How do we make art about national history and personal narrative, and overcome our fears? In this instalment of Behind the Naratif, two Indonesian artists reflect on their approaches to archives, original art-making, and their recent work for New Naratif.
Author Archives: Charis Loke
Charis is an illustrator, comics editor, and programme designer based in Malaysia. Her interests include how comic artists and illustrators exchange resources in their networks, capacity-building for comic artists and illustrators, and drawing as a research method. Charis was formerly Comics Editor and Illustrations Editor for New Naratif.
Posted inFeature
Singapore’s Migration Laws Trap Women With Abusers
For foreign spouses trying to escape domestic abuse or their marriage altogether, Singapore’s migration laws and exclusion of foreigners from some social services leave them reliant on their abuser and vulnerable to homelessness and separation from their children.
Posted inFeature
Amid Tourism Push, Malaysia Keeps Binational Families Apart
Pandemic travel and immigration rules in Malaysia have left many binational families stressed, strained and separated for months, with officials deeming foreign spouses “non-essential”. Some have turned to online groups to support and advocate for each other.
Posted inExplainer Comic
Media Work as Resistance
A graphic summary of New Naratif’s study of media freedom in Southeast Asia, drawn from media workers’ experiences and challenges.
Posted inBehind the Naratif
Max Loh on the Unseen Labour of Comics
Two comic artists discuss the unseen work that goes into non-fiction comics, what it should be worth, and how comics are more than the sum of text and image.
Posted inBehind the Naratif
Minxi and Namsai on Crafting a Comic About Care
Ever wondered how a New Naratif comic takes shape? Find out in this conversation with the team behind our collective care guide.
Posted inComic
NN Explains: Authoritarianism
Unlike totalitarianism, there can be some degree of free speech and debate over policies in authoritarian systems. But those who challenge the leaders’ authority often become targets of physical or emotional abuse.
Posted inFeature
From Rural Vietnam, a Trans Activist Fights to Be Seen and Heard
Without gender-affirming surgery, Lò Kim Thủy cannot change her legal gender in Vietnam. Without changing her gender, she cannot get a stable job or attend university. Without a job or an education, she may never be able to afford gender-affirming surgery.
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Posted inInvestigation
A Mass Trial in Cambodia Points to Far-Flung Anti-Opposition Efforts
A general contractor in Texas who has never set foot in Cambodia is among more than a dozen foreign citizens called up to a mass trial of the banned main opposition party. Their experiences suggest Thai authorities supplied a Cambodian court with their names.
Posted inFeature
Singapore’s Migrant Labour-Climate Crisis Conundrum
Some migrants in Singapore are employed in industries that exploit both the environment and workers themselves, contributing to the climate crisis that sent many fleeing hostile weather conditions at home, as well as a labour crisis that relies on precarious work.
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