#swiflets

No, it's not Halloween even if the black vinyl cut-outs of swiflets dangling in front of Gallery 29 on China Street look like bats at first glance. What a visual foreboding of what to expect from artist/designer Rebecca Wilkinson's latest art exhibition/installation. Wayang! Is unexpectedly - and refreshingly – an arty rant!

Inside, one wall is dedicated to the issue of swiflet-breeding in George Town – a problem that has been plaguing the city and which is Wilkinson's pet peeve. Ok, that's an understatement. She's majorly pissed off – and you'll know why if you stand in front of that wall and follow the paper trail!

More swiflets.. and yes, this blight does mar George Town's liveability as a city (think shrill recorded cheeps and the HEALTH hazard of bird poop in dwelling places!). The question Wilkinson brings up is – is our conservation/heritage just about pretty buildings??

Mixed in with all this are some amazing cotton kebayas - trunkloads of which came out in the early 2000s when the Rent Control Act was repealed and residents had to move out. A fraction of Wilkinson's collection is hanging from bamboo poles from the ceiling - nice way to display them! 

The patterns, the delicate edges, the material - simply lovely!

And below - Wayang! - the theme art work

When artists rant, they do it in style!

What: Wayang @ Gallery 29 .

Where: 29 China Street