Designs. Politics. Artifacts.
Graphic design plays a key – although often overlooked – role in the history of Malaysia. There is a need for vigorous documentation, archiving and analysis of these artifacts through this linkage in the reading of Malaysia’s complex history to better surface the undercurrents of contemporary social, political and cultural contests and negotiations in the country. This project systematically unearths, identifies and locates a collection of artifacts and design works during the periods of colonialism, occupation, emergency and independence.
Malaysia Design Archive is also a space for designers to explore, challenge and question our design history.
New Writings and Essays
- An Influence of Colonial Architecture to Building Styles and Motifs in Colonial Cities in Malaya
- British Malaya Signages of Commerce in the 1800s : A Design Perspective
- The Freedom News : A Publication by the Malayan Communist Party
- The Indigenous Crafts of Malaysia
- Unravelling the story of Graphic Design in Malaysia
- Traditional Trades and Foods of George Town
Recently Added Artifacts
During the 1950's and the 1980's, paper bags proved to be durable for multiple uses. They were transformed into visually captivating advertisements to promote product and services. When carried around, the bag became a "walking advertisement".
(Text excerpt from the Singapore Art Museum "The Bag" Exhibition info)
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Title: Yik Seng
Language: English &
A Gold Bird Ceylon Tea ad published in 1954 'Filmalaya' magazine.
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Title: Gold Bird Ceylon Tea
Language: English & Chinese
Designer: nil
Type of Graphic: Advertisement
Client: nil
Publisher: nil
Printer: nil
Date: 1954
Dimensions: nil
Technique: nil
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A Picot Perfumes ad published in 1954 'Filmalaya' magazine.
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Title: Picot Perfumes
Language: English
Designer: nil
Type of Graphic: Advertisement
Client: nil
Publisher: Filmalaya
Printer: nil
Date: 1954
Dimensions: nil
Technique: nil
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A Godet's Forget-Me-Not perfume ad published in 1954 'Filmalaya' magazine.
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Title: Godet's Forget-Me-Not
Language: English
Designer: nil
Type of Graphic: Advertisement
Client: Hagemeyer Trading Co. (M) Ltd
Publisher: Filmalaya
Printer: nil
Date: 1954
Dimensions: nil
Technique: nil
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