Pelabohan Menjadi Pulau – A Reflection of Change and Continuity
- khashiem hassan
- Feb 18
- 2 min read
By : Pengiran Abd. Wahab Hassan Al-Abbas
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas, Lacquered
Dimensione: 90 cm x 90 cm
Year: 2024
A Masterpiece Rooted in History and Identity "Pelabohan Menjadi Pulau" is more than a painting—it is a powerful visual statement on territory, transformation, and the echoes of history. This evocative piece by Pengiran Abd. Wahab Hassan Al-Abbas revisits a defining moment in Brunei’s past—the 1846 cession of Pulau Labuan to the British Crown, a turning point that reshaped the nation’s maritime power.
Labuan, once a thriving port within the Bruneian Sultanate, was ceded under duress, marking the beginning of the Sultanate’s territorial decline. The painting captures this shift—where a once-connected harbor drifts into isolation, symbolizing the bitter yet transformative journey of sovereignty, resilience, and loss. The layered brushstrokes, merging hues of blue, green, and earth tones, mirror the turbulence of political maneuvering, colonial ambition, and Brunei’s enduring spirit.
Why This Artwork Belongs in Your Collection
✅ A Statement Piece on Brunei’s Heritage – Pelabohan Menjadi Pulau tells a powerful narrative of change, making it a prized addition for collectors interested in historically significant and culturally profound artworks.
✅ A Symbol of Power, Memory, and Reflection – This piece bridges past and present, inviting the viewer to reflect on the delicate balance of political sovereignty, loss, and resilience—themes that resonate far beyond Brunei’s borders.
✅ Investment in Art with Historical Significance – As Wahab Hassan’s influence in the contemporary art world grows, so does the cultural and financial value of his masterpieces. Owning this work means possessing a piece of Brunei’s untold story in its most expressive form.
✅ An Artwork with Global Relevance – Beyond Brunei, this piece speaks to nations that have undergone similar historical shifts—making it a compelling addition to both private collections and institutional exhibits on colonial history and national identity.
Own a Piece of Brunei’s Past and Future
Now available for acquisition at Flowing River – The Wahab Hassan Gallery.
📩 Contact us for inquiries, private viewings, and exclusive purchase opportunities.
Some moments in history fade. Others are immortalized through art.
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