Discovering oneself in literature is like using a flashlight to shine a light and reveal the things hiding in the shadows. Indonesian-Chinese and Malaysian-Chinese literature might seem obscure or lacking variety, but in reality, shining a light on these fascinating areas of literature reveals countless emotions, histories, and cultures just waiting to be discovered. Literature written in Chinese and all its linguistic varieties has come a long way carrying the stories of a people.

For countries with rich and colourful cultures and complex languages and ethnicities, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Taiwan have many similarities and complexities originating in issues of the post-colonial era. Although these countries may be independent, are their people also truly independent? Is merely surviving enough? In the literary world of these countries, these questions emanate from authors’ words, revealing the struggle to seek more than superficial independence or survival.

Painting With Words invites you to bring a flashlight and discover this captivating world of literature, but then to forge your own path and paint a map with your own unique and independent spirit.