Taman Kenangan is Izat Arif’s ongoing, fictional project that delves into the paradoxes of economic progress through a critique of mega-development projects, where claims to preserve local culture, heritage, and the environment are ripe for questioning. The project was conceptualised in the group exhibition Domestic Bliss (2019, ILHAM Gallery, Kuala Lumpur), and continued in Izat’s solo exhibition Kenangan itu, hanya mainan bagimu.. (2020, Mutual Aid Project, Kuala Lumpur) where this video was first displayed.

Set in the artist’s recreation of a real estate showroom, the video and accompanying dioramas and drawings immersed their visitors with references to development projects taking place across the peninsular, in Penang (Penang South Reclamation), Kuala Langat (Gamuda Cove), Melaka (Melaka Gateway), and Johor Bahru (Forest City). Drawn into focus were the contentious issues that undergird these mega-developments, including issues of environmental degradation, class warfare, and mistreatment of Orang Asli communities and fishermen.

Appropriating their marketing strategies, Taman Kenangan proposes the development of a fictional memorial park located in Johor Darul Takzim, the southern state of Peninsular Malaysia. The theme park would be located in the proximity of Mount Ledang, renowned for its folklore, mythical tales and legends. Izat’s critique is holistic, from graphite architectural drawings to suggestions for the organisational structure of the park’s management, attractions, landscape, and sewage systems.

The promotional video completes the experience, offering a naïve instrumental cover of the chorus from Sejati, a sentimental song about coming to terms with one’s sorrow over unfulfilled dreams and broken promises. Written by Dato’ M. Nasir and performed by the rock band Wings in 1990, the emotional resonance of the song lingers today. Guiding karaoke lyrics invite participation in this chintzy, synth-coated melody, as we pine collectively to a visual montage of utopian ideals.