GEOGRAPHICALLY, the cities of New York and Kuala Lumpur are located on opposite sides of the world. But that did not prevent these two 'worlds apart' cities from being featured together in a photo exhibition at the Central Market in Kuala Lumpur.

Opened last Friday by US Ambassador Christopher J Lafleur, the 'NYKL-Landmarks of New York and Kuala Lumpur' exhibition showcases culturally important landmarks of the two cities in an array of beautiful and pleasing photos.

A total of 132 photographs, the work of American and Malaysian photographers, are on display. Among those who contributed to the exhibition are Azrul K Abdullah, Michael Stewart and a researcher, Maloti Ray

All the photos depict scenes of New York and Kuala Lumpur which illustrate the history and cultural background of Malaysia and the United States.

To Lafleur, the landmark that best signifies the culture and history of Malaysia is the Merdeka Square.

"Merdeka Square is significant because this is where it all started. It holds so much meaning for those linked to the independence of Malaysia, especially Tunku Abdul Rahman," he told reporters after launching the exhibition.

A significant landmark in New York which is vital for foreigners to understand the culture and history of the US, Lafleur said, is the Rockefeller Centre. A photo snapped by Michael Stewart is on display at the exhibition..

"The Rockefeller Centre building was constructed in a complex and beautiful way and is the finest example of art and architecture blended together," he noted.

The envoy pointed out that the art work displayed in the centre not only depicts abstract themes but also captures great moments in US history and each work is rich in detail and design.

Mix of East and West

To Professor Emeritus Khoo Kay Kim, the Bok House in KL is very significant in that it is representative of Malaysia during pre-independence and independence till now.

Khoo, present at the launching, elaborated that Bok House with the mixture of East and West influence and stained glass displayed alongside Chinese mother-of-pearl furniture and Peranakan tiles, represented the most significant landmark of Malaysia in the early days.

Unfortunately, the 77-year-old Bok House located at Jalan Ampang was demolished in December last year but not before photographers snapped it in its last glory.

To Maloti Ray, "city landmarks illustrate the composition of its various citizens, they documented lives lived in the city and connecting its citizens' experiences, from older to present times"

Ray is a doctoral candidate at the University of Melbourne, researching urban spaces in Kuala Lumpur.

The exhibition is open to the public free from now till Feb 11 from 10am-9pm at the 2nd floor, The Annexe, Central Market.

WONG YEEN FERN is a member of the malaysiakini team.