COLLECTIONS
Ramadan Nights, 2021, HD Video, Sound, single channel, 15'37", Edition 2/5
All images courtesy of the artist
Ramadan Nights is a video work adapted from a short story written by the artist, narrating the trauma of a Melayu Muslim woman who encounters mysterious and inexplicable events. Set during the holy month of Ramadan, the story follows a young woman who, each evening, feels an inexplicable pull drawing her into the rubber fields behind her village. She feels as if someone is calling her, compelling her to venture into the dense, shadowy groves. This nightly ritual leaves her feeling strange and questioning why she is compelled to go there, especially during the breaking of the fast.
During the day, her sleep is disturbed by nightmares of someone entering her room and a ghostly hand touching her body. These dreams blur the boundaries between reality and the supernatural, symbolizing her internal struggles and the haunting presence of societal norms and internal conflicts.
These occurrences in Ramadan Nights symbolize abuse and reflect the region's perceptions and concerns regarding sexuality, often upended due to the lack of precedents. As the boundary between the real and the unreal fades, the young lady must navigate through these eerie experiences, seeking to understand the mysterious force that calls her and confront the shadows.
