Khairulddin Wahab Singaporean , 1990
Myristica fragrans references the nutmeg tree and examines its role as a catalyst for colonial exploration and conquest in Southeast Asia. The rise of the spice trade transformed the nutmeg tree into a source of both immense prosperity and profound suffering, shaping the course of global history.
Khairulddin Wahab's practice explores post-colonial histories, cultural geography, and environmental narratives. Drawing on the cultural traditions of batik, this latest body of work marks a new development in his practice, influenced in part by his residency at Lohjinawi in late 2025. Moving away from his preferred medium of acrylic and oil paints, Khairulddin adopts batik-inspired techniques to create works that reflect on the spice and nutmeg trade during the colonial era, examining the complex legacies of commerce, power, and cultural exchange.