Yee I-Lann

‘Budi’s Song’ (2023) is a 12:37 single-channel loop film featuring a big patchworked mat called ‘Tepo Putih Ikan Masin’ (Salted Fish White Mat). I’m so thrilled ‘Budi’s Song’ is currently showing at the University of the Sunshine Coast Art Gallery @uniscartgallery in Queensland in an exhibition titled TRANSFER curated by @rach_vance_ Rachael Vance. I’m thrilled to be showing alongside these artists whom I admire so much, many of whom are old friends. Thank you Rachael!

Artist’s privilege, I thought I would include some behind the scenes moments and share some of the joy and play embedded into the making of this work.

Most of the mat-making photos here and all drone shots are by our cinematographer and friend of the community @cheecheeandy Andy Chia. Thank you Andy for your calm steadfastness, generosity and all your care. Andy has shot all my Omadal films. He has also been part of SUARA Community Filmmaking running camera, sound and editing workshops with rural communities, including community filmmakers at Omadal Island.

Also featured here is Abang Annik, Kak Budi’s husband. He’s the super strong silent type who carries the heavy mat(s), rows the boat, supports all these crazy women. I’m so thankful for all Abang Annik’s help supporting his wife and the weavers. Supportive husbands make all the difference.

One day, I want to show the mat Tepo Putih Ikan Masin - the mat in the video in an intimate installation where you’re close enough to smell the mat, smell the salted fish. Thank you to friends from across Malaysia who gave me working mats from our many parts to patchwork together here.

Thank you especially to Kak Budi who the film is named for, for giving us song and dance and joy. There’s a video in this deck giving a sampling of her improv singing. She’s our most-loved diva in the group.

Please do see the slides in this deck for full credits and short artist statements for the works. Magsukul kommuniti Omadal!