About

Malaysia Design Archive started as a project to map the development of graphic design in Malaysia from the period before independence(1957) until now. It is a space to trace and document Malaysian ‘endangered’ design legacy, to preserve our historical past, as well as to create a resource of Malaysian art and design work.

WHY ARCHIVE WOMEN IN VISUAL CULTURE?

Drawing from art historian Linda Nochlin’s 1971 essay “Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?”, the documentation of women in visual culture in Malaysia holds significant importance in recognising women’s contributions to the cultural landscape. Historically, records of women’s artistic works have been missing, and creating a repository of women’s reflections, creative processes, and artistic practices will address some of the imbalances and biases, reclaiming women’s place in Malaysia’s artistic history.

WHERE IS THE MDA CENTRE LOCATED?

The MDA Centre is located on the second floor of The Zhongshan Building, which is located in Kampung Attap, Kuala Lumpur. Housed in a newly refurbished 1950’s shop lot, MDA Centre is very close to Kuala Lumpur’s historic core. We have artists, researchers, music historians, photographer, and other creative/geeky types as neighbours. Being a part of a larger creative community is an important part of our collaborative and interdisciplinary aims. The location is also very close to the monorail and easily accessible by a younger public who rely on public transportation to get around KL. We envision the Centre to be a space where the bulk of our archiving work will take place, alongside public programmes such as talks, reading groups and workshops for children and young adults.

Address:
Malaysia Design Archive
Lot 84B, The Zhongshan Building
Jalan Rotan, Kampung Attap,
50460 Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia