology of literature, social theology, Islamic thought, critical literacy, and Malay-Indonesian intellectual development. Amongst his published works are: Emancipated Education (2020), Historical Imagination and Cultural Responses to Colonialism and Nationalism: A Critical Malay(sian) Perspective (2017), Contemporary Islamic Discourse in the Malay-Indonesia World (2014) and Narrating Presence: Awakening from Cultural Amnesia (2014).