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The Star
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
'Atas Pagar' art exhibition wants us to think about the gates we keep
When her grandmother's home in Kuantan was broken into at the end of last year, 25-year-old artist Nurul Ain Nor Halim, who goes by Ain, was as dismayed as the rest of her family. But there was a part of her that was transfixed – the image of the burglar's clean and tidy cut through the metal grille covering a window in the kitchen, where they had gained entry into the home, remained stuck in her mind and imagination. 'Luckily there wasn't much to steal from the house, as it had been left empty for quite some time,' says Ain in a recent interview at The Back Room gallery in Kuala Lumpur. 'But what stood out to me was how neatly they had cut a hole in the grille – like it had been done with scissors. My first thought when I saw the photo in the family group chat was, 'Wow, are they an artist or something?'' she adds with a laugh. Upon returning to Malaysia after finishing her studies, Ain began to notice the prevalence of grilles and gates in Malaysian homes. Photo: The Star/Muhamad Shahril Rosli The break-in acted as the catalyst that motivated Ain to put together her second solo exhibition, Atas Pagar, currently showing at The Back Room gallery until July 20. Visitors can see the cut-through window grille, along with another that was removed from her family home to make way for a newer fire-access design. 'I wanted to display them across from one another as a contrast – one grille was cut through in secret and without permission, while the other was voluntarily taken down and left to quietly rust and disintegrate,' she explains. Locked in or out? Atas Pagar comes hot off the heels of her first solo, Da Lama Dah, which took place at Blank Canvas in George Town, Penang from March 1 to May 25 this year. While her previous show looked at the tradition of oral storytelling, this new solo highlights a common feature of Malaysian homes – window and door grilles, gates and fences. 'Growing up, my family moved around a lot, so I spent most of my childhood outside of Malaysia, in Japan and Indonesia. Then I moved to the Netherlands to further my studies. 'So when I returned to Malaysia a couple of years ago, I started to notice the prevalence of these gates, which you don't typically see in the other countries I've lived in. I became obsessed with them,' says the Bangkok-born artist, who graduated from the Royal Academy of Arts in The Hague, Netherlands. Visitors view the old window grille from Ain's family home, replaced with a new fire-access design. Photo: The Star/Muhamad Shahril Rosli For Ain, who now works as an art teacher, the idea of a 'gate' can change depending on the context. 'I wanted to explore the role of gates in its many forms, from physical to cultural to philosophical. What we choose to enclose, and leave open, says something about safety, culture, trust, fear and identity. 'There's also the concept of 'gatekeeping', especially by institutions such as museums and schools in terms of the narratives they choose to display or who gets access to education. We often don't realise it, but in our daily lives, we've all encountered some form of gatekeeping,' she says. Nothing left to waste According to Ain, who dabbles in multiple mediums, Atas Pagar is a continuation of her ash painting series, which were the result of her experiments in mixing the ash left over from firing ceramic pieces. 'I wanted to try my hand at making my own clay, so I dug some up from the backyard of my family home in Putrajaya. After firing the pieces, I noticed there was a lot of ash left behind. I didn't want it to go to waste, so one day, I combined the ash with pigment powder and a bit of clay and put it on some paper. 'What I noticed was that it became this new medium that isn't quite painting, but also not necessarily sculpture – it occupies the space that's somewhere in between,' she says. That 'in-between' quality of the works is one of the reasons why Ain decided to name the show Atas Pagar. Another reason is her affinity with the phrase and how it reflects her own personality. Ain's exhibition features a new series of A4-sized ash paintings of gates, grilles, and fences – structures meant to keep people 'safe.' Photo: The Star/Muhamad Shahril Rosli 'As an artist, when I create something, I often overthink and question myself, like 'Does this make sense?' or 'Is this good enough?' I don't see that as a bad thing. It's a way to dig deeper and look at things from different perspectives. But that's one of the reasons why I'm drawn to the phrase 'atas pagar' and why I felt it was the perfect title for this show,' she adds. Despite harbouring some self-doubt about her works, once the art is out there, Ain doesn't mind if you love it or hate it. 'I'd rather have a reaction than no reaction. Because no reaction means that there's no discourse, there's no talk, and I want to allow audiences to talk,' she concludes. Atas Pagar is showing at The Back Room in Kuala Lumpur until July 20. Free admission.
Time Out
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Tank Air announces new collection with Thai schoolgirl choir
Thai blooded LA hustle fashion brand ' Tank Air ' just dropped a short film titled 'Clothing and Ideas in Service of the Matriarchy.' The credits look like home: directed by Tank Air with a homegrown Thai-heavy crew involved in every step of the making. At its heart is the Sarasas Witaed Bangbuathong School Choir performing ' Double ' by Brooklyn indie pop group WET. Tank Air's been doing this dance since day one. They take fractured roots and spin them into something cohesive and tangible you can actually wear and live your life in. Behind this is Claire Robertson-Macleod, Bangkok-born, Hong Kong-raised, Thai-English. She's tuned into today's cultural conversations and answered with a fashion statement. Tank Air's sculpted cuts cling to the body like memory itself, born from her lineage of women and shaped by her Thai mother's grace, her British father's grit and the electric pulse of Hong Kong's creative underground where she came of age. Something deeper happens when each piece begins its life as rescued textile. Tank Air's made from deadstock jersey sourced from LA's textile graveyards, all stitched with zero-waste intention. It tears through fashion's empty rituals and leaves no room for hollow posturing or staged morality. Tank Air's rooted in Bangkok's streets, reaching toward California's horizon. Let us spotlight the Bunny knitted baby tee, emblazoned with Tank Air in Thai – 'แทงค์แอร์' – telling a story of quiet resilience. 'No matter the loss, spring back into action in this baby-soft tee, symbolising the world's strongest mammal – pound for pound – mentally and spiritually,' says Tank Air. Then comes the Mai Thai top and sheer sarong, a literal modern translation of Thailand's traditional 'sabai'. This top is a clean cut homage to the classic slink across one shoulder once worn by Thai women. Its partner the sarong barely skims the skin, tradition being spun into something sultry. The SS25 collection will surely continue Thailand's cultural conversation within the global fashion dialogue. The true currency of Tank Air probably lies in that electric moment when skin meets fabric, when Tank Air dresses bodies while celebrating souls. Not just eco-consciously but emotionally.
What's On
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
9 of the best restaurants in Dubai to watch the sunset
Where the sunset steals the show… There's something magical about watching the sky transform into a canvas of soft hues, offering a moment to pause, reset, and welcome the energy of tomorrow. As the sky changes, you feel it too, like the day's winding down but a new one is waiting around the corner. In Dubai, it's the perfect time to sit back and watch it all unfold from spots that take the sunset experience to another level. Here are 9 of the best restaurants in Dubai to watch the sunset. Click through the gallery 3 of 12 The Jetty Lounge For barefoot sundowners in a low-key, luxe setting, Jetty Lounge keeps it effortless. Tucked along the beach with front-row views of the sunset, this beachfront spot pairs chill vibes with creative drinks and refined bites. From mezze to music, everything flows just right as the sky starts to glow. The Jetty Lounge, One&Only Royal Mirage, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St, Dubai Marina. @jettylounge For Cote d'Azur vibes without, French Riviera Beach has it down. It's all about refined beachfront dining and a laid-back atmosphere that shifts effortlessly from day to night. Whether you're there for a long, leisurely lunch, or a peaceful sunset dinner, it's a solid choice for coastal cool. French Riviera Beach, Beachfront, Jumeirah Al Qasr King Salman Abdulaziz Al Saud St, Umm Suqeim St. @ frenchrivierabeach Golden hour meets the Greek isles at Shimmers. Set right on the beach, this open-air spot blends laid-back charm with photogenic plates and breezy Mediterranean flavours. Whether you're into sunset snaps or just want to kick back with fresh seafood and shisha, this one's a standout. Shimmers, Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, Jumeira St, Madinat Al Sufouh 1. @ shimmersdubai With much of the Palm Jumeirah low-lying, finding a lofty perch to admire the sunset in this area of the city isn't easy. So when Bangkok-born Above Eleven opened on the 14th floor rooftop of Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, it was the the picture-perfect skylines of Dubai, this is the place to go. Above Eleven is an all box-ticking spot for spectacular views, cocktails, vibes, and flawless service. Above Eleven Dubai, Rooftop, West Palm Beach, Jumeirah Marriott Resort, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 666 1420. @abovelevendubai When it comes to the best restaurants in Dubai to watch the sunset, Pierchic has that 'wow' factor, sitting out on a wooden pier right over the Arabian Gulf. The views? Iconic. You've got the Burj Al Arab in the distance, and the water sparkling below your feet. It's perfect for a relaxed lunch with the sea breeze or a romantic dinner as the city lights twinkle. The menu, led by Chef Beatrice Segoni, leans into Italy's coastal flavours with handcrafted pasta, lobster risotto, and a solid seafood lineup. And don't miss Onda bar halfway down the pier for a pre-dinner drink while you catch that golden hour glow. Pierchic, Jumeirah Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeriah. @pierchicdubai Located on the edge of the Burj Al Arab, Sal is equal parts chic beach club and refined Mediterranean restaurant. With chef Vincenzo Nigro at the helm, it's one of the city's most iconic sunset spots. Watch the sky shift from gold to deep blue from the panoramic infinity pool, then ease into the evening at SAL Sunset Lounge, where plush sofas, laid-back beats, and coastal dishes set the tone. Sal, Ground Mezzanine Floor, Burj Al Arab, Jumeira St. @ sal_burjalarab At 210 metres above sea level, AURA is the world's highest 360 infinity pool, offering uninterrupted views of Dubai's skyline, Palm Jumeirah, and the Arabian Gulf. Whether you're floating above the city or lounging with a drink in hand, the feeling is nothing short of surreal. AURA Skypool, The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah. Tel: (0) 4 566 2121, @ High above the city on the 77th floor of Address Beach Resort, ZETA Seventy Seven serves Asian-inspired seafood with a side of sky-high views. With a menu built for sharing, signature cocktails, and Dubai's skyline stretching out in every direction, from Ain Dubai to Palm Jumeirah, it's rooftop dining at its sleekest. ZETA Seventy Seven, Address Beach Resort, Dubai Marina. @ zetaseventyseven If you're looking for a spot in Dubai that nails great food, vibes, and sunset views, Duck & Waffle in DIFC is the place. It's a 10,000-square-foot space with a greenhouse-inspired dining area, a radiant central dome, and a perforated metal tree framing views of Burj Khalifa. The menu is a playful twist on British-American comfort food, featuring dishes like the signature Duck & Waffle, foie gras creme brulee, and spicy ox cheek doughnut . They also offer inventive cocktails at their 360-degree chef's bar. Whether you're there for brunch, dinner, or late-night bites, the atmosphere is always buzzing, making it one of Dubai's best spots to enjoy a meal with a view. Duck & waffle, Innovation Building, Trade Centre, DIFC. Tel: (0)4 336 9876 Images: Instagram/Official websites > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
What's On
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
8 of the best restaurants in Dubai to watch the sunset
Where the sunset steals the show… There's something magical about watching the sky transform into a canvas of soft hues, offering a moment to pause, reset, and welcome the energy of tomorrow. As the sky changes, you feel it too, like the day's winding down but a new one is waiting around the corner. In Dubai, it's the perfect time to sit back and watch it all unfold from spots that take the sunset experience to another level. Here are 8 of the best restaurants in Dubai to watch the sunset. Click through the gallery 3 of 12 The Jetty Lounge For barefoot sundowners in a low-key, luxe setting, Jetty Lounge keeps it effortless. Tucked along the beach with front-row views of the sunset, this beachfront spot pairs chill vibes with creative drinks and refined bites. From mezze to music, everything flows just right as the sky starts to glow. The Jetty Lounge, One&Only Royal Mirage, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St, Dubai Marina. @jettylounge For Cote d'Azur vibes without, French Riviera Beach has it down. It's all about refined beachfront dining and a laid-back atmosphere that shifts effortlessly from day to night. Whether you're there for a long, leisurely lunch, or a peaceful sunset dinner, it's a solid choice for coastal cool. French Riviera Beach, Beachfront, Jumeirah Al Qasr King Salman Abdulaziz Al Saud St, Umm Suqeim St. @ frenchrivierabeach Golden hour meets the Greek isles at Shimmers. Set right on the beach, this open-air spot blends laid-back charm with photogenic plates and breezy Mediterranean flavours. Whether you're into sunset snaps or just want to kick back with fresh seafood and shisha, this one's a standout. Shimmers, Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, Jumeira St, Madinat Al Sufouh 1. @ shimmersdubai With much of the Palm Jumeirah low-lying, finding a lofty perch to admire the sunset in this area of the city isn't easy. So when Bangkok-born Above Eleven opened on the 14th floor rooftop of Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, it was the the picture-perfect skylines of Dubai, this is the place to go. Above Eleven is an all box-ticking spot for spectacular views, cocktails, vibes, and flawless service. Above Eleven Dubai, Rooftop, West Palm Beach, Jumeirah Marriott Resort, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 666 1420. @abovelevendubai When it comes to the best restaurants in Dubai to watch the sunset, Pierchic has that 'wow' factor, sitting out on a wooden pier right over the Arabian Gulf. The views? Iconic. You've got the Burj Al Arab in the distance, and the water sparkling below your feet. It's perfect for a relaxed lunch with the sea breeze or a romantic dinner as the city lights twinkle. The menu, led by Chef Beatrice Segoni, leans into Italy's coastal flavours with handcrafted pasta, lobster risotto, and a solid seafood lineup. And don't miss Onda bar halfway down the pier for a pre-dinner drink while you catch that golden hour glow. Pierchic, Jumeirah Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeriah. @pierchicdubai Located on the edge of the Burj Al Arab, Sal is equal parts chic beach club and refined Mediterranean restaurant. With chef Vincenzo Nigro at the helm, it's one of the city's most iconic sunset spots. Watch the sky shift from gold to deep blue from the panoramic infinity pool, then ease into the evening at SAL Sunset Lounge, where plush sofas, laid-back beats, and coastal dishes set the tone. Sal, Ground Mezzanine Floor, Burj Al Arab, Jumeira St. @ sal_burjalarab At 210 metres above sea level, AURA is the world's highest 360 infinity pool, offering uninterrupted views of Dubai's skyline, Palm Jumeirah, and the Arabian Gulf. Whether you're floating above the city or lounging with a drink in hand, the feeling is nothing short of surreal. AURA Skypool, The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah. Tel: (0) 4 566 2121, @ High above the city on the 77th floor of Address Beach Resort, ZETA Seventy Seven serves Asian-inspired seafood with a side of sky-high views. With a menu built for sharing, signature cocktails, and Dubai's skyline stretching out in every direction, from Ain Dubai to Palm Jumeirah, it's rooftop dining at its sleekest. ZETA Seventy Seven, Address Beach Resort, Dubai Marina. @ zetaseventyseven Images: Instagram/Official websites > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
