Age of Resistance
From the Flower Men of war-torn countries such as Yemen to flower bed protests at hospitals in heavily-militarised Burma, flowers have long become a symbolic form of resistance throughout the century. With the current political upheavel in Malaysia, tensions rise as leaders of an unelected government connive in efforts to stay in power despite conspicuous mismanagement of the country’s health, social and economic crisis. In conjunction with the ongoing #Lawan (Fight in English) Protests, here is a series of posters illustrated as a form of solidarity with the people’s current struggle. For a better future for our children. For safeguarding our healthcare practitioners who work tirelessly but evidently mistreated. For the Indigenous People facing constant peril and injustice. For the migrant workers, refugees and stateless communities often placed at the receiving end of this irreversibly broken system.
Tirani Harus Tumbang
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The flowers illustrated here are the fast-growing Ulam Raja (Cosmos caudatus) known for its connotation with ‘order and harmony among all things’. It grows and grows, between cracks of concrete, until it takes over the once hardened environment — creating a new ecosystem, for all to be part of.
The first poster took inspiration from Wiji Thukul’s poem titled “Bunga dan Tembok” :
Jika kami bunga
Engkau adalah tembok itu
Tapi di tubuh tembok itu
Telah kami sebar biji-biji
Suatu saat kami akan tumbuh bersama
Dengan keyakinan:
Engkau harus hancur!
Dalam keyakinan kami
Di manapun – tirani harus tumbang!
- Wiji Thukul
Listen to Wiji Thukul’s son’s (Fajar Merah) musical version of “Bunga dan Tembok”
Seeds of Resistance
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Around this time of the year, our rainforests on the other hand are taking part in unsual Mass Flowerings across Malaysia. Dipterocarp forests turn into an ocean of blooms and disperse seeds like raindrops. Botanists and scientific researchers notice a unique merriment of so many flowering species all at once, making it a special year to observe this otherworldly phenomenon. In the spirit of #Lawan, it is somewhat lyrical to witness both the simultaneous forces of Nature and the people demanding for real change. Like our forests, we are the Seeds of Resistance – resisting a tyrannical governance and continue to rise above it.
Bunga Lawan
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Bakawali (Epiphyllum oxypetallum) is a flower with intoxicating fragrance, it rarely blooms and only at night. It is often associated with sacred experiences, often emanating a palpable presence for one to indulge in. A presence unknown, however induces a sense of urgency galvanizing its surroundings into action. A presence such as ours, the oppressed and the powerless.
Feel free to use and share these posters, so long as you do not use it for commercial purposes. Do credit me where necessary. #Lawan!
