The Things That Stay

‘Over the years, I have witnessed Southeast Asia’s neighbourhood mama shops steadily disappear, replaced by commercial chains and modern retail spaces. While these developments offer convenience, they often erase the individuality and a key part of local culture. Inspired by a mama shop in Penang, this work preserves the visual richness of these spaces, from the maximalist clutter of everyday objects to more meaningful pictures and souvenirs. The surrounding dreamlike black void isolates selected objects, challenging the perception that items sold in mama shops are outdated or insignificant. Instead, they are symbols of craftsmanship, beauty and culture, inviting viewers to reconsider how commercialisation causes us to lose a key part of local culture.