“A Tale of Two Hills”

Commissioned by The Habitat Foundation

Eight narrators, four for each location, were selected from a pool of applicants to work on their respective topics over six months with support and guidance from Jeffrey Lim, photography artist and cultural worker, anthropologist Wan Atikah bt Wan Yusof and author of “Beguiled On Larut Hills”, Liew Suet Fun.

The Exhibition showcases the work of these visual narrators and explores a wide range of topics ranging from sustainability, biodiversity, species endemicity to human society and the cultural impacts of colonialism, migration and the inter-generational dynamics of communities living on and around the highlands. 

“A Tale of Two Hills” was exhibited in Penang from 16 February till 2 March 2023 at Mano Plus, Lebuh Pantai and in Taiping from 17 February till 3 March 2023 at Maxwell Basecamp, Kaki Bukit Larut.

To find out more visit ataleof2hills.org

Felt In Blood, Felt In The Heart

Taiping is at a crossroads in its history. Physically and culturally, the town is slowly shifting into a new era. Known for being a former British town, any remaining traces of the occupation have either been co-opted into tourist attractions or lay unattended, only to be reclaimed by the land itself. One way or another, as time passes, the town is moving onwards and away from its colonial past. While there are many documents and narratives chronicling the history of the British that will endure long past their time in Taiping, there are few records detailing local stories and history during this same time.

One of the biggest crossroads Taiping stands at are in regard to the hill station and bungalows of Maxwell hill. Over the years they have gradually decayed and now exist in a state of disrepair. A once-central attraction to many has now become a faded memory. The direction Taiping’s future will take depends largely on the future of the hills. Whether they are to be restored as a heritage site, developed to increase the number of visitors, or remain as they are is still unknown. With only a promise to
re-open the hill in 2026, as of now there are no concrete plans on the table as to which direction authorities will take.

The project turns focus onto the connection many residents feel towards Taiping’s historical hills by investigating the local narratives, both past and present, to understand the town and its culture as it shifts into its own unique identity. Through interviews and in immersing myself in the town’s heritage, I hope to uncover and showcase what individuals of Taiping value and hold dear when they look to the line of blue hills which embrace their town.