Local artist Vincent Leong is causing a stir with his portraits which show characters resembling the Agong and queen in official attire from behind.

 

The two photographs are part of Leong’s series of portraits – all from behind – titled ‘ Kenapamu Malaysia’ (Why, Malaysia), on display in an exhibition in Singapore, Sinar Harian reported today.

 

Another of his photographs is an image of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak - identifiable from his pink baju Melayu and silver hair - from the shoulder up, also from behind.

 

A few groups, including PAS Youth and Malay ethnocentric NGOs such as Perkasa and Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma), have come forward to condemn the portraits.

 

They viewed it an “insult” to all Malaysians that the monarchy and leaders were portrayed in such a manner.

 

“I do not know what the real purpose is for the artist and the organisers.

 

“If the paintings were intended to insult, then it would hurt the feelings of Malaysians,” PAS Youth chief Suhaizan Kaiat ( right ) was quoted in the Malay daily.

 

Meanwhile, assistant head of corporate communications from the Inspector-General of Police’s office Asmawati Ahmad was quoted confirming the issue was being investigated by the police.

 

Visions from an 'iconoclast'

The three-day exhibition was reported to have taken place from Jan 22 to Jan 25 at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre in Singapore.

 

According to the exhibition catalogue, the artist’s ‘Why, Malaysia?’ series is a pun on ‘ Keranamu Malaysia ’ (For You, Malaysia), the theme song for Malaysia’s national day from 2000 to 2006.

 

Leong, who is 36, specialises in video, assemblage and installation, and is known in the local arts scene as an iconoclast.

 

The famed Guggenheim Museum has also acquired his work, two of which are featured on the Guggenheim Collection Online .

 

Malaysiakini managed to contact Leong who declined to comment, and is awaiting a response from the gallery on the matter.