Contemporary Ode to the Daily Mundane
From the series Contemporary Ode to the Daily Mundane (2023)
Silk screen on atlas
In the Margin: Navigating Displacement as a Diaspora Artist
I became part of the group exhibition In the Margin at Edinburgh Printmakers almost by accident — a timely encounter as the world reopened after two years of COVID restrictions. The exhibition’s focus on displacement resonated deeply with me as a diaspora artist constantly negotiating questions of identity and belonging.'Installation view
Journey to the Exhibition
My path began with an artist residency at Fyns Grafiske Værksted in Odense, Denmark — a city tied to my own history, where I once worked on a school project. Odense, home to HC Andersen, felt both familiar and renewed. Despite my hesitation in speaking Danish, a phone call to Lene, who runs the workshop, opened the door to a new chapter in my practice.
Challenges and Collaboration
The residency challenged me to adapt to new techniques and materials. Working alongside Birgitte Lyng Andersen, whose openness encouraged experimentation, I was able to push the boundaries of my process and explore new artistic avenues.
Techniques and Process
From this residency, the series Contemporary Ode to the Daily Mundane emerged. Using silk screen printing layered on old atlas pages, I integrated photo-performance, maps, and text. The atlases — with their shifting borders — became a metaphor for migration, change, and uncertainty. In the prints, I appear holding or wearing objects central to my identity: a mortar, a globe, a rice cooker, or a luggage bag.
Themes of Displacement
Displacement, both chosen and imposed, continues to shape my life and work. Although I moved to Denmark out of love, the feeling of being “in-between” persists. This series reflects on home, belonging, and what it means to remain human — and an artist — amid uncertainty and transition.
Conclusion
My time at Fyns Grafiske Værksted and participation in In the Margin profoundly shaped my artistic journey. It deepened my engagement with displacement and offered a platform to express my perspective as a Malaysian–Danish diaspora artist.
🔗 In the Margin – Edinburgh Printmakers
🔗 The Star: Amir Zainorin in Denmark
From the series Contemporary Ode to the Daily Mundane (2023)
Silk screen on atlas
Acknowledgment
This project was made possible with support from:
