Devil’s Curry:
A Photographic Exploration of the Serani Identity
Several days after my birth, my mother received a letter from the Eurasian Association of Penang, Malaysia. It congratulated her and informed her that due to my father’s French heritage, I was to be considered an “A-class” Serani, seeing as my blood had a higher percentage of European ancestry, that I was superior to most other Malaysian-Eurasians. I was made aware of this shortly after a close friend was denied a position in the association due to their father’s Indian heritage.
In recent years, there has been a tension within the Penang Eurasian community. One that centers on the definitions of the Serani identity, and who can be truly referred to as such. As a people who proudly regard themselves as multiracial, when does an individual of mixed heritage become too diverse to be included in the community? Who has the right to define these identities, and on what basis?
Devil’s Curry is a dish that is almost synonymous with Serani culture. It is a staple in many households, each with slight variations and alterations to the recipe. As with many food-centric cultures, debates form over whose is more authentic and whose is considered “the best”. These debates over authenticity and composition of the dishes mirrored my research in finding what can only be described as a “pure” Serani.
This exhibition unearths the complexities of the Serani identity, confronting the transient nature of memory and the enduring impact of colonialism. Portraits become windows into the individual journeys of Serani people, navigating the intersections of heritage, tradition, and self-identity. Combining elements of sociological inquiry and personal introspection, the work serves a dual purpose: to facilitate an exploration of my individual role within the community, and to foster a meaningful dialogue surrounding inclusivity and the future of Serani culture. Through its overlapping narratives, this exhibition invites viewers to engage with the complexities of identity, while igniting a collective contemplation on the evolving landscape of our shared communities.
Despite research, interviews, and self-reflection, I still struggle to define my place within the Serani community. While friends and family reassure me that I belong, the need for such validation remains unsettling. This project has sparked a shift in my perspective—one that will take time to fully embrace.
Where I have undeniably grown is in my artistic practice. Experimenting with new techniques, engaging in historical research, and exploring underrepresented Southeast Asian narratives have broadened my creative scope. Research-informed documentary photography has proven to be a powerful tool for preserving cultural identity, offering a deeper, more nuanced understanding of heritage while fostering cross-cultural dialogue.
Whether I will ever fully resolve my sense of belonging remains uncertain. But as I continue my artistic journey, I am better equipped to navigate and explore complex narratives like this one.
Exhibition
Hin Bus Depot Gallery
5th-27th August 2023
This project was developed in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Arts – Photography at Photography Studies College, Melbourne.
In addition to the exhibition and photographic series, an exegesis was produced to contextualize the research, methodology, and creative process underpinning the work. This document is available for download via the link below, serving as a resource for those engaged in similar inquiries or with an interest in the subject matter.