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RAJA’AH:ART, IDEAS AND CREATIVITY<br />
OF SULAIMAN ESA<br />
YOKOHAMA TRIENNALE 2011<br />
SENI VISUAL DAN HAK CIPTA 4<br />
ORDINARY PEOPLE,<br />
EXTRA-ORDINARY ARTISTRY<br />
KEMBARA YUSOF GHANI<br />
MALAYSIA’S LEON LIM<br />
SELECTED FOR AMERICA’S<br />
REALITY TELEVISION SHOW<br />
# 14
nota<br />
Selamat kembali bersama<br />
Bagi meneruskan momentum, Balai Seni Visual Negara (BSVN)<br />
dalam tempoh dua bulan yang lalu telah mempamerkan<br />
beberapa buah pameran yang menarik dan penting bagi<br />
perkembangan seni visual tanah air. Pameran solo Dr.<br />
Sulaiman Esa yang lama dinantikan, dengan karya-karya<br />
menarik beliau telah dimanifestasikan dengan mantapnya<br />
melalui pameran “RAJA’AH: Seni, Idea dan Kreativiti Sulaiman<br />
Esa (1950an-2011)” yang diolah oleh kurator jemputan, Nur<br />
Hanim Khairuddin. Pameran “Joy <strong>of</strong> Living” oleh Pr<strong>of</strong>. Li Chi<br />
Mao, seorang pelukis terkenal dari negara Taiwan yang juga<br />
pakar lukisan kaligrafi Cina, mempamerkan koleksi-koleksi<br />
dan karya beliau yang memukau, sebahagiannya bercirikan<br />
Malaysia. Manakala kurator Faizal Sidek bersama dengan<br />
kurator jemputan Nasir Baharuddin pula menampilkan<br />
pameran bertajuk ‘Seni Konseptual’ yang memperlihatkan<br />
karya-karya terpilih dari koleksi Himpunan Tetap BSVN. Dan<br />
bersempena perayaan Deepavali,<br />
pameran bertajuk “Cahaya” telah<br />
dijayakan oleh Kannan Thanapal<br />
dan Mohd Azman Salleh, juga<br />
menampilkan koleksi yang jarangjarang<br />
dipamerkan dari koleksi<br />
Himpunan Tetap BSVN.<br />
Pameran solo oleh Ali Mabuha<br />
(Ali Rahamad), <strong>art</strong>is dari kumpulan<br />
terkenal Anak Alam yang berjudul<br />
“Kembara di Sarang Seni” akan<br />
menyusul tidak lama lagi. Untuk<br />
tahun 2012, pelbagai pameran<br />
b<strong>esa</strong>r telah pun dirancang dan akan didahului dengan<br />
sebuah pameran yang kami janjikan hebat dan menarik, iaitu<br />
pameran solo Amron Omar bertajuk “Pertarungan”.<br />
Saya amat berb<strong>esa</strong>r hati mengumumkan bahawa pada<br />
tahun 2012, BSVN akan mengadakan pameran biografi<br />
solo pelukis abstrak tersohor tanah air, Abdul Latiff Mohidin.<br />
Saya dan beberapa orang kurator telah pun mengadakan<br />
perbincangan lancar bersama Pak Latiff dan amat teruja<br />
dengan projek pameran ini.<br />
Dalam usaha untuk meningkatkan lagi kepakaran kami,<br />
BSVN telah menghantar Amerrudin Ahmad, Kurator Kanan<br />
BSVN, ke Northumbria University di Engl<strong>and</strong> untuk melanjutkan<br />
pengajian peringkat Sarjana selama 18 bulan dalam bidang<br />
konservasi. Ini merupakan pengorbanan yang b<strong>esa</strong>r kerana<br />
kami akan kehilangan khidmat beliau untuk sementara waktu.<br />
Namun ianya juga merupakan pelaburan untuk jangka masa<br />
panjang kami. Saya juga telah menghantar kurator Rohana<br />
Yus<strong>of</strong> dan Faridah Hanim ke “Frankfurt International Book Fair”<br />
sebagai persediaan kami menganjurkan “Malaysia Art Book<br />
Fair” pada bulan Disember ini. Mereka juga telah melawat<br />
Muzium Seni Berlin dan lain-lain tempat berkaitan untuk<br />
membuat kajian awalan mengenai Pak Latiff Mohidin.<br />
Di ruang ini saya ingin merakamkan penghargaan saya<br />
dan BSVN kepada Mohamad Izani Abd. Ghaffar, Timbalan<br />
Ketua Pengarah (Pengurusan) yang begitu berdedikasi dan<br />
cekap dalam menjalankan tugas beliau sepanjang 2 tahun<br />
berkhidmat di BSVN. Beliau akan bertukar ke Kementerian<br />
Dalam Negeri dan kami mengucapkan beliau<br />
selamat maju jaya.<br />
Saya juga ingin berkongsi kenangan peribadi ketika bercuti<br />
sempena perayaan Deepavali di New Delhi, India dimana<br />
saya telah bertemu dengan pelukis Shamshad Husain anak<br />
kepada pelukis terkenal M.F Husain di studio dan rumah beliau.<br />
M.F Husain telah meninggal dunia di London pada bulan<br />
Jun tahun ini dan beberapa pameran karya-karya beliau kini<br />
didalam perancangan untuk dipamerkan di India dan juga<br />
luar negara. BSVN juga telah baru-baru ini memulihkan 4 karya<br />
beliau yang dimiliki oleh sebuah institusi swasta di<br />
Kuala Lumpur.<br />
Saya juga berpeluang melawat<br />
National Gallery <strong>of</strong> Modern Art<br />
(NGMA) dan bertemu dengan<br />
pengarah muzium iaitu Pr<strong>of</strong>. Rajeev<br />
Lochan. Perbincangan yang<br />
diadakan ini amat bermakna dan<br />
beliau juga menyarankan untuk<br />
mempamerkan lukisan Rabindranath<br />
Tagore kepada BSVN sempena<br />
ulang tahun Tagore ke-150, dan bagi<br />
koleksi BSVN dipamerkan di NGMA. Semoga<br />
perbincangan ini akan mewujudkan hasil<br />
yang positif..<br />
Selamat Membaca...<br />
Editor's<br />
notes<br />
Welcome again to<br />
Keeping up with our momentum, the National Visual Art<br />
Gallery (NVAG) has in the last two months put up a number<br />
<strong>of</strong> exciting <strong>and</strong> important exhibitions. The long-awaited<br />
exhibition <strong>of</strong> Dr. Sulaiman Esa's works were beautifully<br />
manifested in “RAJA’AH: Seni, Idea <strong>and</strong> Kreativiti Sulaiman<br />
Esa (1950an-2011)” curated by guest curator Nur Hanim<br />
Khairuddin. Taiwan’s gr<strong>and</strong>master <strong>of</strong> calligraphy <strong>and</strong><br />
inkwork, Pr<strong>of</strong>. Li Chi Mao’s “Joy <strong>of</strong> Living” exhibition is a<br />
delightful collection <strong>of</strong> mesmerising works, many with<br />
Malaysian themes. A showcase <strong>of</strong> selected conceptual<br />
<strong>art</strong>works from the our national collection were<br />
put together by Faizal Sidik in “Seni Konseptual”<br />
with guest curator Nasir Baharuddin. And in<br />
conjunction with Deepavali, an exhibition <strong>of</strong><br />
selected <strong>and</strong> hitherto seldom seen works from<br />
our collection were put up by Kannan Thanapal<br />
<strong>and</strong> Mohd Azman Salleh in an exhibition entitled<br />
“Cahaya”.<br />
Coming soon will be a solo exhibition by Ali<br />
Mabuha (Ali Rahamad) <strong>of</strong> the famed Anak<br />
Alam, entitled “Kembara di Sarang Seni”. And<br />
for next year a number <strong>of</strong> major exhibitions are<br />
being planned. First in line will be Amron Omar’s<br />
“Pertarungan” which promised to be most exciting.<br />
I am very pleased to announce that BSVN will also in 2012 be<br />
hosting a biographical solo exhibition <strong>of</strong> Malaysia’s foremost<br />
veteran abstract-painter Abdul Latiff Mohidin. My team <strong>and</strong><br />
I have had a number <strong>of</strong> good discussions with Pak Latiff <strong>and</strong><br />
we are indeed excited by the project.<br />
In our effort to upgrade our expertise we have sent our senior<br />
curator Amerrudin Ahmad for an 18 months master’s degree<br />
programme in conservation at the Northumbria University in<br />
the United Kingdom. It is a big sacrifice to temporarily be<br />
without his service, but it is a worthy long-term investment<br />
for BSVN. I had also despatched curators Rohana Yus<strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> Faridah Hanim to the Frankfurt International Book Fair in<br />
preparation <strong>of</strong> our own “National Art Book Fair” in December,<br />
as well as to the Berlin Art Museum to do preliminary research<br />
on Latiff Mohidin.<br />
I take this opportunity to record BSVN’s <strong>and</strong> my personal<br />
tribute <strong>and</strong> thanks to our outgoing Deputy Director-General<br />
(Management <strong>and</strong> Finance), Encik Mohamad Izani Abd.<br />
Ghaffar for his very efficient <strong>and</strong> dedicated service to BSVN<br />
from the last two years. Encik Izani is transferred to the Home<br />
Affairs Ministry <strong>and</strong> we wish him all the very best there.<br />
On the personal front, I spent the Deepavali holiday season<br />
in New Delhi <strong>and</strong> met up with <strong>art</strong>ist Shamshad Husain, son <strong>of</strong><br />
famed dep<strong>art</strong>ed <strong>art</strong>ist M.F Husain, at his home <strong>and</strong> studio.<br />
M.F Husain passed away in London in June this year <strong>and</strong> a<br />
number <strong>of</strong> exhibitions <strong>of</strong> his works are now in the pipeline in<br />
India <strong>and</strong> abroad. BSVN had recently restored four <strong>of</strong> his<br />
paintings owned by a private institution in Kuala Lumpur.<br />
I also visited the National Gallery <strong>of</strong> Modern Art (NGMA) <strong>and</strong><br />
meet its director Pr<strong>of</strong>. Rajeev Lochan. We had a cordial <strong>and</strong><br />
useful discussion on their proposal to showcase Rabindranath<br />
Tagore’s paintings at BSVN on the occasion Tagore's 150th<br />
anniversary, <strong>and</strong> BSVN’s collection being shown at the<br />
NGMA. Let us hope some fruition will emerge from this.<br />
Ambassador Dato’ Mohd Yus<strong>of</strong> Ahmad<br />
Editor-In-Chief<br />
Happy Reading...
C O N T E N T S<br />
SENI KONSEPTUAL: KOLEKSI BALAI SENI VISUAL NEGARA | Faizal Sidek 10<br />
Raja'ah: Art, Ideas <strong>and</strong> Creativity <strong>of</strong> Sulaiman Esa (1950-2011) 18-<br />
19<br />
Kembara Yus<strong>of</strong> Ghani | Zuriyadi Sarpin 27-<br />
YOKOHAMA TRIENNALE 2011 | Baktiar Naim 16-<br />
17<br />
PUBLISHER<br />
Balai Seni Visual Negara (BSVN)<br />
National Visual Arts Gallery Malaysia(NVAG)<br />
Ministry <strong>of</strong> Information,<br />
Communications <strong>and</strong> Culture Malaysia<br />
No 2. Jalan Temerloh<br />
Off Jalan Tun Razak<br />
53200 Kuala Lumpur<br />
MALAYSIA<br />
P : 603 4026 7000<br />
F : 603 4025 4987<br />
A Boost To The Spirit Through 'Art For All' | Tan See Ling<br />
www.<strong>art</strong>gallery.gov.my<br />
www.facebook.com\<strong>art</strong>gallery.gov.my<br />
l EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ambassador Dato’ Mohd Yus<strong>of</strong> Ahmad l EDITOR<br />
Tan Seihon l ASSISTANT EDITORS Anis Amizan Hussein Lim, Osmi<br />
Hamidi | HEAD DESIGNER Shamizar Rahim | DESIGNER Norhaslina<br />
Ahmad Kamsin l PHOTOGRAPHY Mohd Khazrul Sharuddin, Mohd<br />
Yuzaini Ahmed, Mohd Adzim Abd Wahab, Intan Idarina Mohammad<br />
Kusaiirry & Mohammad Hisyamuddin Ramli.<br />
senikini is designed by Nuzaihan Mustapa<br />
WASPADA PADA KARYA| Jazmi Mohamed Sharif 10<br />
ANNIKETYNI MADIAN | Intan Rafiza 12<br />
SEAH ZE LIN | Tan Hui Koon 12<br />
SENI VISUAL DAN HAKCIPTA 4 | Bed Samat 13<br />
Ordinary People, Extra-Ordinary Artistry| Tan<br />
Sei Hon<br />
14-<br />
15<br />
KL Sketchers at UM's Museum <strong>of</strong> Art | SH Lee 08-<br />
09<br />
A.B.Ibrahim | Rahimidin Zahari 20<br />
Wong Siew Inn | Ooi Kok Chuen 21<br />
Psychotherapy: from Couch to Clay | Hazel Mc Clure 22<br />
can be accessed at<br />
www.<strong>art</strong>gallery.gov.my/web/guest/senikini_bsln<br />
www.facebook.com/senikini.bsln<br />
senikinibsln.blogspot.com<br />
Any feedbacks <strong>and</strong> comments please email to us at :<br />
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holds the copyright to all editorial content.<br />
SENIKINI (ISSN : 1985-7233) is published six times<br />
a year by the National Visual Arts Gallery Malaysia.<br />
All Rights Reserved.<br />
Copyright © 2011 SENIKINI Malaysian Art Now<br />
Printed in Malaysia.<br />
SONG OF SOUL | Juwita Abdullah<br />
SHAHRIL NIZAM | Jerome Kugen<br />
Deeper Than Words | Rina Shukor<br />
07<br />
28<br />
MALAYSIA'S LEON LIM<br />
Selected for America's Reality Television Show<br />
Malaysian Artist Abroad : Tan Ru Yi<br />
35<br />
06<br />
24-<br />
25<br />
34<br />
28<br />
www.<strong>art</strong>malaysia.com.my<br />
‘RAJA’AH : Art, Idea <strong>and</strong> Creativity <strong>of</strong> Sulaiman<br />
Esa [from 1950’s – 2011]’ is a solo showcase <strong>of</strong><br />
works by Sulaiman Esa, one <strong>of</strong> Malaysia’s most<br />
distinguished <strong>art</strong>ists. This exhibition is meant to give<br />
the contemporary public an opportunity to review<br />
the shifts not only in forms but more importantly in<br />
processes, <strong>ideas</strong> <strong>and</strong> contexts that underscores each<br />
<strong>and</strong> every series <strong>of</strong> works created by Sulaiman Esa<br />
over a period <strong>of</strong> 50 years.<br />
RAJA’AH: Seni, Idea dan Kreativiti Sulaiman Esa [dari<br />
1950-an-2011] dirancang sebagai sebuah pameran<br />
persis retrospektif yang menghimpun sejumlah karya<br />
yang pernah dihasilkan oleh Sulaiman Esa, salah<br />
seorang seniman tersohor tanah air. Ia bertujuan<br />
memberi peluang kepada khalayak masa kini<br />
menyelami bukan cuma perubahan bentuk tetapi<br />
yang lebih pentingnya peralihan proses, idea dan<br />
konteks yang melatari setiap siri pengkaryaan beliau<br />
sepanjang tempoh 50 tahun.
AND
The Malaysian <strong>art</strong>ist Zul Idris will be having his solo exhibition<br />
<strong>of</strong> sculptures <strong>and</strong> paintings at the Balai Berita, News Straits<br />
Times in Kuala Lumpur in November 2011. I managed to catch<br />
up with him <strong>and</strong> saw his works while he was busy making<br />
preparations for the exhibition at his home in Langkawi. So<br />
here is my interview with him.<br />
Well, your exhibiton is entitled ‘Song <strong>of</strong> Soul’, Why ?<br />
“You see, there is a tribe in Africa. When a woman in that<br />
tribe is pregnant, she gathers some friends around her to<br />
pray <strong>and</strong> meditate, until they ‘hear’ the 'song' <strong>of</strong> her unborn<br />
child. In their belief, it is the soul <strong>of</strong> the child transmitting<br />
the song to them. The women will try to be attune tothe<br />
song, to catch, memorize <strong>and</strong> sing it out loud so that they<br />
can later teach it to their tribe.Eventually, this song will be<br />
sung by their community when the baby is born <strong>and</strong> during<br />
the initiation <strong>of</strong> the child into adulthood. This song will also<br />
be sung during difficult times faced by the child <strong>and</strong> finally<br />
when the soul <strong>of</strong> the child is dep<strong>art</strong>ing this world. I was<br />
deeply impressed when I learnt <strong>of</strong> this.<br />
You see, as an <strong>art</strong>ist, something resonates with my soul. It<br />
can be something really small, but if the call from within is<br />
strong, it sometimes leads to the point where I may even<br />
forget where I put my keys, money <strong>and</strong> everything around<br />
me. I become obsessed with creating works based on this<br />
feeling, to purge it so that I can be at peace again. If you<br />
relate this to the story about the pregnant women in that<br />
tribe, I guess you could say that I have heard THE song <strong>and</strong><br />
I am busy searching for the soul that sang it. Since I am a<br />
visual person, I would naturally transfer what I’ve ‘heard’<br />
into a sculpture or a painting.”<br />
Ok, too fast for me. I asked the <strong>art</strong>ist to give me an example.<br />
“You look at the fisherman with their faces rugged by the<br />
wheather. Their life is hard <strong>and</strong> it is a daily fight for survival to<br />
win the battle against the sea while maintaining the boats<br />
<strong>and</strong> their fishing nets. They are the heroes <strong>of</strong> my childhood<br />
<strong>and</strong> remain so till this day. When I look at their boats, into the<br />
faces <strong>of</strong> the fishermen, I am moved <strong>and</strong> overwhelmend to<br />
the point where I might even forget things..(like where I’ve<br />
left my keys) It is because when that ‘song’ comes to me<br />
so strongly, there is nothing more important than to create<br />
the ‘baby’, the ‘soul’ <strong>of</strong> this feeling. So it is times like this that<br />
I st<strong>art</strong> investigating, sketching, painting or create sculptural<br />
works. If I am lucky <strong>and</strong> I did my meditation well, my ‘baby’<br />
will be born, the form which materialiszes the ‘spirit’, the<br />
‘soul’ <strong>of</strong> all the fishermen in this world, who with their little<br />
boats are trying to make an honest living catching fish.<br />
If I relate this to the story about the pregnant African<br />
women again, it is I who is now pregnant with a ‘song’ <strong>and</strong> I<br />
have to get to the ‘soul’ <strong>and</strong> to bring the ‘baby’ out so that<br />
people around me can join me in singing the ‘song’.<br />
I like the idea <strong>of</strong> this African tribe. In our life, while growing<br />
up <strong>and</strong> growing old, our soul must battle many challenges<br />
but we are also blessed with many good things as well. I<br />
think, before I were to leave this world I would like to hear<br />
<strong>and</strong> sing a song, which bears the scars, celebrates the<br />
achievments <strong>and</strong> that gives thanks to the happy moments<br />
in life. I would want that ‘song’ to grow during my life <strong>and</strong> to<br />
tell the story <strong>of</strong> my soul on e<strong>art</strong>h.”<br />
| JuWITA ABDuLLAH<br />
06/page<br />
Well, what does that mean for your <strong>art</strong>?<br />
“My <strong>art</strong> is my ‘baby’, with its own ‘soul’. People who look at<br />
my <strong>art</strong> relate to it in different ways. But if it touches them,<br />
they will find their own ‘song’. It might be a French song, a<br />
Japanese song, a song <strong>of</strong> a streetworker or a pr<strong>of</strong>essor or a<br />
kid’s song but if the work catches them then there is a song.<br />
All these songs will merge into a choir, which in our example,<br />
will sing the song <strong>of</strong> the fisherman's soul, each in their own<br />
tune.”<br />
If I don’t see a fisherman in your work?<br />
“I don’t create a replica <strong>of</strong> a fisherman. I create a work<br />
which expresses my feelings about the fisherman. How<br />
could anybody with different experiences have the same<br />
feelings as me? If my <strong>art</strong> catches your eyes <strong>and</strong> touched<br />
something inside <strong>of</strong> you, then it would mean that you have<br />
caught its vibes, you too can sing the song which I’ve heard<br />
from my ‘baby’ just like the story about the African woman.<br />
If I ask you to sing a song about your own ‘soul’ <strong>and</strong> at<br />
the same time ask your friends to sing a song about your<br />
‘soul’, I am sure there would be differences though it is<br />
about the same soul. It is the same principle with works <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>art</strong>. If my sculptures <strong>of</strong> the fisherman can make a man in<br />
Timbuktu sing a song <strong>of</strong> a crocodile then I have moved this<br />
man trough my vision <strong>of</strong> a fisherman <strong>and</strong> even though he<br />
sings a different melody, my work is then re-presented with<br />
another song.<br />
In this country, we talked a lot about the concept <strong>of</strong><br />
‘1Malaysia’. I think our <strong>art</strong>ists have gone far beyond that.<br />
They have heard the songs <strong>of</strong> the universe <strong>and</strong> they have<br />
created <strong>and</strong> continue to create in the spirit <strong>of</strong> these songs<br />
for the present age as well as the coming future.”<br />
I thanked the <strong>art</strong>ist <strong>and</strong> imagine the choir who will sing for<br />
Zul's “babies”. ‘Babies’ that began their lives in Malaysia<br />
but have touched people around the world, regardless <strong>of</strong><br />
their nationality, their age or pr<strong>of</strong>ession. Each song will have<br />
its own tune, character, rhythm <strong>and</strong> melody <strong>and</strong> when<br />
joined together they form a circle around a piece <strong>of</strong> <strong>art</strong><br />
being created here on the Malaysian soil. Closing my eyes,<br />
I picture millions <strong>of</strong> circles surrounding the <strong>art</strong>works <strong>of</strong> many<br />
<strong>art</strong>ists, connecting the world today <strong>and</strong> tomorrow.<br />
Zul Idris exhibits his work from 7th till<br />
30th November from 10.00 am to 6.00<br />
pm at Lobby Utama, Balai Berita, The<br />
New Straits Times Malaysia BHD, 31<br />
Jalan Riong, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur<br />
*Juwita Abdullah is German residing in<br />
the isl<strong>and</strong> <strong>of</strong> Langkawi, Malaysia for<br />
about 20 years. She studied law <strong>and</strong><br />
economy, but has since retired from<br />
her pr<strong>of</strong>ession.
07/page<br />
| JEROME KuGAN<br />
Thirty two year old Malaysian <strong>art</strong>ist <strong>and</strong> fine <strong>art</strong> graduate<br />
from the Victorian College <strong>of</strong> the Arts (University <strong>of</strong><br />
Melbourne) Shahril Nizam has for the past three years<br />
been exhibiting his drawings <strong>and</strong> paintings in some <strong>of</strong><br />
KL’s more youthful galleries to <strong>of</strong>ten gushing approval<br />
from the <strong>art</strong> clique. Little wonder. Anyone who has<br />
managed to glimpse Shahril’s dense, intricate creations<br />
can attest to their hypnotic visual power. His subject<br />
matter ranges from the fantastic to the grotesque to the<br />
abstract. They’re sometimes comical, with figures that<br />
reference children’s picture books. But his most stunning<br />
pieces are his vortices in charcoal, filling the canvas<br />
like deep space <strong>and</strong> textured like weathered granite.<br />
His deliberately overworked lines are both sensuous<br />
<strong>and</strong> oppressive, disturbing <strong>and</strong> poetic. They haunt <strong>and</strong><br />
delight the imagination equally, as though HR Giger <strong>and</strong><br />
Aubrey Beardsley met for a picnic in a dream.<br />
To find out more about what made Shahril tick, I emailed<br />
him some questions about his approach to <strong>art</strong>, his<br />
inspirations <strong>and</strong> thoughts about the <strong>art</strong> world in general.<br />
JK: When seen as a whole, your work as an <strong>art</strong>ist <strong>and</strong><br />
poet seems to exist in a dreamworld <strong>of</strong> symbols <strong>and</strong><br />
metaphors. How <strong>and</strong> where did this come from?<br />
SN: I think it comes from a primal need to communicate:<br />
a thought, an emotion or something that needs to be<br />
expressed outwardly, without being too literal <strong>and</strong> in your<br />
face. I believe that unobtrusiveness <strong>and</strong> ambiguity––in<br />
terms <strong>of</strong> expression––would best describe how I normally<br />
choose to interact (through my work). This, in a way,<br />
leaves things open to personal interpretation, thus<br />
allowing the viewer to become an active p<strong>art</strong>icipant,<br />
not just in discovering the meaning behind a piece <strong>of</strong><br />
painting or the written word, but something about his or<br />
her self through introspection <strong>and</strong> self-analysis.<br />
JK: Some people may say that "introspection <strong>and</strong><br />
self-analysis" are asking a lot from the viewer,<br />
especially in a society that's increasingly giving<br />
itself over to a culture <strong>of</strong> instant answers <strong>and</strong> instant<br />
pleasures. Would you say your work is anathema to<br />
that?<br />
SN: That's true, <strong>and</strong> I won't kid myself into believing<br />
that my work speaks to everybody, especially in terms<br />
<strong>of</strong> content <strong>and</strong> outreach. Having said that, I make<br />
these so-called obscure pieces <strong>of</strong> work with the<br />
added mindfulness that they serve to communicate<br />
a very limited, private 'vocabulary' to an equally<br />
limited number <strong>of</strong> (analytically inclined) observers.<br />
I'm pretty much aware <strong>of</strong> the fact that the general<br />
masses won't see the point <strong>of</strong> fleshing out an idea or<br />
an image in such a cumbersome, archaic manner,<br />
when one could just as easily receive instant<br />
gratification via electronic media.<br />
However, I am more or less driven by an instinctive<br />
(though somewhat selfish) compulsion which seeks<br />
expression through apparent or latent symbols <strong>and</strong><br />
metaphors that are not uncommon to the general masses,<br />
as they generally allude to emotions, circumstances <strong>and</strong><br />
issues that affect us all––be it trauma, death or disease;<br />
love, desire, absurdity <strong>and</strong> excitement... Whether I am<br />
able to successfully communicate to a wider, media<br />
savvy audience through my work, is <strong>of</strong> course, an entirely<br />
different matter altogether (something which i have very<br />
little say or control over). This knowledge, in a way, frees<br />
me from having to worry about cultural, communal or<br />
social responsibility; i simply create, <strong>and</strong> if it communicates<br />
something to someone, even at a subconscious level,<br />
that's good enough for me.<br />
JK: You've done illustration work for commercial projects,<br />
including book covers <strong>and</strong> flyers. How different is that to<br />
the more gallery-oriented "<strong>art</strong>" that you do?<br />
SN: I'm not sure if there is a big difference between<br />
commercial <strong>art</strong> <strong>and</strong> fine <strong>art</strong> or gallery-oriented <strong>art</strong> as<br />
you've described it; <strong>art</strong> is <strong>art</strong>, good or bad. The validity<br />
<strong>and</strong> material value <strong>of</strong> a piece <strong>of</strong> <strong>art</strong> is pretty much<br />
subjective. The only difference I can think <strong>of</strong> is that the<br />
former is usually created with maximum mass appeal<br />
so that it can be commercialized <strong>and</strong> disseminated to<br />
a wider audience while the latter speaks to whomever<br />
it speaks to, though inevitably, they too become<br />
commodities that are sold to a different subset <strong>of</strong> society.<br />
A simpler answer would be that the first type <strong>of</strong> work pays<br />
the bills, while the other, not as much (for me, at least).<br />
JK: Sorry I think I didn't phrase the previous question<br />
properly. I meant to ask you about the differences in the<br />
approach? Do the commercial aspects <strong>of</strong> having to deal<br />
with clients' dem<strong>and</strong>s or think about a mass audience<br />
change the way you produce the work? Does it become<br />
less introspective? Do you work less with traditional<br />
medium <strong>and</strong> more with designing s<strong>of</strong>tware?<br />
SN: Does it change the way I produce the work? Yes, <strong>of</strong><br />
course. Does it become less introspective? Yes to that as<br />
well. And for the sake <strong>of</strong> convenience, the use <strong>of</strong> graphics<br />
s<strong>of</strong>tware greatly eases editing <strong>and</strong> output, although I will<br />
sometimes include h<strong>and</strong> drawn illustrations whenever<br />
possible, for added warmth, substance <strong>and</strong> appeal.<br />
JK: "[F]or added warmth, substance <strong>and</strong> appeal."<br />
I find that quite revealing about our attitudes to <strong>art</strong><br />
as we how appreciate <strong>and</strong> value it. Somehow the<br />
work becomes more precious <strong>and</strong> valuable <strong>and</strong><br />
human when it reveals evidence <strong>of</strong> the deliberate<br />
h<strong>and</strong> <strong>of</strong> the <strong>art</strong>ist. Your work in traditional media<br />
certainly reveals this, with their intense <strong>and</strong> intricate<br />
attention to detail. I'm curious as to your thoughts<br />
on this.<br />
SN: While I can't speak for other visual <strong>art</strong>ists who<br />
work with traditional media, I feel that it is only<br />
human to want to leave personal markings <strong>and</strong><br />
flourishes that are distinct, thus appreciated for<br />
their uniqueness––like little tokens or keepsakes<br />
for posterity. Personally, I tend to appreciate<br />
<strong>and</strong> gravitate towards works by <strong>art</strong>isans <strong>and</strong><br />
craftspeople who create objects <strong>of</strong> great value in<br />
terms <strong>of</strong> quality <strong>and</strong> <strong>art</strong>istry. These works, produced<br />
with such constancy <strong>and</strong> care by those who<br />
receive little or no recognition for their labour,<br />
exude a kind <strong>of</strong> vibrancy that I find lacking in most<br />
contemporary, mass produced objects. In a way, I<br />
am trying to emulate that old, h<strong>and</strong>s-on approach<br />
to <strong>art</strong>-making, in the hopes it this will add a bit <strong>of</strong><br />
weight to my paintings <strong>and</strong> drawings.<br />
JK: Who are some <strong>of</strong> your favourite <strong>art</strong>ists, those<br />
who have inspired you in your search for your own<br />
<strong>art</strong>istic vision?<br />
SN: I have great respect for <strong>art</strong>ists like Ahmad Zakii<br />
Anwar, Jalaini Abu Hassan, Ron Mueck, Tamara<br />
de Lempicka <strong>and</strong> Tsuguharu Foujita. Nevertheless,<br />
during my childhood <strong>and</strong> formative years, I was<br />
completely in love with the works <strong>of</strong> illustrators <strong>and</strong><br />
c<strong>art</strong>oonists such as Lat, Rejabhad, Dzulkifli Buyong,<br />
Richard Scarry <strong>and</strong> Quentin Blake. I think a lot <strong>of</strong><br />
what I do now in terms <strong>of</strong> <strong>art</strong>-making can be traced<br />
back to to the times when I used to imitate their<br />
style <strong>of</strong> drawing, which is usually the case when<br />
you're st<strong>art</strong>ing out <strong>and</strong> trying to discover your own<br />
technique or <strong>art</strong>istic voice; your own pen lines <strong>and</strong><br />
brushstrokes, so to speak.v<br />
JK: What are you working on at the moment?<br />
SN: Not much aside from a commercial assignment<br />
which I'd recently completed. However, I am<br />
currently doing a bit <strong>of</strong> groundwork for what I hope<br />
to be a series <strong>of</strong> figurative paintings based loosely<br />
on the notions <strong>of</strong> boundaries, restrictions <strong>and</strong> bodily<br />
constraints, that is, if all goes according to plan.<br />
Exhibitions :<br />
22 Sept-10 Oct 2010<br />
Deadlines, Group Exhibition, Annexe Gallery, Kuala Lumpur.<br />
20 Jan-20 Feb 2010<br />
Contemporary Rhetoric, Group Exhibition,<br />
Valentine Willie, Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur.<br />
4 Aug-29 Aug 2009<br />
New Malaysian Artists: Our Own Orbit, Group Exhibition, Tembi Contemporary,<br />
Yogyak<strong>art</strong>a<br />
23 Jul-2 Aug 2009<br />
Between The Lines, Group Exhibition, Annexe Gallery, Kuala Lumpur<br />
10 Dec-23 Dec 2008<br />
Cabinet, Group Exhibition, Valentine Willie, Bangsar Baru, Kuala<br />
Lumpur<br />
3 June 2008-18 June 2008<br />
Contemporary Picturebook Illustrations in Germany <strong>and</strong> Malaysia,<br />
Group Exhibition, Kuching State Library, Sarawak<br />
29 May 2008-15 June 2008<br />
Out <strong>of</strong> Line, Group Exhibition, The Annexe Gallery,<br />
Kuala Lumpur<br />
Projects :<br />
2009<br />
Cerita Rakyat dan Kisah Dongeng Malaysia & Jerman, illustrations<br />
ISBN 978-983-068-388-1, ITNM-Goethe Institute, Malaysia<br />
2007<br />
If Only, written <strong>and</strong> illustrated by Shahril Nizam<br />
ISBN 978-983-43488-0-9, Gores Press, Kuala Lumpur<br />
2007<br />
Malaysian Politicians Say The Darndest Things,<br />
compiled by Amir Muhammad, illustrations by Shahril Nizam<br />
ISBN 978-983-43596-0-7, Matahari Books, Kuala Lumpur<br />
To see more works by Sharil, Please visit<br />
shahrilnizam.blogspot.com
The University Malaya Museum <strong>of</strong> Fine Art recently<br />
organised its first-ever <strong>art</strong>istic event with the public.<br />
Hosted in cooperation with Kuala Lumpur’s first<br />
sketching group, Facebook-based KL Sketchers, the<br />
five-hour event was held in the campus <strong>of</strong> one <strong>of</strong> the<br />
oldest institutions <strong>of</strong> higher learning in the country.<br />
The event began at the vicinity <strong>of</strong> the museum at<br />
9am <strong>and</strong> lasted till almost noon. The sketchcrawl was<br />
divided into three legs, covering from the compound<br />
<strong>of</strong> the museum <strong>and</strong> the Economics Faculty to<br />
the Science Faculty <strong>and</strong> ending at Dewan Tunku<br />
Canselor.<br />
According to the museum curator, Abd Aziz Abdul<br />
Rashid, the event was the first-ever <strong>art</strong>istic event<br />
organised by the museum after 33 years.<br />
“We hope to spur an interest among undergraduates<br />
in <strong>art</strong> through sketching,” he said. “The programme<br />
was also p<strong>art</strong> <strong>of</strong> the <strong>art</strong>ists-in-residence programme<br />
with veteran watercolourist Maamor Jantan, <strong>and</strong><br />
naïve <strong>art</strong>ist Yus<strong>of</strong> Gajah.<br />
08/page<br />
“It is p<strong>art</strong> <strong>of</strong> our intention as well as to promote<br />
the Museum <strong>of</strong> Asian Art to the public. Not many<br />
people know that the museum is an authority in<br />
ceramics <strong>and</strong> that we are a reference museum<br />
for it. Hopefully, through this activity with KL<br />
Sketchers, the public will come to know about our<br />
museum <strong>and</strong> visit it.”<br />
After a short breakfast reception, the sketchers<br />
totalling about 20 made their way to the various<br />
spots around the campus, st<strong>art</strong>ing with the<br />
area around the museum. The sunny but breezy<br />
weather was a bonus to sketchers as they worked<br />
in the shade <strong>of</strong> the well-forested varsity grounds,<br />
putting their work on paper, using pen, pencil <strong>and</strong><br />
watercolours.<br />
For KL Sketcher EW Lok, the limited time spent<br />
at each spot did not permit him to do larger<br />
paintings, which he loved.<br />
“I had to resort to only using sketchbooks but I will<br />
definitely return to do big paintings when I am<br />
free,” said the southpaw from Petaling Jaya who is<br />
in his mid-50s.<br />
KL Sketcher Hisham Salmin, who also came<br />
prepared to do a large painting, said: “I was<br />
hoping to do one or two paintings. But never<br />
mind, even small sketches are just as good.”<br />
However, for member Pang M.Y. from Kluang, who<br />
arrived in KL the previous evening for the event,<br />
the short time frame was no hindrance. “I use a<br />
moleskine booklet, so I can sketch a scenery quite<br />
fast,” said Pang who is fond <strong>of</strong> buildings.<br />
KL Sketcher founder ES Tung said that although<br />
the time frame was prohibitive to doing large<br />
works, the trip provided sufficient materials for<br />
sketchers to translate their experience into large<br />
paintings later.<br />
| SH LEE<br />
“Sketching allows us to capture the mood <strong>of</strong> the<br />
place <strong>and</strong> with reference pictures, we can use the<br />
sketching trip to translate our experience into larger<br />
works within the comforts <strong>of</strong> our studios,” he said.<br />
For first-timer to outdoor sketching, Yu Wui Wui,<br />
it was inspiring.<br />
“This is first trip <strong>and</strong> I thoroughly enjoyed it. I learnt<br />
much from the resident <strong>art</strong>ists <strong>and</strong> fellow<br />
sketchers,” said Yu.<br />
Watercolourist Maamor Jantan, who is known for his<br />
Cakcibor (dragonflies) series, thrilled the sketchers<br />
with his one-the-spot works.<br />
“You have to be daring when it comes to outdoor<br />
sketching,” Maamor said. “Don’t be afraid. Just do<br />
it. With practice, you will become better each time.<br />
What is important is to put your feelings onto paper, in<br />
ink, pencil, watercolour, or any medium.”<br />
Sketchers also had the opportunity to see the other<br />
side <strong>of</strong> Yus<strong>of</strong> Gajah, whose famous elephant naïve<br />
paintings have graced various media. Yus<strong>of</strong> showed<br />
his impressionistic approaches to sketching using ink<br />
at the st<strong>art</strong> <strong>of</strong> the crawl.
The University Malaya Museum <strong>of</strong> Asian<br />
Art is open from Monday to Thursday,<br />
9am to 12.45pm <strong>and</strong> from 2pm to 5pm,<br />
<strong>and</strong> from 9am to 12.45pm <strong>and</strong> 2.45pm to<br />
5pm. It is closed on Saturday, Sunday <strong>and</strong><br />
public holidays.<br />
Admission is free. For details, call the<br />
varsity at 03-03-7967-3805<br />
A surprise for sketchers was the attendance <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>art</strong>ist Khalil Ibrahim, who is very well known for<br />
his figurative tribute to women <strong>and</strong> fisherfolk.<br />
Kelantan-born Khalil also took time to do a quick<br />
l<strong>and</strong>scape <strong>of</strong> the in the vicinity <strong>of</strong> the museum.<br />
For Indonesian student Rizky Astriningtias, 19,<br />
who is pursuing her second-year degree in<br />
estate management, the interaction between<br />
sketchers was marvellous.<br />
“It allows me to enhance my skills <strong>and</strong> make<br />
friends through sketching,” she said. “I do only<br />
portraits at home but now I think I will try more<br />
outdoor sketching.”<br />
For Alia Khalid, 20, a third-year chemical<br />
engineering student, who is also a KL Sketcher<br />
member, it was also her first outing with the<br />
group.<br />
“This experience was great,” she said. “I waited<br />
for over a month for it since I barely draw or<br />
paint in the outdoors. I will definitely want to go<br />
on future outings if there are no examination<br />
<strong>and</strong> important assignments.”<br />
The campus sketchcrawl ended with a<br />
presentation <strong>of</strong> letters <strong>of</strong> appreciation to<br />
p<strong>art</strong>icipants <strong>and</strong> culminating in a group<br />
photography <strong>of</strong> the sketchers with their works.<br />
UM Library chief Dr Nor Edzan Che Nasir, who<br />
gave away the letters <strong>of</strong> appreciation, said<br />
initially she was not aware <strong>of</strong> what sketchcrawl<br />
was all about.<br />
“It was our first hosting <strong>of</strong> such an event <strong>and</strong><br />
I am glad it turned out very well,” she said.<br />
“We hope to have more similar activities in the<br />
future.”<br />
Yahong Art Gallery is a short<br />
walk from most <strong>of</strong> the major beach<br />
hotels; approximately 20 minutes<br />
from the Rasa Sayang Hotel, less for<br />
those further down the beach. The<br />
gallery is fully air-conditioned for a<br />
refreshing respite from the heat <strong>and</strong><br />
to ensure a pleasurable visit. Hours<br />
are from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm <strong>and</strong><br />
admission is free. For further<br />
information, Please simply call<br />
or email us.<br />
58-D Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Penang, Malaysia.<br />
email enquiries@yahong<strong>art</strong>.com.my or sl_chuah@time.net.my<br />
Tel (604) 881 1251<br />
Fax (604) 881 1093<br />
www.yahong<strong>art</strong>.com<br />
5 NOV 2011- 5 JAN 2012<br />
x2
1<br />
Mengenalpasti laluan dan kaedah<br />
pemindahan karya dengan berbincang<br />
dengan rakan kumpulan sebelum memulakan<br />
kerja supaya proses pemindahan karya<br />
berjalan lebih lancar.<br />
Memastikan laluan selamat dan tiada<br />
halangan daripada sebarang gangguan<br />
sebelum pemindahan dilakukan.<br />
| FAIZAL SIDEK<br />
Objek atau lapisan permukaan karya sama ada<br />
dua dimensi atau tiga dimensi mudah terdedah<br />
pada kerosakan apabila berubah kedudukan<br />
lokasi. Ia boleh berlaku secara sengaja atau tidak<br />
disengajakan seperti kecuaian manusia mahupun<br />
akibat k<strong>esa</strong>n persekitaran. Pengendalian karya secara<br />
cekap adalah penting dilatih dari segi sikap dan<br />
dimantapkan dengan kemahiran.<br />
Sebelum melaksanakan sesuatu perubahan<br />
lokasi adalah penting untuk MERANCANG<br />
dari segi jenis karya, lokasi dan perjalanan<br />
karya. Tugasan sebegini boleh dilakukan<br />
dengan mengenalpasti :<br />
Senarai tambahan jika memerlukan<br />
sebarang bantuan; contoh-seorang atau<br />
dua untuk membawa karya atau mem<strong>and</strong>u<br />
arah troli, dan seorang untuk membuka<br />
pintu, kenalpasti halangan serta memastikan<br />
laluan bebas daripada orang ramai.<br />
02<br />
Balai Seni Visual Negara telah mengumpul<br />
karya pelukis tempatan dan antarabangsa<br />
sejak 1958 lagi. Adalah menjadi hasrat BSVN<br />
untuk mempamerkan semula koleksi-koleksi<br />
yang penting dalam himpunannya sebagai<br />
rujukan dan tatapan umum. Pameran ‘Seni<br />
Konseptual: Koleksi Balai Seni Visual Negara’<br />
adalah sebuah pameran koleksi terpilih<br />
yang dibina untuk membawa penonton<br />
kepada satu bentuk seni yang dinamakan<br />
seni konseptual, iaitu persembahan bentuk<br />
seni yang menekankan pada persoalan<br />
konsep dan idea dalam pengkaryaan.<br />
Pameran yang dikuratorkan oleh Faizal Sidik<br />
dan Nasir Baharuddin ini akan berlangsung<br />
hampir 6 bulan iaitu daripada 9 Oktober<br />
2011 hingga 26 Mac 2012 di Galeri 1A,<br />
Balai Seni Visual Negara. Sehubungan itu<br />
sebuah penerbitan buku akan dihasilkan<br />
memuatkan tulisan kedua-dua kurator<br />
dan juga penulis jemputan Fuad Arif bagi<br />
menggali dan menyelidiki mengapa seni<br />
itu dikatakan sebagai seni konseptual,<br />
persoalan-persoalan dasar mengenainya<br />
dan impaknya dalan seni lukis di Malaysia<br />
pada hari ini.<br />
Sentiasa peka dan berinteraksi dengan<br />
rakan sepasukan ketika proses pemindahan<br />
berlangsung; Jangan tergopoh–gapah,<br />
kendalikan dengan tenang dan penuh<br />
berhati-hati.<br />
Pengkaryaan seni konseptual dalam seni lukis moden dan<br />
kontemporari Malaysia boleh dikatakan bermula daripada<br />
pengaruh pengkaryaan daripada <strong>art</strong>is yang pernah belajar<br />
di luar negara terutamanya di sekitar tahun 60-an dan 70-an<br />
di mana pada masa itu di sana pergerakan aliran seni moden<br />
berkembang dengan cepat dengan aliran-aliran pemikiran<br />
yang dibawa dalam seni yang daripada penggunaan bahan<br />
konvensional cat minyak yang bertujuan sedaya upaya<br />
untuk mendekatkan karya <strong>art</strong>is dengan audien, maka lahirlah<br />
pergerakan seperti Seni Pop, Dada, Konsep dan lain-lain.<br />
Bagi menyelusuri aliran ini di sini perlulah sekiranya kita melihat<br />
pergerakan seni konseptual di<br />
Barat itu sendiri. Pergerakan<br />
seni konseptual ini muncul pada<br />
tahun 1960-an. Kemunculannya<br />
adalah sebahagian daripada<br />
reaksi penentangan terhadap<br />
formalisme iaitu yang<br />
menitiberatkan elemen-elemen<br />
komposisi perletakan seperti<br />
warna, garis, bentuk dan tekstur<br />
daripada kewujudan objek,<br />
konteks, dan isi yang disebut<br />
oleh pengkritik seni di New<br />
York yang berpengaruh iaitu<br />
Clement Greenberg.<br />
10/page<br />
Memastikan tersedia ruang yang sesuai dan<br />
selamat apabila sampai ke lokasi, dengan<br />
tersedia pelapik yang sesuai untuk meletakkan<br />
karya.<br />
Elakkan lokasi pemindahan yang ada cahaya<br />
matahari secara langsung, berdekatan pintu<br />
untuk keluar masuk, berdekatan unit pemanas,<br />
kawasan berisiko tinggi trafik, dan di kawasan<br />
yang tidak selamat dan tidak berjaga.
| JAZMI MOHAMED SHARIF<br />
Bagi karya yang dibalut, adalah penting dibawa<br />
dengan lebih berhati-hati, kerana kita tidak tahu apa<br />
yang kita sentuh. Jika sebarang kerosakan berlaku<br />
ketika proses pemindahan, kumpulkan dengan<br />
berhati–hati dan simpan mana-mana kepingan yang<br />
tanggal walaupun rekahan lapisan cat yang kecil,<br />
dan dokumenkan kerosakan itu. Jika karya itu akan<br />
digantung, kenalpasti alatan untuk gantungan, jenis<br />
dinding dan lokasi ia akan digantung adalah selamat.<br />
KENDALI CATAN DAN KARYA BERBINGKAI<br />
Sebelum mengalihkan sebarang karya:<br />
Periksa dan pastikan tiada bahagian yang hilang<br />
daripada bingkai atau karya-rujuk konservator<br />
jika ragu- ragu.<br />
Periksa dan pastikan karya selamat dalam bingkai;<br />
rujuk konservator jika ragu- ragu.<br />
Jika karya tiada alas belakang, periksa kekuatan<br />
penegang kanvas ( stretcher atau strainer).<br />
Jika karya tiada alas belakang, pastikan dawai untuk<br />
menggantung tidak menyentuh belakang kanvas.<br />
Menurut Greenberg seni moden melalui proses<br />
pengurangan yang progresif dan penghalusan<br />
ke arah yang bertujuan untuk mentakrif dengan<br />
sebenar-benarnya sifat bahantara. Elemanelemen<br />
ini yang akan bertindakbalas terhadap<br />
sifat pengurangan ini. Peranan catan, misalnya<br />
adalah untuk menjelaskan apakah objek catan<br />
itu: apa yang membuatkan ia sebuah catan<br />
dan tiada yang lain. Sifat semulajadi catan iaitu<br />
objek yang rata pada permukaan kanvas yang<br />
diwarnakan dengan pigmen, seperti catan<br />
figura, perspektif ilusi tiga dimensi dan rujukan<br />
terhadap subjek luaran yang kesemuanya<br />
intipati yang mengatakan ia sebuah catan<br />
dibuang. 1<br />
Di Malaysia ia dimainkan oleh generasi kedua<br />
seniman tempatan yang berkelulusan barat<br />
dimana situasi yang sama juga berlaku namun<br />
agak lewat sedikit iaitu pada tahun awal<br />
70-an. Kebanyakan mereka ini pernah mengikuti<br />
pengajian di Maktab Seni Lukis di mana<br />
terdedah kepada suasana baru atau “New<br />
Scene” di mana adalah sebuah gerakan seni<br />
baru yang muncul implikasi daripada sukatan<br />
pelajaran yang diatur berdasarkan aliran<br />
“Bauhaus” iaitu sebuah sekolah seni rekaan<br />
yang terkenal di Jerman yang mengabungkan<br />
pembelajaran antara kraf dan seni halus.<br />
Waspada kendali karya sebegini dengan :<br />
Bawa karya dengan kedudukan orientasi yang betul;<br />
seboleh-bolehnya dengan melintang dan elakkan<br />
kanvas menyentuh tulang belakang penegang.<br />
Jika TERPAKSA memindahkan karya yang mengalami<br />
repih lapisan cat, bawa ia mengadap atas supaya<br />
lapisan itu tidak jatuh.<br />
karya yang b<strong>esa</strong>r perlu dibawa oleh dua orang<br />
disebabkan oleh saiz dan beratnya, atau dibawa<br />
dengan troli yang sesuai.<br />
03<br />
Bauhaus membawa idea penciptaan secara<br />
total dalam karya seni di mana semua cabang<br />
seni termasuklah seni bina di ajar. Stail Bauhaus ini<br />
telah membawa pengaruh yang b<strong>esa</strong>r terhadap<br />
perkembangan dalam seni, seni bina, seni grafik,<br />
seni reka dalaman, seni reka industri dan typografi<br />
yang membina satu p<strong>and</strong>angan yang lebih analisis<br />
dan konstruktif. Ciri-ciri bagaimana melihat atau<br />
pengamatan lebih ditekankan. Pendekatan Bauhaus<br />
ini telah memberi impak serta dipraktikkan oleh<br />
maktab-maktab seni yang terkenal di Engl<strong>and</strong><br />
serta dikembangkan dan diajar sehingga ke hari<br />
ini apabila mereka mengugurkan diploma lama<br />
dengan mengantikan Diploma in Art <strong>and</strong> Design<br />
sebagaimana kursus-kursus yang terdapat di sekolah<br />
seni di Malaysia pada hari ini.<br />
Rombakan b<strong>esa</strong>r yang berlaku dalam sistem<br />
pendidikan di sana terutamanya seni telah<br />
membawa angin perubahan baru kepada<br />
<strong>art</strong>is tempatan yang menerima didikan diluar.<br />
Piyadasa mengatakan “Mata pelajaran seperti<br />
sejarah sosial, falsafah, kesusasteraan dan<br />
sejarah pemikiran mulai diajar buat pertama<br />
kalinya di maktab-maktab ini. Kesemua<br />
perubahan–perubahan ini meninggalkan<br />
k<strong>esa</strong>n yang mendalam ke atas pelukis-pelukis<br />
kita yang menerima pendidikan disana”. 2<br />
Stail Ekspressionisme Abstrak yang<br />
mementingkan aspek dari segi emosi,<br />
perasaan dan sifat individu <strong>art</strong>is mula<br />
ditentang oleh <strong>art</strong>is-<strong>art</strong>is muda ini. Stail seni<br />
antarabangsa atau International Stail mula<br />
Bawa HANYA satu karya pada satu- satu masa.<br />
Bawa dengan keadaan permukaan karya<br />
mengadap orang yang membawanya untuk<br />
perlindungan.<br />
Permukaan yang telah disentuh dengan jemari<br />
walaupun jemari itu bersih, k<strong>esa</strong>nnya tetap akan<br />
kelihatan. K<strong>esa</strong>n akan kelihatan untuk jangkamasa<br />
panjang disebabkan oleh asid, garam dan minyak<br />
daripada jemari. Waspada ia dengan memakai<br />
sarung tangan putih daripada kapas yang bersih;<br />
gunakan sarung tangan getah jika permukaan licin;<br />
peringatan bahawa sarung tangan yang kotor sama<br />
seperti tangan yang kotor.<br />
Jika dikenalpasti bahawa objek atau karya terlalu<br />
berat untuk diangkat tidak selamat dengan memakai<br />
sarung tangan, maka tangan yang bersih mungkin<br />
sesuai sebagai solusi.<br />
MENGENDALIKAN KARYA DENGAN LAPISAN<br />
PELINDUNG (GLAZING)<br />
‘Glazing” di sini merujuk pada kaca atau Perspex<br />
(kepingan akrilik lutsinar, juga disebut Plexiglass)<br />
digunakan dalam sistem pembingkaian untuk catan/<br />
lukisan.<br />
Lapisan pelindung ini perlu dikendali dengan baik<br />
kerana Perspex atau kepingan akrilik mudah calar dan<br />
kaca pula mudah pecah.<br />
Untuk pengangkutan karya yang ada lapisan<br />
pelindung kaca, letakkan pita pelekat hanya pada<br />
permukaan kaca dengan ‘masking tape’ dengan<br />
jarak grid 20cm.<br />
Diingatkan jangan letakkan pita pelekat pada perspek<br />
kerana ia agak susah untuk dtanggalkan.<br />
muncul menolak aliran sebelumnya.<br />
Peralihan inilah yang membawa<br />
kecenderungan yang baru kepada <strong>art</strong>is<br />
untuk mendekatkan diri mereka dengan<br />
pengolahan seni yang lebih idealis seperti<br />
yang dibawa oleh seni Konseptual dan<br />
Minimalis.<br />
Artis-<strong>art</strong>is yang menggelarkan diri mereka<br />
sebagai “New Scene” ini tadi membawa<br />
aliran Seni Konstruktif seperti Redza Piyadasa,<br />
Tan Tuck Kan, Sulaiman Esa, Chong Kam<br />
Kow dan Tan Teong Eng di mana mereka<br />
juga bereaksi terhadap Ekspressionisme<br />
dan Ekspressionisme Abstrak yang bawa<br />
pada awal dan pertengahan tahun 60-an<br />
oleh Syed Ahmad Jamal, Latiff Mohidin,<br />
Yeoh Jin Leng, Ibrahim Hussein, Lee Joo<br />
For dan Cheong Laitong di samping<br />
gerakan Formalisme pengaruh daripada<br />
Lyrical Colourist oleh Ismail Zain dan Jolly<br />
Koh pada akhir 60-an. Pada tahun 1974<br />
koloborasi Redza Piyadasa dan Sulaiman<br />
Esa sekali lagi dalam sebuah pameran<br />
penting dalam pergerkan seni moden<br />
Malaysia iaitu “Toward A Mystical Reality”<br />
yang membangunkan Seni Konseptual<br />
Mistik membuka lorongan baru dalam<br />
pengkaryaannya itu disini.<br />
1 Sol Lewitt, “Paragraphs on Conceptual Art , dalam<br />
Artforum (1967)<br />
2 Redza Piyadasa, Pengolahan Lanskap Tempatan dalam<br />
Seni Moden 1930-1981, Balai Seni Lukis Negara, 1981.
12/page<br />
Saya tertarik untuk mengetahui lebih<br />
lanjut tentang pergerakkan pengkarya-<br />
pengkarya perempuan tempatan yang<br />
mana pada hemat saya, kekangan masa,<br />
tanggungjawab selain berkarya, tidak fokus,<br />
karya bers<strong>and</strong>arkan emosi dan individualistik<br />
selalu menjadi alasan mengapa karya-karya<br />
mereka kurang diambil perhatian.<br />
Apakah perlu untuk setiap karya itu<br />
berbaur universal? Atau sekiranya saya<br />
terlalu menekankan tentang pelukis yang<br />
bers<strong>and</strong>arkan alasan gender, adakah ianya<br />
penting untuk pertumbuhan pengkarya<br />
baru dan mereka adalah cerminan suara<br />
masyarakat dan kekurangan pengkarya<br />
perempuan ini secara tidak langsung<br />
memperlihatkan tiadanya suara lantang<br />
dalam mengetengahkan isu-isu yang<br />
dianggap minoriti. Saya tidak menyimpulkan<br />
kerjaya pengkarya ini adalah sebagai<br />
seorang pejuang hidup, tetapi pengkarya<br />
seni adalah lebih dari menyapu warna<br />
dan menyusun imej. Apakah yang ingin<br />
ditonjolkan selain medium seni dan sejauh<br />
manakah isi suara dari medium ini yang ingin<br />
di perdengarkan dan di kongsi?<br />
Sokongan House Of Matahati (HOM) dalam<br />
mengadakan program residensi sebagai<br />
platform kepada para pelukis muda untuk<br />
membina kerjaya dan berkongsi luahan<br />
karya telah memberi peluang kepada<br />
Anniketyni Madian menyertai program<br />
residensi untuk kali yang ke-9. Program ini<br />
telah bermula pada tahun 2008 lagi dan<br />
untuk setiap pengkarya muda, mereka di<br />
beri tempoh selama 6 bulan untuk berkarya<br />
dan mengadakan pameran setelah tempoh<br />
residensi tamat.<br />
Mendekati karya Anniketyni Madian<br />
membawa saya untuk mengetahui dengan<br />
lebih lanjut tentang p<strong>and</strong>angan dan persepsi<br />
beliau ketika olahan karya dibuat. Karya<br />
beliau yang kebanyakannya adalah susunan<br />
kayu yang berbentuk geometrik dan olahan<br />
ini secara tidak langsung telah membentuk<br />
satu alunan yang lebih organik.<br />
| INTAN RAFIZA<br />
Sekiranya kita melihat karya terdahulu<br />
oleh Dolly unithan, seorang pengarca<br />
perempuan yang menggunakan medium<br />
kayu untuk berkarya beliau pada tahun<br />
1964, koleksi Balai Seni Visual Negara<br />
(BSVN) yang bertajuk 'Pemalu-Shy'<br />
mengingatkan saya tentang k<strong>esa</strong>maan<br />
alunan kayu ini dibentuk secara organic<br />
tetapi kedua-dua pengarca ini mengguna<br />
cara teknikal yang berbeza. Kebiasaan<br />
ukiran kayu untuk membentuk arca<br />
berbeza dengan olahan Anniketyni<br />
yang disusun secara tertib bongkah<br />
kayu. Ulangan susunan secara teratur,<br />
dengan warna dan komposisi yang<br />
minimal membuatkan karya beliau<br />
bergerak dalam satu ruang dan secara<br />
tidak langsung ianya kelihatan seperti<br />
tumbuhan yang menjalar untuk terus<br />
mendominasi.<br />
Pengaruh lanskap dan alam semulajadi<br />
Bumi Kenyalang, Pulau Borneo menjadi<br />
titik tolak Anniketyni Madian yang mana beliau<br />
dilahirkan dan dib<strong>esa</strong>rkan di negeri Sarawak.<br />
Merakam pusaran air antara subjek yang<br />
diangkat untuk menyusun kepingan kayu<br />
mengingatkan semula alam yang pernah<br />
hampir dan telah jauh dari persekitaran<br />
pengkarya sendiri. Atas dasar keprihatinan dan<br />
daya sensitiviti pencinta seni, Anniketyni telah<br />
berkongsi rasa ini dengan penonton dalam<br />
karya-karya beliau.<br />
Mengagumi seorang pengarca kinetik Theo<br />
Jensen dari Bel<strong>and</strong>a yang percaya kepada<br />
unsur seni berhubung rapat dengan unsur<br />
kejuruteraan dalam menghasilkan karya. Selain<br />
daripada itu juga, pengolahan idea yang<br />
memberi penekanan unsur alam dalam karya<br />
Theo Jensen juga membuatkan pengkarya<br />
Anniketyni Madian merasakan kepentingan<br />
hubungkait alam dalam penghasilan karya<br />
Life doesn't always turn out as planned, that's why<br />
some said life is full <strong>of</strong> surprises. Here is a story about<br />
a boy whose ambition was to be an inventor but<br />
unexpectedly became a restless maker <strong>of</strong> images.<br />
Seah Ze Lin, who looks much younger than his age,<br />
used to work in the commercial <strong>art</strong>s industry. He<br />
was the illustrator who did the portrait <strong>of</strong> Stephen<br />
Chow for the movie ‘Kung Fu Hustle’ in 2004 <strong>and</strong><br />
had also illustrated various comic book heroes.<br />
The inventor’s instinct in Ze Lin found that life<br />
to be disagreeable. “Life was boring <strong>and</strong> the<br />
overwhelmingly commercial values sicken me,<br />
like eating tasteless food. It may look beautiful but<br />
it has no soul.” Finally, he decided to “escape to<br />
Birmingham to further his studies”. Since then, his<br />
mission is to delve into the endless search for the<br />
aesthetic through his own way <strong>of</strong> seeing. Life hasn't<br />
change much though, but a change <strong>of</strong> personality<br />
<strong>and</strong> attitude towards living has led to the<br />
underst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>of</strong> the infinite possibilities between<br />
the relationships <strong>of</strong> space <strong>and</strong> subjects.<br />
“I deconstruct <strong>and</strong> rebuild visual relationships when<br />
I draw figures, objects <strong>and</strong> space. This is not to<br />
depict the dismemberment <strong>of</strong> the literal but rather,<br />
to augment the disconnected, anxious tension<br />
between the subject matter themselves, their<br />
bodies <strong>and</strong> their immediate surroundings.”<br />
Ze Lin who works as an <strong>art</strong> lecturer at a private<br />
college is also the resident <strong>art</strong>ist at the House <strong>of</strong><br />
Matahati’s (HOM) Residency. He was <strong>of</strong>fered<br />
the residency in 2011after being selected as a<br />
runner up in the Malaysia Emerging Artist (MEA)<br />
competition in 2009. During the 6 month long<br />
residency, Ze Lin explored the sensations <strong>and</strong> feelings arising from<br />
the brushing <strong>of</strong> paints onto huge canvases. Using a ‘classical’<br />
approach to painting, Ze Lin shapes forms with black outlines<br />
intuitively, culled from what was experienced in daily life,<br />
<strong>and</strong> then erases those experiences with white paints to finally<br />
transforming the whole image, again intuitively into a metaphor.<br />
It’s like pulling a drawer, <strong>and</strong> pushing it back after disposing all <strong>of</strong><br />
its contents.<br />
All throughout the process, Ze Lin doesn’t even pay attention to<br />
his brushstrokes while he paints. He shapes the forms like a blind<br />
man who feels the joys <strong>of</strong> vision through the sense <strong>of</strong> touch.<br />
Instead <strong>of</strong> calling it an act <strong>of</strong> painting, the action is more akin to<br />
molding. He feels the visions. The heavy, short <strong>and</strong> swirling strokes<br />
reminded me <strong>of</strong> Van Gogh,<br />
who rejected objective<br />
representation in favor <strong>of</strong><br />
subjective expression 1 .<br />
The intensity <strong>and</strong> negation<br />
<strong>of</strong> any representational<br />
imagery in the creative<br />
process, which is guided by<br />
his intention <strong>of</strong> erasure seems<br />
more like an affirmation<br />
rather than a rejection.<br />
One <strong>of</strong> his h<strong>and</strong>ful <strong>of</strong> large<br />
scale paintings (12x8ft),<br />
formed by three canvas<br />
panels, entitled ‘Nothing<br />
Happened Here' shows<br />
underneath the white paints<br />
<strong>and</strong> some yellow strokes,<br />
black outlines depicting<br />
perlu dititikberatkan. Manakala dari segi<br />
teknikal pula, pengarca Reuben Heyday<br />
Margolin seorang lagi pengarca kinetik dari<br />
Amerika Syarikat yang menyusun kiub berskala<br />
kecil menjadi bentuk berskala b<strong>esa</strong>r menjadi<br />
rujukan untuk menghasilkan karya beliau.<br />
Selain dari berkarya, Anniketyni Madian juga<br />
adalah individu yang bergerak membantu<br />
dan memberi galakan kepada rakan-rakan<br />
seni yang lain mengadakan pameran seni<br />
secara berkumpulan yang mana penglibatan<br />
ini juga memberi peluang buat beliau<br />
bertukar pendapat dan idea dalam berkarya.<br />
Ketrampilan dalam pelbagai aspek seni visual<br />
sebagai seorang pengkarya muda adalah<br />
satu inisiatif yang positif dalam penglibatan<br />
pergerakan seni visual tanahair.<br />
Semoga semangat dan usaha dalam berkarya<br />
dan berkongsi kreativiti akan terus menyala<br />
buat Anniketyni Madian dan semoga program<br />
residensi beliau kali ini akan menjadi titik<br />
permulaan sebagai seorang pengkarya yang<br />
akan terus melangkah ke persada seni yang<br />
lebih luas pada masa yang akan datang!<br />
| TAN HuI KOON
Seperti yang dijanjikan pada keluaran lepas,<br />
siri terakhir Seni Visual dan Hakcipta (4) akan<br />
menyentuh isu paling kritikal di dalam dunia seni<br />
iaitu isu ‘pelanggaran’ hakcipta. Pengetahuan dan<br />
kesedaran terhadap isu ini di Malaysia (terutamanya<br />
di dalam bidang seni visual) masih dip<strong>and</strong>ang<br />
remeh dan ‘bersahaja’ oleh pengkarya mahupun<br />
khalayak umum. Oleh kerana itu, apabila terjadinya<br />
pelanggaran hakcipta terhadap sesuatu karya,<br />
kebanyakkan pengkarya tidak mengambil langkah<br />
yang sepatutnya untuk membendung perkara<br />
tersebut daripada berleluasa. Pelanggaran hakcipta,<br />
bukan sahaja akan melemah dan melumpuhkan<br />
industri seni tetapi juga mampu menyekat kreativiti<br />
dan idea untuk menghasilkan karya-karya yang baru<br />
bermutu lagi asli. Jika keadaan ini berterusan, paling<br />
minima k<strong>esa</strong>nnya pasti akan menyebabkan industri<br />
seni ‘tersekat’ dan tidak berkembang dengan baik.<br />
Lebih buruk lagi, keadaan ini akan mempengaruhi<br />
generasi muda yang akan datang untuk tidak<br />
menghargai seni warisan budaya mereka sendiri.<br />
Impak pelanggaran hak cipta bukan sekadar terk<strong>esa</strong>n<br />
pada ekonomi, malah turut melibatkan isu sosiobudaya.<br />
Oleh itu, pengkarya seharusnya lebih peka<br />
terhadap isu pelanggaran hakcipta.<br />
Bagi definisi terhadap ‘pelanggaran’ hakcipta 1 ,<strong>and</strong>a<br />
bolehlah merujuk kepada seksyen 36 di bawah Akta<br />
Hakcipta 1987 2 . Terdapat dua jenis pelanggaran<br />
yang diklasifikasikan di dalam CA 1987. Pertama,<br />
adalah pelanggaran secara langsung dan kedua<br />
adalah pelanggaran secara tidak langsung. Definisi<br />
pelanggaran secara langsung diterang di bawah<br />
Seksyen 36 (1) 3 dan harus di baca bersama Seksyen 13<br />
(1) 4 . Setiap perkara yang berlawanan yang terdapat<br />
di bawah Seksyen 13 (1) dan tidak mendapat keizinan<br />
daripada pemilik sah karya 5 adalah diklasifikasikan<br />
sebagai pelanggaran hakcipta menurut Seksyen 36<br />
(1). Pelanggaran hakcipta secara langsung dapat<br />
dibuktikan dengan (1) terdapat persamaan yang<br />
objektif terhadap karya asli dengan karya yang ditiru<br />
(atau yang dikatakan telah mengalami pelanggaran<br />
hakcipta) dan (2) ada seperti suatu keadaan yang<br />
bersebab(causal connection), contoh seperti :<br />
def<strong>and</strong>an mempunyai pengetahuan terlebih dahulu<br />
berkaitan karya tersebut atau keadaan tersebut<br />
terjadi kerana mereka berada di industri yang lebih<br />
kurang sama atau kemungkinan lain karya-karya<br />
tersebut telah ditiru daripada sumber ketiga 6 . Untuk<br />
lebih memahami situasi pelanggaran hak cipta<br />
secara lansung ini <strong>and</strong>a juga boleh membuat rujukan<br />
dengan membaca dua kes sebagai contoh iaitu kes<br />
Longman Malaysia Sdn. Bhd v Pustaka Delta Pelajaran<br />
Sdn. Bhd 7 dan kes Francis Day & Hunter Ltd & Anor v<br />
Bron & Anor 8 .<br />
Bagi definisi untuk pelanggaran hakcipta secara<br />
tidak langsung pula, <strong>and</strong>a bolehlah merujuk kepada<br />
Seksyen 36 (2) 9 di bawah CA 1987. Liabiliti untuk<br />
pelanggaran secara tidak langsung bergantung<br />
kepada seberapa banyak pengetahuan (knowledge)<br />
p<strong>esa</strong>lah terhadap k<strong>esa</strong>lahan yang telah diperlakukan.<br />
Tidak seperti p<strong>esa</strong>lah yang melakukan pelanggaran<br />
secara langsung di mana dua cara seperti yang<br />
dinyatakan dia atas adalah mencukupi untuk<br />
membuktikan bahawa beliau telah melakukan<br />
perbuatan melanggar hakcipta.<br />
a busy <strong>and</strong> lively urban sprawl or cityscape,<br />
suggesting that buildings <strong>and</strong> roads with lamp post<br />
(<strong>and</strong> still many unclear forms) are redundant <strong>and</strong><br />
overwhelming wasteful, a testament <strong>of</strong> poor urban<br />
planning.<br />
Between the subjects <strong>and</strong> spaces, <strong>of</strong> expression<br />
<strong>and</strong> romanticism, the <strong>art</strong>ist appreciates that the<br />
truth <strong>of</strong> beauty is from the pleasure <strong>of</strong> freedom<br />
<strong>and</strong> feelings. From what I recall <strong>of</strong> our dialogue,<br />
Ze Lin, who plucked out from thin air a quote<br />
by renowned British painter Francis Bacon, “The<br />
best p<strong>art</strong> <strong>of</strong> beauty is that which no picture can<br />
express”, truly believes in the process <strong>of</strong> feeling<br />
rather than the act <strong>of</strong> painting.<br />
To Whom It May Concern:<br />
Seah Ze Lin’s exhibition: BEING is open for public<br />
viewing from the 10 November – 19 November<br />
2011 at the House <strong>of</strong> Matahati (HOM).<br />
1 Kleiner, Fred S., Gardner’s Art Through The Ages, 2009, 13th edition,<br />
Thomson, Boston.<br />
| BED SAMAT<br />
Kadangkala, terdapat situasi yang nampak seakanakan<br />
seseorang itu telah melakukan pelanggaran<br />
hakcipta tetapi sebenarnya terdapat pengecualian<br />
dalam situasi tersebut. Pengeculian itu dapat<br />
diberikan, dengan syarat memenuhi ketiga-tiga<br />
elemen seperti berikut. Pertama, pengeluaran semula<br />
karya tersebut adalah kerana sebab-sebab tertentu<br />
(special cases). Kedua, tidak terdapat apa-apa konflik<br />
dalam pengeksploitasian secara normal terhadap<br />
karya tersebut dan ketiga pengeluaran semula karya<br />
tersebut tidak prejudis terhadap hak undang-undang<br />
pencipta karya.<br />
Antara contoh-contoh situasi pelanggaran<br />
hakcipta adalah dibenarkan seperti di dalam<br />
urusan-urusan munasabah seperti penyelidikan<br />
yang tidak berl<strong>and</strong>askan keuntungan (non-pr<strong>of</strong>it),<br />
pengajian persendirian, kritikan, ulasan atau untuk<br />
melaporkan peristiwa-peristiwa semasa. Cara-cara<br />
untuk menentukan sama ada urusan-urusan tersebut<br />
munasabah dan boleh mendapatkan pengecuali<br />
atau tidak, tidak dinyatakan di dalam CA 1987,<br />
tetapi mahkamah akan mengambil kira perkaraperkara<br />
seperti berikut : 1) cara pengubahsuai dan<br />
pelanggaran itu dilakukan 2) mempertimbangkan<br />
sama ada wujud motif yang tidak wajar daripada<br />
pihak def<strong>and</strong>an 3) bahagian karya yang telah<br />
mengalami pelanggaran hakcipta, sama ada<br />
bahagian tersebut digunakan setakat yang<br />
diperlukan 4) melihat kebiasaan budaya dan praktis<br />
industri tersebut 5)wujud di dalam karya yang sudah<br />
diterbitkan atau pun belum di terbitkan. Untuk<br />
pemahaman lanjut sebagai rujukan, <strong>and</strong>a bolehlah<br />
membaca dan mencari kes university <strong>of</strong> London Press<br />
Ltd v university Tutorial Press Ltd 10 dan kes Hyde park<br />
Residence Ltd v Yell<strong>and</strong> & Ors 11 .<br />
Kes-kes yang dinyatakan di atas adalah contoh<br />
untuk memahami lebih lanjut tentang pelanggaran<br />
hakcipta walaupun kes–kes tersebut tidak<br />
memfokuskan khusus dalam bidang seni visual. Faktafakta<br />
dan aplikasi di dalam kes-kes tersebut masih<br />
boleh diguna-pakai sebagai rujukan. Tetapi, masih<br />
terdapat satu kes Malaysia yang boleh di jadikan<br />
sebagai rujukan dan sekaligus boleh dianggap<br />
sebagai ‘precedent’ 12 kes bagi pelanggaran hakcipta<br />
di Malaysia terutama sekali di dalam skop seni visual<br />
Malaysia. Kes tersebut ialah kes Syed Ahmad Jamal 13 v<br />
Dato B<strong>and</strong>ar Kuala Lumpur 14 .<br />
Fakta berkaitan kes ini adalah seperti berikut: Kes ini<br />
melibatkan sebuah arca karya Syed Ahmad Jamal 15<br />
(SAJ) yang berjudul Puncak Purnama (juga dikenali<br />
sebagai Lunar Peaks). Karya ini telah dikomisenkan<br />
kepada beliau oleh UMBC H<strong>art</strong>a Sdn. Bhd pada<br />
tahun 1985 untuk melengkapkan l<strong>and</strong>skap sebuah<br />
taman di tanah kerajaan 16 Kuala Lumpur. Arca<br />
tersebut kemudiannya diserahkan oleh UMBC<br />
kepada penduduk Kuala Lumpur pada 20 November<br />
1986 di bawah tanggungjawab penyelenggaran<br />
diberikan kepada Dewan B<strong>and</strong>araya Kuala Lumpur<br />
(DBKL). Pada tahun 2000, pihak DBKL telah membuat<br />
beberapa perubahan terhadap arca tersebut tanpa<br />
meminta keizinan daripada SAJ. SAJ kemudiannya<br />
telah menulis surat kepada pihak DBKL untuk<br />
mengembalikan arca tersebut kepada bentuk asal<br />
tetapi tidak diendahkan oleh pihak DBKL. Maka,<br />
dengan sebab itu, SAJ memutuskan untuk mengambil<br />
tindakan undang-undang terhadap pihak DBKL 17<br />
menggunakan Seksyen 25 (2) 18 kerana berpendapat<br />
bahawa terdapat pelanggaran hakcipta di dalam<br />
kejadian ini terhadap karya milik beliau.<br />
Makhamah, bagi kes ini telah memutuskan bahawa,<br />
mengikut seksyen 25 (2), pengubahsuaian yang<br />
telah dibuat oleh pihak DBKL adalah dengan ketara<br />
telah mengubah karakter dan semangat Puncak<br />
Purnama sekaligus menghancurkan reka bentuk<br />
dan ketenangan yang diciptakan oleh plaintiff.<br />
Walaupun arca tersebut diubah berdasarkan kepada<br />
bentuk yang sama mengikut keterangan plaintiff,<br />
tetapi pengubahsuaian tersebut telah sama sekali<br />
menghilangkan ‘gaya’ seni beliau terhadap karya<br />
tersebut. Malah, pengubahsuain tersebut juga<br />
seakan-akan menghina reputasi dan kehormatan<br />
beliau sebagai salah seorang pengkarya agung di<br />
Malaysia.<br />
Untuk kejadian ini, mahkamah telah memutuskan<br />
bahawa plaintiff harus diberikan ganti rugi sebanyak<br />
RM750,000.00 dan karya asal beliau harus dibina<br />
kembali mengikut reka bentuk asal oleh pihak<br />
defendan 19 . Kes ini sekaligus telah membuktikan<br />
bahawa setiap hasil seni di Malaysia adalah dilindungi<br />
oleh Akta Hakcipta 1987 (Akta 332), Malaysia.<br />
1 Pelanggaran hakcipta di dalam <strong>art</strong>ikel ini adalah tertumpu kepada<br />
karya-karya yang berkaitan dengan seni visual khususnya tidak termasuk<br />
performance <strong>art</strong> , muzik atau karya-karya seni bukan daripada bidang<br />
seni visual.<br />
2 Selepas ini akan ditulis sebagai CA 1987 (Copyright Act 1987–Act 332),<br />
Regulations & Orders : ILBS.<br />
3 Contoh pelanggaran hakcipta secara langsung (khususnya di dalam<br />
seni visual) adalah seperti: pengeluaran semula karya itu dalam<br />
bentuk apa-apa bahan sekalipun, pengedaran salinan-salinankepada<br />
orang awam melalui penjualan atau pemindahan lain pemilikan dan<br />
penyewaan secara komersial karya itu kepada awam atau apa-apa<br />
yang terdapat berlawanan dengan Seksyen 13(1).<br />
4 Untuk mengetahui lebih lanjut penerangan berkaitan Seksyen 13(1), sila<br />
rujuk kembali Siri Seni Visual dan Hakcipta (3).<br />
5 Untuk penerangan mengenai pencipta dan pemilik sah karya, sila rujuk<br />
kembali Siri Seni Visual dan Hakcipta(2).<br />
6 Untuk penerangan lanjut di dalam memahami topik ini sila rujuk,<br />
Copyright Law in Malaysia (Second Edition) by Pr<strong>of</strong>. Dr. Khaw Lake Tee<br />
– (Chapter Six : Infringement <strong>of</strong> copyright); Malayan Law Journal, Kuala<br />
Lumpur, 2001.<br />
7 [1987] 2 MLJ 359<br />
8 [1963] 1 Ch 587<br />
9 Walau bagaimanapun, hanya Seksyen 36(2) yang menceritakan<br />
tentang pelanggaran hakcipta secara tidak langsung dan tiada seksyen<br />
lain yang memberi penerangan lain berkaitan isu ini. Untuk penerangan<br />
lanjut sila rujuk, Copyright Law in Malaysia (Second Edition) by Pr<strong>of</strong>. Dr.<br />
Khaw Lake Tee–(Chapter Eight : Indirect infringement <strong>of</strong> copyright);<br />
Malayan Law Journal, Kuala Lumpur, 2001.<br />
10 [1916] 2 Ch 601<br />
11 [2000] 3 WLR 215<br />
12 Dalam sistem undang-undang, precedent kes merupakan kes<br />
utama atau kes yang akan dijadikan sebagai satu garis p<strong>and</strong>uan<br />
atau satu prinsip atau kaedah yang ditubuhkan pada mana-mana<br />
undang-undang bahawa mahkamah atau lain-lain badan kehakiman<br />
boleh mengikut keputusan kes tersebut apabila memutuskan kes-kes<br />
seterusnya dengan isu-isu atau fakta-fakta yang serupa. (sumber: http://<br />
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Precedent)<br />
13 Syed Ahmad Jamal merupakan seniman agung seni visual tanah air.<br />
Beliau telah kembali ke rahmtullah pada 31 July 2011. Selain daripada<br />
pencapaian yang membanggakan di dalam bidang seni visual<br />
Malaysia, beliau juga merupakan satu-satunya pengkarya seni visual<br />
yang pernah dinobatkan sebagai Sasterawan Negara (kadar waktu<br />
kenyatan ini ialah saat <strong>art</strong>ikel ini ditulis pada tahun Oktober 2011). Untuk<br />
membaca perjalanan seni dan biografi terperinci beliau, bolehlah<br />
merujuk kepada katalog terbitan Balai Seni Lukis Negara yang berjudul<br />
‘Syed Ahmad Jamal : Pelukis’, ISBN : 978-983-3497-43-0<br />
14 [2011] 2 CLJ as decided by Azahar Mohamed J. (Seperti yang telah<br />
diputuskan oleh Y.A Dato’ Azahar Mohamed).<br />
15 Selepas ini akan ditulis sebagai plaintif.<br />
13/page<br />
16 Tempat tersebut juga dikenali sebagai ‘Taman Mini Puncak Purnama<br />
UMBC’ Kuala Lumpur.<br />
17 Selepas ini akan ditulis sebagai defendan.<br />
18 Untuk penerangan berkaitan hak-hak moral seorang pengkarya sila<br />
rujuk Seni Visual dan Hakcipta (3).<br />
19 Kes lain yang boleh digunakan juga sebagai rujukan ialah kes Sehgal v<br />
Union <strong>of</strong> India [2005] FSR 39 (refd)<br />
* Setiap seksyen di dalam <strong>art</strong>ikel ini merujuk kepada Akta Hakcipta<br />
1987 (Akta 332), Malaysia.
Creative individuals who did not have any formal or<br />
academic <strong>art</strong> training are common. In fact, many <strong>of</strong><br />
them have contributed <strong>and</strong> enriched the history <strong>of</strong> <strong>art</strong><br />
by bringing a vision <strong>of</strong> originality <strong>and</strong> innovative use <strong>of</strong><br />
materials. In Malaysia, even though many <strong>of</strong> our early<br />
<strong>art</strong>ists did not receive formal academic training or only<br />
briefly, their contributions in developing a uniquely<br />
local as well as personal visual vernacular cannot be<br />
underestimated. Some have produced works that we<br />
cannot categorize under the <strong>art</strong> brut, outsider <strong>art</strong> or<br />
even naïve <strong>art</strong> category proper though we do recognize<br />
in their works distinctive traits that separates them from<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essionally trained <strong>art</strong>ists. Their works encourages one<br />
to look at <strong>art</strong> <strong>and</strong> its practices in contemporary times<br />
from different angles <strong>and</strong> approaches. Furthermore,<br />
their non-specialists background <strong>and</strong> their (sometimes)<br />
eccentric expressions also challenged the hegemony<br />
<strong>of</strong> conservative <strong>art</strong> <strong>and</strong> culture specialists’ monopoly<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>ideas</strong> in the field <strong>of</strong> <strong>art</strong>. Unlike most pr<strong>of</strong>essionally<br />
trained <strong>art</strong>ists, these autodidacts or informally trained<br />
individuals make works out <strong>of</strong> urges or necessities that<br />
mirrors their psychological states <strong>and</strong> social conditions.<br />
It is inseparable with the context from which they create<br />
<strong>and</strong> serves to address/ <strong>of</strong>fset the imbalances <strong>of</strong> inner<br />
turmoil <strong>of</strong> the psyche or as a result <strong>of</strong> freely following their<br />
inner voices. The unmediated expression <strong>of</strong> their impulses<br />
through visual means had produced some <strong>of</strong> the most<br />
st<strong>art</strong>lingly original <strong>and</strong> mindboggling works <strong>of</strong> <strong>art</strong>. In this<br />
<strong>and</strong> the <strong>art</strong>icles to follow, I will introduce three informally<br />
trained <strong>art</strong>ists to the readers. I hope a brief coverage <strong>of</strong><br />
their background history <strong>and</strong> motivations behind their<br />
labor <strong>of</strong> love will serve as an eye opener <strong>and</strong> inspiration.<br />
By acknowledging <strong>and</strong> celebrating their <strong>art</strong>istry, we also<br />
celebrate our own personal narratives, eccentricities,<br />
dreams, beliefs <strong>and</strong> world views.<br />
14/page<br />
Born in Kuala Lumpur (KL) in 1957, Thangarajoo M.A<br />
Kanniah or Raj as he is affectionately known is no<br />
stranger to the local <strong>art</strong> scene. As a child born in the<br />
year <strong>of</strong> the nation’s independence, the free spirited<br />
Raj left his working class family home to pursue the<br />
<strong>art</strong>ist’s life at the young age <strong>of</strong> eighteen. He was<br />
introduced by Zafaruddin Zainuddin @Apai to Anak<br />
Alam (Children <strong>of</strong> Nature) in 1974. Raj remembers<br />
Mustapha Haji Ibrahim, Mariam Abdullah, Ali<br />
Rahamad @ Mabuha, Osman ‘Volkswagen’, Dzulkifli<br />
Dahlan, Abdul Latiff Mohidin, Wairah Marzuki, Sharifah<br />
Fatimah Zubir, Khalil Ibrahim, Abdul Ghafar Ibrahim,<br />
Siti Zainon, Ismail Hashim <strong>and</strong> a few others as being<br />
the core or active visual <strong>art</strong>ists in the collective<br />
comprised <strong>of</strong> many from different <strong>art</strong>istic disciplines in<br />
the then nascent KL <strong>art</strong>s scene. Anak Alam was an<br />
<strong>of</strong>fshoot <strong>of</strong> the Angkatan Pelukis Semenanjung (APS)<br />
or Peninsula Artist Group headed by the towering<br />
painter <strong>of</strong> representational images <strong>and</strong> portraits,<br />
the late Datuk Mohd Hoessain Enas. While the APS<br />
championed realistic renditions <strong>of</strong> life, Anak Alam<br />
was multi- disciplinary in its approach. Members<br />
were mostly engaged in abstract or Surrealistic <strong>art</strong>,<br />
printing, photography, Malay theater, music (using self<br />
made musical instruments) <strong>and</strong> poetry. Many <strong>of</strong> their<br />
performances were held near Benteng (located near<br />
the small clock tower in KL) University Malaya (UM)<br />
<strong>and</strong> the City Hall Theater (Panggung B<strong>and</strong>araya) in<br />
Kuala Lumpur. The collective was established with the<br />
primary aims <strong>of</strong> creating innovative <strong>art</strong>istic expressions<br />
as well as to promote awareness for the need to<br />
conserve the environment. Group members had a<br />
strong aversion to man’s senseless ravaging <strong>of</strong> nature<br />
<strong>and</strong> believed in a shared vision in which nature <strong>and</strong><br />
man coexist in harmony.<br />
| TAN SEI HON<br />
Even though Raj did not received much formal training<br />
in the <strong>art</strong>s, he became skillful in drawing, painting <strong>and</strong><br />
crafts such as making paper-mache as well as puppetry.<br />
As a Malaysian <strong>art</strong>ist <strong>of</strong> Indian descent, he achieved<br />
many firsts in his 37 years career as a visual <strong>art</strong>ist. He<br />
was the first <strong>and</strong> only Malaysian Indian to win both the<br />
National Art Gallery (now, National Visual Arts Gallery)’s<br />
Young Contemporary’s Award <strong>art</strong> competition in 1984<br />
<strong>and</strong> the Hans Christian Andersen illustration competition<br />
sponsored by the Danish Embassy <strong>and</strong> organized by<br />
the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) later that year.<br />
Raj was also among the first Malaysian-Indian <strong>art</strong>ist to<br />
be honoured with a solo exhibition entitled ‘I <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Universe’ at the National Art Gallery, then located at<br />
its former premise at Jalan Hishamuddin, Kuala Lumpur<br />
in the early1980's. The gist <strong>of</strong> the <strong>ideas</strong> or philosophy<br />
behind his works was formed as a result <strong>of</strong> his near-death<br />
experience when he met an accident at Templar Park,<br />
Selangor. “He experienced a soundless world where his<br />
conscious soul dwelled in unity with the e<strong>art</strong>h, rocks <strong>and</strong><br />
sky. He was a p<strong>art</strong> <strong>of</strong> everything <strong>and</strong> everything was a<br />
p<strong>art</strong> <strong>of</strong> him .The episode changed his life dramatically;<br />
for the first time he saw himself, the universe <strong>and</strong> all<br />
people in it as one.”<br />
(To read more, please visit<br />
http://atomicscape-jootha.blogspot.com)
His many detailed drawings, paintings <strong>and</strong> mixed media<br />
works which he had produced after that incident to his<br />
latest ink on canvas series entitled ‘Atomic Numinosity’<br />
have been a life long continuation <strong>of</strong> Raj’s philosophy<br />
<strong>of</strong> transcending duality to non-duality; the oneness that<br />
pervades everything. (To see more <strong>art</strong>works, please visit<br />
www.flickr.com/photos/thanga4)<br />
Mohd Fadzil Othman was born in Kuala Muda, Kedah in 1943 <strong>and</strong><br />
worked with RTM (Radio Television Malaysia) as a technician right<br />
after completing his secondary education at the Sultan Abdul<br />
Hamid College, Alor Star, Kedah. He has since retired <strong>and</strong> is now<br />
focusing fulltime on his <strong>art</strong>. According to Mohd Fadzil, he had a<br />
good <strong>art</strong> teacher named Pa’ Chooi (Chooi Kok Keong) who not<br />
only taught <strong>and</strong> encouraged him but also showed a lot <strong>of</strong> <strong>art</strong><br />
books introducing many <strong>art</strong>ists while providing explanations to<br />
their works. “That really touched me, he<strong>art</strong> <strong>and</strong> soul”. Though he<br />
did not pursue a formal <strong>art</strong> education or a career in the visual<br />
<strong>art</strong>s, he continued to create works. Inspired by the works, lives <strong>and</strong><br />
philosophies <strong>of</strong> Van Gogh, Picasso, Leonardo Da Vinci, Salvador<br />
Dali <strong>and</strong> even Buckminster Fuller, as well as local <strong>art</strong>ists namely<br />
Datuk Ibrahim Hussein, Abdul Latiff Mohidin, Datuk Syed Ahmad<br />
Jamal, Sharifah Fatimah Zubir <strong>and</strong> Hasnul Jamal Saidon. All these<br />
<strong>art</strong> figures pushes him to seek <strong>and</strong> develop a distinct <strong>and</strong> personal<br />
style which “until now I am still searching <strong>and</strong> experimenting with<br />
the works, which are different from the ordinary.” The <strong>art</strong>istic<br />
breakthrough finally came when he discovered the Hungarian-<br />
French <strong>art</strong>ist Victor Vasarely (1906-97), widely hailed as the<br />
father <strong>of</strong> Op Art whose works in the 60s <strong>and</strong> 70’s found its way<br />
into popular culture <strong>and</strong> became one <strong>of</strong> its most recognized<br />
representative. Though his current Op <strong>art</strong> works were inspired by<br />
the paintings <strong>of</strong> Vasarely, his <strong>ideas</strong> are based on the aura <strong>of</strong> the<br />
human body as shown through the different colors. “If you are<br />
happy <strong>and</strong> tranquil, colors can be seen surrounding your body<br />
<strong>and</strong> if you are angry <strong>and</strong> moody different colors will be moving<br />
around the body. You can control the emotions through that<br />
aura. The flexibility <strong>and</strong> movement in my work is in relation to<br />
changing something negative to something positive <strong>and</strong> making<br />
it a form <strong>of</strong> creative problem solving.”<br />
It takes Mohd Fadzil days to work out an idea as he<br />
wants to ensure the intended effects using various<br />
combinations <strong>of</strong> unconventional materials such as<br />
winding threads / nylon or screws with drawn lines<br />
on papers, canvas, perspex , wood are correctly<br />
constructed to create the “multiple, psychedelic<br />
lights <strong>and</strong> water effects or mobiles that change<br />
direction <strong>and</strong> shapes if you position your self at<br />
various angles when looking at my works”. Though<br />
his mixed media works are intricate <strong>and</strong> requires<br />
carefully planning beforeh<strong>and</strong>, the process leading<br />
to the completion <strong>of</strong> the final form is loose enough<br />
for him to make alterations or changes as <strong>and</strong> when<br />
new shapes or forms appear together with colours<br />
that adds value to “the whole design <strong>and</strong> to bring it<br />
to the illusion <strong>of</strong> form so that the process is simply a<br />
steady progression till the end”.<br />
(His works brings to mind a little known ‘<strong>art</strong>ist’<br />
whose works were also centered on the energies<br />
emanated from humans <strong>and</strong> minerals, Emma Kunz<br />
(1892-1963). Born in Switzerl<strong>and</strong>, she was recognized<br />
as healer <strong>and</strong> visionary who used the pendulum to<br />
both discover the biodynamic energies as well as<br />
to diagnose diseases <strong>of</strong> the spirit though the legacy<br />
<strong>of</strong> her <strong>art</strong>istry are the detailed drawings <strong>of</strong> aura<br />
energies on large graph papers now collected <strong>and</strong><br />
displayed at the Emma Kunz Centre. For more info,<br />
please visit www.emma-kunz-zentrum.ch )<br />
Vong Nyam Chee or Cheev stumbled onto the<br />
local <strong>art</strong> scene not exactly by choice, but p<strong>art</strong>ly<br />
out <strong>of</strong> necessity as well as to re affirm the reasons<br />
that constitute the meaning <strong>of</strong> his life as he had re<br />
discovered <strong>and</strong> understood anew. Born in Kuala<br />
Lumpur <strong>and</strong> grew up in Cheras, life st<strong>art</strong>ed quite<br />
conventionally for the informally trained sculptor.<br />
Cheev had keen interests in the <strong>art</strong>s <strong>and</strong> was<br />
accepted to a degree program (which he thought<br />
was related to commercial <strong>art</strong>) in a university in the<br />
United States, but due to some misunderst<strong>and</strong>ing<br />
<strong>and</strong> complications, Cheev ended up doing<br />
Communication Arts in the English Dep<strong>art</strong>ment<br />
studying linguistics <strong>and</strong> literature instead <strong>of</strong> design<br />
or advertising! Still, he counted himself fortunate to<br />
have been under the tutelage <strong>of</strong> Ms. Joanne Lattavo,<br />
his tutor for the visual <strong>art</strong>s component which he<br />
took as a minor. She was adamant in ensuring that<br />
Cheev would receive a fine <strong>art</strong>s program covering<br />
<strong>art</strong> history, philosophy <strong>and</strong> techniques. It was not just<br />
geared towards the acquisition <strong>of</strong> technical skills, but<br />
also an appreciation for <strong>ideas</strong> about <strong>art</strong>, beauty <strong>and</strong><br />
life. The implications did not sink in at that time as the<br />
then youthful Cheev was more preoccupied with<br />
pressing financial matters <strong>and</strong> his dreams <strong>of</strong> making it<br />
big in the advertising world once he graduated.<br />
After coming back from the United States some 30<br />
years ago, Cheez worked in various capacities in<br />
the creative industry for two <strong>and</strong> a half decades but<br />
abruptly ab<strong>and</strong>oned the routine (<strong>and</strong> a well paying<br />
job) due to deep dissatisfactions <strong>and</strong> personal raison<br />
d'être. Though he excelled at what he did, he found<br />
the substantial remunerations to be meaningless <strong>and</strong><br />
true satisfaction to be fleeting <strong>and</strong> illusory.<br />
“…I realize that the commercial world did not reflect<br />
the depth <strong>of</strong> creative thoughts but just skimming<br />
the <strong>ideas</strong> <strong>of</strong>f the essence primarily to gain pr<strong>of</strong>its<br />
with no regards for posterity. This bothered me a<br />
lot. The commercial world has no soul. The feelings<br />
<strong>and</strong> rewards were short termed…I wanted to be<br />
recognized for my efforts <strong>and</strong> not just be rewarded in<br />
monetary value. I wanted to be relevant.”<br />
The nagging feeling that there has to be more to<br />
life than just the daily grind for the almighty Ringgit<br />
would lead him back to the lessons taught by his<br />
former <strong>art</strong> tutor. Her wisdom <strong>and</strong> guidance decades<br />
later proved to be the catalyst that pushed Cheev<br />
towards the direction <strong>of</strong> the fine <strong>art</strong>s, which he<br />
plunged into headlong without any expectations<br />
or assurance. Cheev took a 10 year period <strong>of</strong><br />
isolation <strong>of</strong> deep soul searching, recollecting past<br />
experiences <strong>and</strong> a reassessment <strong>of</strong> what they<br />
meant.“I have that urge <strong>and</strong> passion to translate<br />
them into physical interpretations that I can resonate<br />
with since I cannot wind back time. I wondered<br />
about existence <strong>and</strong> my primary conclusion was that<br />
we exist to experience…<strong>and</strong> to experience we must<br />
feel. In whatever consequences the end results were<br />
<strong>and</strong> still are…feelings… <strong>and</strong> their intensities. Having<br />
deduced a philosophy <strong>of</strong> existence, I now utilize that<br />
awareness to reenact the emergence <strong>of</strong> passions I<br />
accumulated.”<br />
Cheev found the perfect vehicle to form or<br />
materialize them as working with 3d materials<br />
came quite naturally. Though he is able to sculpt or<br />
craved the most intricate <strong>of</strong> details <strong>and</strong> forms into<br />
any shapes he desires with ease-as evident from<br />
his earlier smaller figurine pieces-it is his sculptures,<br />
carved <strong>and</strong> assembled from discarded<br />
wood that is most refreshing <strong>and</strong> unique.<br />
The crude <strong>and</strong> feral characteristic <strong>of</strong> each<br />
<strong>of</strong> his sculpture- all assuming the female<br />
form which he reasoned possessed both<br />
sensual <strong>and</strong> dangerous traits that perfectly<br />
embodies the qualities he wished to expressstood<br />
out distinctively when compared with<br />
the works <strong>of</strong> other h<strong>and</strong>ful <strong>of</strong> Malaysian<br />
sculptors working in the field today. His is<br />
a dancing female spiritualist in trance, a<br />
primitive gymnast gyrating, convoluting in<br />
complex yoga-like postures, perpetually in<br />
motion (<strong>and</strong> in heat!). Sensual, savage <strong>and</strong><br />
intense, the works conveys his reactions<br />
to life’s drama <strong>and</strong> his destiny, unscripted,<br />
unrehearsed, but spontaneous <strong>and</strong> intuitive,<br />
never capitulating but with all guns blazing or<br />
in this case, dancing like a hurricane!<br />
(To read more about Cheev, please visit<br />
www. sculpturexxx.blogspot.com)
16/page<br />
“ Our Magic Hour – How Much <strong>of</strong> The World Can We<br />
Know?” merupakan tema untuk Yokohama Triennale 2011.<br />
Festival ini berlangsung dari 6 Ogos hingga 6 November<br />
2011. Secara ringkas, B<strong>and</strong>ar Yokohama adalah sebuah<br />
pelabuhan dunia sejak pembukaannya pada tahun<br />
1859, sebagai langkah pembangunan dan pemodenan<br />
negara Jepun. Yokohama ini dilihat strategik dalam<br />
penganjuran festival kontemporari seperti <strong>triennale</strong> ini.<br />
Festival ini dilihat dapat representasi pemikiran cara baru<br />
dan penerimaan interaksi antara pelbagai bangsa, budaya<br />
dan kepelbagaian nilai. Julung kalinya, Yokohama Triennale<br />
dipentaskan di Yokohama Museum <strong>of</strong> Art sebagai tempat<br />
utama penganjuran dan NYK Waterfront Warehouse<br />
(BankArt Studio NYK) satu lagi lokasi untuk festival ini.<br />
Ianya sebuah bangunan bersejarah yang men<strong>and</strong>akan<br />
Yokohama sebagai sebuah b<strong>and</strong>ar pelabuhan Jepun yang<br />
terpenting serta b<strong>and</strong>ar kelahiran seni fotografi Jepun. Ia<br />
merupakan penganjuran ke empat Yokohama Triennale<br />
setelah permulaan acara ini sejak tahun 2001,<br />
2005 dan 2008.<br />
Tema yang berkaitan dengan unsur misteri, keajaiban dunia<br />
dan kehidupan harian berl<strong>and</strong>askan mitologi, lagenda<br />
dan animisme. Persoalan tentang sains dan teknologi<br />
juga dirungkaikan melalui beberapa karya seniman. Lebih<br />
300 buah karya daripada 77 orang seniman daripada<br />
pelbagai negara terlibat dalam acara Yokohama Triennale<br />
ini. Kepelbagaian genre seni kontemporari daripada<br />
kerja–kerja seniman seperti catan, lukisan, cetakan,<br />
fotografi, seni video, seni instalasi memberi daya tarikan<br />
kepada masyarakat. Penyertaan pengunjung juga dalam<br />
berinteraksi dan berhubung melalui bahan seni yang<br />
dipamerkan memerlukan tafsiran dan kreativiti dalam<br />
menelaah maksud dan intipati karya serta membina<br />
kebudayaan keseniaan baru.<br />
Manakala di BankArt Studio NYK, pengunjung boleh<br />
menikmati kepelbagaian genre dan lebih dinamik. Seni<br />
instalasi, seni video, seni fotografi, arca, catan dengan<br />
kepelbagaian bahan memenuhi ruang bangunan tiga<br />
tingkat ini. Visualnya bebas, dalam perancangan kurator<br />
memastikan keseimbangan kedudukan karya yang dilihat<br />
mempunyai kekuatan tersendiri. Selain l<strong>and</strong>skap luar yang<br />
cantik menanti ketibaan pengunjung untuk datang melihat<br />
Yokohama Triennale di sana. Penulis sempat mengunjungi<br />
Yokohama Triennale 2011 ini, setelah menghadiri<br />
Persidangan Asia Muzium Kurator ke-7 di Japan Foundation,<br />
Jepun pada 27 hingga 29 September 2011 diantara rangka<br />
lawatan yang dianjurkan. Ketibaan kami (kurator yang<br />
terlibat dengan persidangan) di sambut baik oleh Osaka<br />
Eriko, Pengarah Muzium Yokohama Museum <strong>of</strong> Art. Sedikit<br />
penerangan mengenai penganjuran Yokohama Triennale<br />
2011 sebelum bebas menerokai ruang pameran.
Di pintu masuk Yokohama Museum <strong>of</strong> Art tersergam<br />
sebuah arca pelangi yang bertajuk “Our Magic Hour” dan<br />
sebahagian arca seperti imajan figuratif era primitif oleh<br />
ugo Rondinone seniman dari Switzerl<strong>and</strong> yang membarisi<br />
ruang hadapan pintu masuk muzium seolah –olah sebagai<br />
penyambut tetamu untuk Yokohama Triennale 2011 ini.<br />
Menurut Miki Akiko Pengarah Seni, Yokohama Triennale<br />
2011, salah satu aspek yang tersendiri <strong>triennale</strong> tahun ini,<br />
perkara yang tidak dijangka adalah " pertembungan " dan "<br />
mesyuarat " yang menanti pengunjung sepanjang<br />
pameran itu.<br />
Bukan sahaja acara itu termasuk seni penyertaan<br />
(p<strong>art</strong>icipatory <strong>art</strong>), ia membolehkan pengunjung untuk<br />
memulakan perjalanan visual, klasifikasi bebas dan<br />
kategori, di mana tafsiran dan kreativiti baru timbul diantara<br />
konfrontasi, dialog, dan sambungan di antara kerja-kerja dari<br />
tempoh dan pelbagai generasi, budaya latar belakang dan<br />
genre yang berakar umbi dalam pelbagai tema dan konteks.<br />
Selain itu, sebagai Yokohama Museum <strong>of</strong> Art kini telah<br />
menjadi salah satu tempat utama, pengunjung akan dapat<br />
mendekati koleksi dan kemudahan dari perspektif yang baru.<br />
Selain itu satu lagi kawasan di Yokohama Creativecity<br />
Center (YCC), dilancarkan sebagai tapak untuk orang<br />
ramai berkumpul dan bertukar-tukar maklumat, penonton<br />
akan terkejut apabila mendapati rumah hijau, di mana<br />
persembahan muzik untuk tumbuh-tumbuhan akan diadakan.<br />
Di samping itu, kerja-kerja papan iklan boleh dilihat di<br />
sepanjang tepi jalan dan labu, diukir dalam gaya Thai yang<br />
indah, boleh didapati dalam bidang tempatan.<br />
Beberapa karya menarik untuk dikongsi p<strong>and</strong>angan secara<br />
individu di mana kali ini karya seni instalasi, seni penyertaan<br />
dan seni video menjadi tarikan Yokohama Triennale 2011.<br />
Seperti karya “Organi” oleh Massimo B<strong>art</strong>olini sebuah arca<br />
pemasangan terdiri daripada perancah besi (scaffolding)<br />
dari tapak bangunan yang telah dipasang di dalam ruang<br />
pameran. Dari paip perancah, bunyian melodi seperti di gereja<br />
terhasil seperti organ muzik boleh didengar oleh pengunjung.<br />
Mekanisma ini mewujudkan persekitaran yang sebelum ini<br />
tidak diketahui di mana tapak pembinaan, gereja dan muzium<br />
digabungkan dalam satu ruang.<br />
Penggunaan bahan daripada alam semulajadi seperti pasir,<br />
tanah dan tumbuh–tumbuhan juga di bawa masuk ke dalam<br />
ruang kotak putih menerokai ruang pameran oleh beberapa<br />
orang seniman. Henrik Hakansson, seniman dari Sweeden<br />
menghasilkan karya “ Fallen Forest” di mana sekumpulan<br />
pelbagai jenis pokok di jatuhkan ke lantai dalam ruang<br />
pameran dan sebuah lagi karya bertajuk “Tree with Root”<br />
yang membawa isu–isu persekitaran dengan akar pokok<br />
digantungkan di bahagian syiling dan sebahagian tengah<br />
pokok memenuhi ruang tingkat dua dan bahagian pucuk<br />
pokok di ruang tingkat tiga.<br />
| BAKTIAR NAIM<br />
Yokohama Triennale 2011, ini memberi pengalaman dan penerokaan baru<br />
merungkai tema pameran seperti “Our Magic Hour–How Much <strong>of</strong> The World Can<br />
We Know?”. Ia memberi inspirasi berhubung tema-tema magis sebegini dalam<br />
penghasilan karya bersifat kontemporari serta festival ini memberi sumbangan<br />
b<strong>esa</strong>r kepada perkembangan seni kontemporari dunia serta pertumbuhan<br />
ekonomi bagi negara yang menganjurkannya.<br />
Rujukan : Yokohama Triennale 2011 Guidebook
‘RAJA’AH: Art, Idea <strong>and</strong> Creativity <strong>of</strong> Sulaiman Esa [from<br />
1950’s – 2011]’ is a solo showcase <strong>of</strong> works by Sulaiman Esa,<br />
one <strong>of</strong> Malaysia’s most distinguished <strong>art</strong>ists. This exhibition is<br />
meant to give the contemporary public an opportunity to<br />
review the shifts not only in forms but more importantly in<br />
processes, <strong>ideas</strong> <strong>and</strong> contexts that underscores each <strong>and</strong> every<br />
series <strong>of</strong> works created by Sulaiman Esa over a period <strong>of</strong> 50<br />
years. This exhibition is divided into four main p<strong>art</strong>s, the<br />
‘London Era: Before <strong>and</strong> After’ (1950’s-70’s), ‘Towards a<br />
Mystical Reality’ (1974) with the late Redza Piyadsa, the<br />
‘Insyirah’ segment (1980’-2000) <strong>and</strong> ‘The Endangered Garden’<br />
(2011). Their chronological sequence is reflective <strong>of</strong> the<br />
apparent changes in the <strong>art</strong>ist’s ideatic <strong>and</strong> formalistic<br />
tendencies. The term ‘Raja’ah’ means ‘return’, <strong>and</strong> specifically<br />
refers to man’s transition from his worldly <strong>and</strong> existential self to<br />
the spiritual <strong>and</strong> primordial nature.<br />
Below are selected excerpts from his writings <strong>and</strong> an interview<br />
with the curator <strong>of</strong> the exhibition Nur Hanim Khairuddin.<br />
“It is our belief that the strength <strong>of</strong> the Asian <strong>art</strong>ist <strong>of</strong> the past<br />
(especially the Far Eastern <strong>art</strong>ist) lay in his ability to view life <strong>and</strong><br />
reality in terms <strong>of</strong> the meditative <strong>and</strong> the spiritual, The mystical<br />
attitude <strong>of</strong> the eastern <strong>art</strong>ists with its "spiritual" rather than<br />
"intellectual" outlook certainly contrasts with the notion <strong>of</strong> "<strong>art</strong> for<br />
<strong>art</strong>'s sake" that seems to be the fashion these days. Art in the Asian<br />
past was never meant to provide "intellectual entertainment but<br />
rather it aimed at a heightening <strong>of</strong> one's awareness <strong>of</strong> reality <strong>and</strong><br />
helped bring about a spiritual <strong>and</strong> mystical communion with nature<br />
<strong>and</strong> the Universe itself.<br />
As such, there was no dichotomy between <strong>art</strong> <strong>and</strong> life. Again, that<br />
so many major western <strong>art</strong>ists <strong>of</strong> the 20th century have in fact<br />
drawn their inspiration from the mystical philosophies <strong>of</strong> the east<br />
(e.g. John Cage, Yves-Klein, Ad Reinhardt, Tobey, Brecht) certainly<br />
indicates how necessary it is for Asian <strong>art</strong>ists to reconsider their<br />
Asian heritage. The tendency amongst so many creative Asian<br />
<strong>art</strong>istes (be they <strong>art</strong>ists, writers, poets, dramatists, or musicians) to<br />
go on functioning on the basis <strong>of</strong> a "western-centric" aesthetics <strong>and</strong><br />
formalism whilst remaining oblivious <strong>of</strong> their own <strong>art</strong>istic <strong>and</strong><br />
philosophical traditions is certainly indicative <strong>of</strong> a very sad state <strong>of</strong><br />
aairs which prevails all over Asia today !” (pg 15)<br />
Towards a Mystical Reality (1974) a documentation <strong>of</strong> jointly<br />
initiated experiences by redza piyadasa <strong>and</strong> <strong>sulaiman</strong> <strong>esa</strong>. “The Rise <strong>of</strong> Modern Art <strong>and</strong> the Decline<br />
<strong>of</strong> Traditional Art.<br />
From the spiritual perspective, the rise <strong>of</strong> modern <strong>art</strong> evidenced<br />
the process <strong>of</strong> secularization <strong>and</strong> humanization which the psyche<br />
<strong>of</strong> Malay <strong>art</strong>ists had undergone.<br />
Hence, as argued elsewhere, the emergence <strong>and</strong> ascendency <strong>of</strong><br />
modern Malaysian <strong>art</strong> movement such as Realism, Expressionism,<br />
Surrealism, Abstract-Expressionism, Constructivism <strong>and</strong><br />
Conceptual <strong>art</strong> are but manifestations <strong>of</strong> Western cultural <strong>and</strong><br />
intellectual colonization on Malaysian <strong>art</strong> scene. Unlike the<br />
traditional <strong>art</strong>, modern <strong>art</strong> is spiritually debilitating, sociologically<br />
alienating <strong>and</strong> psychologically corrupting. Rather than God-centric,<br />
modern <strong>art</strong> is decidedly man-centric. Instead <strong>of</strong> creating <strong>art</strong> for<br />
spiritual fulfillment <strong>of</strong> community or society, modern <strong>art</strong> is uniquely<br />
aimed at expressing the individualistic <strong>and</strong> idiosyncratic tendencies<br />
<strong>of</strong> an <strong>art</strong>ist. Furthermore, instead <strong>of</strong> contributing towards the<br />
refinement <strong>of</strong> the <strong>art</strong>ist’s soul, modern <strong>art</strong> <strong>of</strong>tentimes created<br />
intriguing characters who take pride in considering themselves as<br />
avant-garde, social rebels, <strong>and</strong> unique cultural heroes.<br />
The irony <strong>of</strong> the Malaysian <strong>art</strong>ists’ involvement with<br />
Western-centric <strong>art</strong> is that, intellectually <strong>and</strong> culturally, the <strong>art</strong>ists<br />
exist in no man’s l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
The late Ismail Zain in his devastating attack on modern Malaysian<br />
<strong>art</strong>ists, (10) considers their involvement essentially as cultural<br />
aberration <strong>and</strong> an anomaly. He linked the state <strong>of</strong> modern<br />
Malaysian <strong>art</strong> to that <strong>of</strong> “Ersatz”, namely the “state <strong>of</strong> being not<br />
quite what it is” –in other words, a state <strong>of</strong> cultural delusion. For<br />
him, the sense <strong>of</strong> inadequacy exhibited by many Malaysian <strong>art</strong>ists<br />
concerning the complex philosophical <strong>and</strong> semiological structures”<br />
that shape <strong>and</strong> determine the various <strong>art</strong> movements renders their<br />
involvement with Western modern <strong>art</strong> movements, highly<br />
questionable!”<br />
The Manifestation <strong>of</strong> Islamic Spirit in Contemporary<br />
Malaysian Art (1993)<br />
“Ap<strong>art</strong> from being spiritually debilitating, modern <strong>art</strong> is also<br />
self-consciously anti-social. Unlike the traditional society, modern<br />
<strong>art</strong> is not creating for the practical or spiritual needs <strong>of</strong> society<br />
instead it functions as vehicle for the expression <strong>of</strong> <strong>art</strong>ists'<br />
individual feeling <strong>and</strong> <strong>ideas</strong>. It is the concept <strong>of</strong> ‘<strong>art</strong>-for-<strong>art</strong>'s sake’<br />
<strong>and</strong> not ‘<strong>art</strong>-for-society's sake’ that determines the rationale <strong>of</strong><br />
modern <strong>art</strong>. Under the impact <strong>of</strong> formalist theories, <strong>art</strong> assumes<br />
the status <strong>of</strong> an independent, autonomous, self-referential entity.<br />
This, inevitably further exacerbates the alienation between<br />
<strong>art</strong> <strong>and</strong> society.<br />
The intelligibility <strong>and</strong> communicability <strong>of</strong> <strong>art</strong> suer when it<br />
concerns itself primary with formalistic, aesthetic <strong>and</strong> plastic<br />
problems, <strong>and</strong> is impervious to the material, cultural <strong>and</strong> spiritual<br />
needs <strong>of</strong> the society. Unquestionably, it is the self-image, attitude<br />
<strong>and</strong> posture <strong>of</strong> the modern <strong>art</strong>ists that betrays his essentially<br />
antagonistic relationship towards society. Nurtured by the romantic<br />
notion <strong>of</strong> his own uniqueness, the <strong>art</strong>ist assumes various labels<br />
such as cultural hero, social rebel, genius, <strong>and</strong> "avant-garde". Even<br />
the lifestyle that he leads reflects his anti-establishment stance.<br />
Living on the fringes <strong>of</strong> society, he usually leads the life <strong>of</strong> the<br />
bohemian, <strong>and</strong> an outsider, who is excessively ill-at-ease with the<br />
common people.”<br />
Form <strong>and</strong> Soul:The Continuity <strong>of</strong> Tradition on Contemporary<br />
Malaysian Arts (1993)
AND<br />
“There are two resolutions proposed by the Congress which proved to<br />
be most propitious. First, to restore the role <strong>and</strong> status <strong>of</strong> Malay<br />
indigenous <strong>and</strong> traditional <strong>art</strong> forms <strong>and</strong> elements as vital component in<br />
the formation <strong>of</strong> Malaysian culture. Second, to sanctify Islam as crucial<br />
element in Malaysian cultural development.<br />
That the national Congress was sponsored by the ruling government in its<br />
attempt to harness the power <strong>of</strong> culture in fostering unity <strong>and</strong> social<br />
integration among the multi-racial society <strong>of</strong> Malaysian, is a significant fact.<br />
But what is equally important is the recognition given by the Malaysian<br />
government <strong>of</strong> the indispensible role which Islam in the life <strong>and</strong> culture <strong>of</strong><br />
the people. Given the peripheral position relegated to Islam during the<br />
period <strong>of</strong> British colonization, the privileged position <strong>and</strong> recognition that<br />
it now achieved, augurs a greater role that Islam is to occupy in the<br />
decades that follow. In this context, the global phenomenon <strong>of</strong> Islamic<br />
resurgent in the 70’s was most propitious in that it provided the driving<br />
force that inevitably led to process <strong>of</strong> religious <strong>and</strong> spiritual revitalization<br />
in the lives <strong>of</strong> post-Independent Malaysians”.<br />
The Manifestation <strong>of</strong> Islamic Spirit in Contemporary<br />
Malaysia Art (1993)<br />
“There were also Chomsky’s “Imperial Ambitions”, Zaiuddin Sardar’s<br />
“Barbaric Others,” Farish Noor’s “Terrorizing the Truth” <strong>and</strong> many<br />
other books that have unmasked the real truth <strong>of</strong> America’s sinister<br />
<strong>and</strong> disquieting plan to rule the world! So, one should not read the<br />
tragic incident <strong>of</strong> September 11 based on the superficial<br />
interpretations <strong>of</strong> the AFP who accused Muslims as the evil forces<br />
behind the catastrophe. This accusations <strong>of</strong> br<strong>and</strong>ing the Muslims as<br />
terrorists which ultimately led to Islamophobia, was actually p<strong>art</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
their Policy to ensure that Islam should be dealt with <strong>and</strong> eventually<br />
eliminated as what they have done to Russia. Thus all the horrific<br />
tragedies inflicted in Muslim countries; killings, bombings <strong>of</strong> Iraq,<br />
Afghanistan, <strong>and</strong> Pakistan are manifestations <strong>of</strong> the Policy’s sinister<br />
gr<strong>and</strong> global ambitions. My anti AFP stunts st<strong>art</strong>ed not with the<br />
coming <strong>of</strong> Sept 11 but I have made my drawings as early as in ‘62 in<br />
London. I was involved with this student movement protest at the<br />
American Embassy because <strong>of</strong> the Vietnam War. We were a very<br />
radical group. In ‘68, I was in Paris, involved again in this Vietnam<br />
War protest <strong>and</strong> was even put in jail for one night because I was<br />
wrongly thought <strong>of</strong> as a rebel. In fact I was only taking photographs<br />
but the oshoot <strong>of</strong> it; I made a lot <strong>of</strong> drawings <strong>and</strong> painting <strong>of</strong> this<br />
experience. To me the metamorphosis is not new but it went back<br />
as early as in ‘62. So when I came back <strong>and</strong> did it again, but the<br />
intensity now is much greater because I was talking about Islam<br />
against the AFP, about Islamophobia. Because <strong>of</strong> this false creation <strong>of</strong><br />
a myth by the West, it had to be rightly addressed.<br />
So my work is trying to reverse the whole idea. You see, we are the<br />
victims, not the aggressors.<br />
Essentially, my ‘The Endangered Gardens’ series was simply a<br />
socio-political critic or comment about the hypocrisy, the double<br />
st<strong>and</strong>ards <strong>of</strong> the Policy in which I tried to visually interpret<br />
the global American cultural idealism as a threat to<br />
God-fearing peoples.<br />
19/page<br />
The violent, aggressive, beautiful, seductive, <strong>and</strong> destructive<br />
icons <strong>of</strong> the American psyche as expressed in their<br />
Superheroes, Captain America, Batman, Catwoman,<br />
Madonna, the statue <strong>of</strong> Liberty with wings, symbolizing the<br />
angels <strong>of</strong> death <strong>and</strong> D<strong>art</strong>h Vader embodying dark evil forces,<br />
etc. as metaphorical elements in their pursuit to displace our<br />
spiritual beliefs be it Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, or those<br />
belonging to the indigenous societies <strong>of</strong> the country. In other<br />
words, ‘The Endangered Garden’ was to addressed<br />
God-fearing people, the Muslims <strong>and</strong> non-Muslims alike, to<br />
be weary <strong>of</strong> the subversive Western cultural hegemony <strong>and</strong><br />
to not easily imbibe values that are detrimental to our<br />
religious <strong>and</strong> cultural traditions”.<br />
[This interview between Sulaiman Esa <strong>and</strong> the<br />
curator Nur Hanim Khairuddin was conducted on<br />
June 12, 2011 in Shah Alam]
Penggunaan bahantara cat air antara medium<br />
tertua dalam sejarah seni lukis. Tetapi di Malaysia<br />
lukisan cat air agak tersisih daripada sebarang bicara.<br />
Ini menjadikan kolektor seni tidak berminat untuk<br />
membeli lukisan cat air sebagai himpunan koleksinya.<br />
Lulusan universiti dalam negeri akan mencebih bibir<br />
apabila ada rakan-rakannya yang ingin meneruskan<br />
berkarya dengan menggunakan medium cat air.<br />
Apatah lagi seniman perupa yang terdidik dalam<br />
tradisi Barat, biasanya akanlah lebih-lebih lagi<br />
mencemuhnya, seolah-olah dia sendiri sebagai<br />
pelancong Barat yang singgah bersiar-siar<br />
di Kuala Lumpur.<br />
Semasa hayatnya, Rahime Harun melalui A.P. Art<br />
Gallery miliknya bersama Pusat Kebudayaan Universiti<br />
Malaya pernah menganjurkan pameran Ide Dan<br />
Kreativiti Melayu pada 13-27 Disember 1997. Dalam<br />
katalog pemeran tersebut, Rahime Harun menulis:<br />
“Jumlah koleksi lukisan cat air dalam koleksi BSLN<br />
sehingga 1992 ialah 215 karya sahaja, sungguhpun<br />
tradisi catan cat air mempunyai keaktifan yang tinggi.<br />
Usaha untuk meningkat koleksi cat air telah diabaikan<br />
berb<strong>and</strong>ing dengan media yang lain. Jika diperhitung<br />
dari rasio koleksi cat air, ia merupakan hanya 10<br />
peratus dari jumlah koleksi BSLN. Koleksi pelukis cat air<br />
Melayu jelas amat sedikit dalam koleksi negara. Untuk<br />
pengetahuan umum, koleksi seni lukis oleh pelukis<br />
Melayu ialah 24 peratus daripada seluruhan koleksi<br />
BSLN, menurut kajian yang dilakukan pada<br />
tahun 1992.”<br />
Tulisan Rahime Harun merujuk kepada kajian tahun<br />
1992, sekarang sudah 2011 dan akan masuk 2012.<br />
Barangkali hal itu sudah berubah. Lukisan cat air<br />
Melayu barangkali telah banyak berubah dan jumlah<br />
peratus pelukis Melayu pun telah banyak bertambah.<br />
Moga-moga! Sayanglah kan, kalau pelukis cat air<br />
terbaik negara seperti Mansor Ghazalli, Mohd. Zain<br />
Idris dan Mokhtar Ishak tidak ada dalam koleksi<br />
negara. Seperti sedia maklum, Abdullah Ariff, A.B.<br />
Ibrahim, A.J.Rahman, Mansor Ghazalli dan Mohd Zain<br />
Idris semuanya sudah kembali ke alam arwah. Yang<br />
tinggal hanya karya-karya mereka.<br />
Muzium Kedah pernah<br />
menerbitkan sebuah<br />
katalog pameran lukisan<br />
A.B. Ibrahim yang diadakan<br />
pada 5 Januari 1993. Menarik<br />
apabila hampir 100 buah<br />
karya A.B. Ibrahim seorang<br />
pelukis cat air Melayu yang<br />
bergantung hidup sepenuhnya<br />
pada lukisan karyanya berjaya<br />
dikumpulkan. Ismail Hj Salleh telah<br />
menuliskan esei pendek tentang<br />
A.B.Ibrahim dalam katalog<br />
pameran itu.<br />
Walapun pendek tetapi<br />
banyak informasi yang<br />
perlu diketahui oleh<br />
peminat dan khalayak<br />
seni lukis Malaysia.<br />
Tulisnya: “Balai Seni<br />
Negara mempunyai<br />
12 buah karyanya dan Balai Seni Negeri Kedah<br />
mempunyai 9 buah”. Tetapi apabila saya meneliti<br />
Inventori Himpunan Tetap Warisan Seni Tampak<br />
Negara 1958-2003 (tanpa tahun terbit) jumlah koleksi<br />
A.B.Ibrahim yang terdapat dalam koleksi negara<br />
hanya empat buah sahaja dengan judul karya<br />
Kota Melaka(1952, cat minyak), Alam Benda(1953,<br />
cat minyak), Pem<strong>and</strong>angan(1940, cat air) dan<br />
Potrait Ibu Tua(1940, cat air). Lukisan Pem<strong>and</strong>angan<br />
kemudiannya diistiharkan sebagai Warisan Negara<br />
pada tahun 2009. Kalaulah benar tarikh 1940<br />
terhasilnya Pem<strong>and</strong>angan dan Potrait Ibu Tua, A.B.<br />
Ibrahim menghasilkan dua karyanya yang menjadi<br />
koleksi negara ketika usianya baru 15 tahun. Ini<br />
mengambil kira tahun kelahirannya pada 1925.<br />
Di s<strong>esa</strong>wang tertentu terdapat tawaran harga<br />
karya lukisannya yang telah mencecah RM6000<br />
untuk sebuah lukisan cat air bersaiz biasa.<br />
Beberapa foto yang menawarkan karyanya di<br />
internet juga memaparkan beberapa karya yang<br />
ditiru daripada gayanya.<br />
Kemudian daripada Haji Alias Mohd. Samah,<br />
dapat diketahui yang arwah bapanya<br />
merupakan penjual lukisan A.B. Ibrahim masih<br />
menyimpan karya-karya lama arwah. Daripada<br />
makluman Haji Alias, beliau telah menjualkan<br />
kesemua lukisan A.B. Ibrahim dalam simpanannya<br />
kepada BSLN dengan harga RM2,100 sebuah<br />
dengan jumlah 60 buah. BSLN mengambil<br />
semua sekali dengan meja tempat A.B. Ibrahim<br />
melukis termasuk berus dan pellet yang pernah<br />
digunakan oleh pelukis itu. BSLN telah mengambil<br />
tindakan yang tepat dengan memborong<br />
kesemua karya A.B. Ibrahim.<br />
Selepas zaman Yong Mun Sen dan Abdullah<br />
Ariff, A.B. Ibrahim dan teman-temannya yang<br />
dikenali sebagai “Pelukis Tiga Serangkai” (A.B.<br />
Ibrahim, A.J. Rahman dan Saidin Yahaya)<br />
merupakan penerusan kepada seni lukis cat air<br />
pada zamannya. Menarik apabila mereka bertiga<br />
berjaya membuka<br />
20/page<br />
| RAHIMIDIN ZAHARI<br />
A.B. Ibrahim @ Ibrahim Abu Bakar / Potrait Ibu Tua / 1940/Cat air / 73 x 63 cm<br />
/ Koleksi Himpunan Tetap Negara<br />
"Warna Art Studio” pada 1 April 1946 di Pekan Rabu, Alor<br />
Setar. Dua adik A.B. Ibrahim, iaitu A.B. Hassan (yang juga<br />
menggunakan nama A. Aziz atas sebab-sebab tertentu)<br />
dan A.B. Kechik mengikuti jejak langkah abangnya melukis<br />
dengan menggunakan medium yang sama.<br />
Karya cat air A.B. Ibrahim merakam suasana alam<br />
kampung, sawah padi, rumah beratap rumbia, tepi<br />
laut, kerbau di sawah dan pelbagai subjek yang tidak<br />
mungkin kita temui lagi hari ini. Karyanya telah menjadi<br />
perakam zaman yang akan kekal. Kita akan terpegun<br />
amat dengan rumah berlangsir merah di bawah redup<br />
pohonan kelapa. Sapuan cat air dibiarkan putih di dinding<br />
rumah yang terkena cahaya matahari. Begitu juga dengan<br />
batang kelapa yang dibiarkan dengan kertas putih yang<br />
asal. Di belakang rumah sepohon hijau yang merimbun<br />
meneduhkan p<strong>and</strong>angan. Tiga ekor ayam sedang<br />
mematuk-matuk mencari makan. Entahlah pula dengan<br />
lelaki berbaju merah yang meng<strong>and</strong>ar jualan itu. Apalah<br />
dia sedang menuju ke halaman untuk menjualnya atau<br />
pun membawa pulang hasil dapatannya pada hari itu.<br />
Langit pula dicat biru kekukingan lembut, jernih dan indah.<br />
Di tangga depan yang tidak kelihatan, belum tentu tuan<br />
rumah akanmembeli hasil jualan.<br />
Kita percaya dalam waktu terdekat karya-karya lukisan<br />
cat air A.B Ibrahim, A.J. Rahman dan teman-teman yang<br />
seangkatan dengannya yang manis dan syahdu itu akan<br />
menjadi buruan kolektor yang serius dan yang benar-benar<br />
memahami erti seni. Nostalgia silam seolah-olah hidup di<br />
dalam sejumlah karya mereka.<br />
OMBAK BESAR’ 1950-1970 an, Cat air atas kertas, 38 x 28 cm
SHE knew every whorl <strong>of</strong> flowers, every blade <strong>of</strong><br />
plants <strong>and</strong> herbs - the shape <strong>and</strong> textures <strong>of</strong> the<br />
leaves. She recognised the scent, even the bees <strong>and</strong><br />
the birds that carried out the rites <strong>of</strong> nature in her<br />
garden. Even when weak, with her plodding gait, she<br />
would hobble around <strong>and</strong> tend to her garden with<br />
the same loving care <strong>and</strong> devotion she brought up<br />
her three children-one, a son (Richard), since dead.<br />
Wong Siew Inn had sacrificed her love <strong>of</strong> <strong>art</strong>, which<br />
could well have been a career early on, but the war-<br />
Japanese Occupation-<strong>and</strong> her concentration on<br />
raising her family took precedence. She was a nurse<br />
(from 1942 to 1948, more or less during the War years)<br />
<strong>and</strong> then a school-teacher. When she retired <strong>and</strong><br />
her children were grown up, she went back to her<br />
“other love” with a vengeance. She even enlisted<br />
for the non-graduate course in Fine Arts (Painting,<br />
Printmaking <strong>and</strong> Sculpture) at the Universiti Sains<br />
Malaysia from 1988 to 1990.<br />
Naturally, her main theme was flower paintings. Her<br />
still-lifes on “canvas”-she painted in watercolours <strong>and</strong><br />
gouache-are an alternative garden from the one<br />
that she nurtured together with Nature. She had such<br />
green fingers that anything that scarcely remained<br />
<strong>of</strong> a few tendrils <strong>of</strong> roots would sprout merrily in her<br />
garden like a songfest. Her flowers are thus lively,<br />
vivacious even, fresh in colours <strong>and</strong> hues <strong>and</strong> with all<br />
the delicate lines or more robust bulbous supports,<br />
in an origami <strong>of</strong> stalks <strong>and</strong> leaves <strong>and</strong> amidst other<br />
flowers with different colours <strong>and</strong> patterns.<br />
(1924-2011)<br />
African Daisies, Calla Lilies, Gladiolis, Red Canna Lilies,<br />
White Lilies, Marigolds, V<strong>and</strong>a Orchids, Heliconias,<br />
Dahlias, Gloxinias, Phalaenopsis, Oncidium, V<strong>and</strong>a<br />
Hookeriana, Pidgeon Orchids, Sunflowers, Red Lilies,<br />
Purple Hibiscus, Hibiscus Mutabilis, Chrysanthemums,<br />
Magnolia, Green Anthuriums, Clitoria Ternatea<br />
(Blue Pea), the Changeable Rose Hibiscus (‘Pak<br />
Bor Hua’, in Hokkien), Purple Cattleya, Calla Lilies,<br />
Frangipanis, Peacock’s Pride, White Azaleas,<br />
Carnations, Caladiums, Spider Lilies (once done by<br />
her mentor Peter Harris in a surrealist watercolours ),<br />
Oncidium,Llileums, Baby’s Breath…,<br />
Madam Wong, as she was called, had painted them<br />
all, remembering their names-even scientific ones<br />
(occasionally, she was invited to write <strong>art</strong>icles for<br />
gardening magazines), their colours <strong>and</strong> changes, the<br />
splotches <strong>and</strong> patterns, the pistils <strong>and</strong> stamens. On<br />
painting the Cheangeable Rose Hibiscus, she advised:<br />
“One has to be very quick in painting this, because <strong>of</strong><br />
the colour changes <strong>of</strong> this flower which is related to<br />
the Bunga Raya but which originated from China.”<br />
21/page<br />
“I seek solace in my garden <strong>of</strong> live bunga rayas <strong>and</strong><br />
the visiting sunbirds,” she had told me once.<br />
She put <strong>of</strong>f a (right-eye) cataract operation until after<br />
her third 'Flower Power' show at the Penang State Art<br />
Gallery from May 15-27, 1999. Immediately after her<br />
eye operation, when she painted, she noticed that<br />
her Cannas Red <strong>and</strong> Yellow (1998) lacked the usual<br />
details. She credited Tan Gek Khean (Mrs Tay Hooi<br />
Keat, later Datin), for lighting the spark <strong>of</strong> her <strong>art</strong>istic<br />
inclinations, when she asked her to do bookmarks,<br />
at the Anglo-Chinese School (now Methodist Girls<br />
School) in 1938. She (Mrs Tay) was her Form 5 Literature<br />
teacher, <strong>and</strong> Madam Wong went on to do 100<br />
bookmarks with drawings <strong>of</strong> flowers. Such was her<br />
zeal for <strong>art</strong> that being more headstrong than prudent,<br />
she went ahead to sit for her last paper on Art for<br />
her Senior Cambridge examination in Penang in<br />
1941. War had broken out <strong>and</strong> the Japanese had<br />
swept the streets <strong>and</strong> burnt homes <strong>and</strong> buildings.<br />
She realised how foolhardy she had been when she<br />
saw the carnage when cycling back from school<br />
along Kelawei Road, but luckily she got back to<br />
safety. After completing her studies, she taught at the<br />
Convent <strong>of</strong> Holy Infant Jesus in Kedah <strong>and</strong> later its<br />
Penang chapter, before teaching Art at the Sekolah<br />
Menengah Greenlane Convent until her re<br />
tirement in 1979.<br />
She was among four women in a pioneer batch from<br />
Penang including Grace Selvanayagam selected by<br />
Peter Harris, then the Art Superintendent, to undergo<br />
a one-year course in <strong>art</strong> <strong>and</strong> crafts at the Specialists<br />
Teachers Training Institute in Kuala Lumpur in 1960.<br />
Naturally, she joined the Wednesday Art Group<br />
founded by Peter Harris. Another person whom she<br />
credited for inspiring her directly was May Liang, the<br />
late wife <strong>of</strong> batik-<strong>art</strong>/watercolour maestro Tay Mo-<br />
Leong, now a Dato. She was also later inspired by the<br />
more sensuous flower paintings <strong>of</strong> Georgia O’Keefe.<br />
Fong Chee Kway, her husb<strong>and</strong> who is two years<br />
older than her, observed <strong>and</strong> commented when I<br />
visited her in her house about a year ago (but she<br />
was admitted to hospital for a he<strong>art</strong> ailment): “There<br />
are more contrast in her works, <strong>and</strong> yet they appear<br />
| OOI KOK CHuEN<br />
so harmonious.” He said that although she could<br />
not paint for sometime then, she had had a bout<br />
<strong>of</strong> painting frenzy for about three months. Perhaps<br />
what struck people most about Madam Wong was<br />
not so much her paintings, good as they are, as her<br />
passion <strong>and</strong> spirit which was infectious <strong>and</strong> even<br />
child-like. Hers was an impulse that was pure in mind<br />
<strong>and</strong> he<strong>art</strong>. She would take trips on buses <strong>and</strong> once<br />
even on train to Kuala Lumpur, to see <strong>art</strong> exhibitions<br />
which she happened to learn about from the daily<br />
newspapers, despite her feeble condition, <strong>and</strong> this<br />
“sudden” habit <strong>of</strong> hers would get May-li, her daughter<br />
in Kuala Lumpur, greatly agitated. GaleriCitra assistant<br />
Ivy Chua remembered her: “She used to travel by bus<br />
to KL just to attend exhibitions by GaleriCitra <strong>and</strong> other<br />
galleries. Within that tiny frame <strong>of</strong> hers burns a fierce<br />
flame <strong>of</strong> self-determination <strong>and</strong> dedication to her<br />
craft. I salute her feisty spirit.”<br />
Although she put up her works every now <strong>and</strong> then<br />
<strong>and</strong> joined group exhibitions such as women’s-only<br />
exhibitions <strong>and</strong> the Penang Teachers’ Art Circle’s<br />
since 1965, it was not until July 1993 that she held her<br />
first solo, at the Conservatory <strong>of</strong> Fine Arts (Artville),<br />
called Flower Power. This was followed by another<br />
in September that year, at the National Art Gallery’s<br />
Creative Centre, which was <strong>of</strong>ficiated by Datin Seri<br />
Endon Dato Mahmood, wife <strong>of</strong> the then Finance<br />
Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, now<br />
Tun. Madam Wong had also held joint shows with<br />
her friends Grace Choon Ai May (at the Alliance<br />
Francaise) <strong>and</strong> Oon Suan See (1991).<br />
According to her second son, Michael Fong, Madam<br />
Wong had survived a he<strong>art</strong> operation but her other<br />
organs could not hold out, <strong>and</strong> she died peacefully.<br />
Like life, flowers are ephemeral. Here today <strong>and</strong><br />
gone tomorrow, leaving only the scent <strong>of</strong> their<br />
presence. Madam Wong took a maternal instinct to<br />
the things she grew in her garden. She would even<br />
get worried when a p<strong>art</strong>icular bird didn’t patronise her<br />
garden anymore. “I like flowers, even weeds <strong>and</strong> wild<br />
flowers. I like growing plants <strong>and</strong> trees <strong>and</strong> watching<br />
them grow. I try to record their beauty, <strong>and</strong> my joy in<br />
them forever.” Like her flowers, the sweet scent <strong>of</strong> her<br />
passion for her <strong>art</strong> <strong>and</strong> her <strong>art</strong> itself, will remain forever<br />
in her paintings. R.I.P., Madam Wong!<br />
Wong Siew Inn was born in Penang on Sept 27, 1924<br />
<strong>and</strong> died on Aug 3, 2011.
'Pulsing'<br />
'Shadow people'<br />
22/page<br />
'Shock'<br />
Question: "When is <strong>art</strong> not valued for it’s aesthetic beauty,<br />
technical prowess, photo realism or political message,<br />
not an investment opportunity or statement <strong>of</strong> affluence,<br />
not decorative, designed to communicate concepts or<br />
to sell something to a wider audience <strong>and</strong> is created for<br />
only limited private viewing?"<br />
Answer: When it is <strong>art</strong> therapy.<br />
Almost everyone would agree that the process <strong>of</strong> <strong>art</strong><br />
making can feel therapeutic, but fewer underst<strong>and</strong><br />
that how we feel while we are making <strong>art</strong> is only a small<br />
p<strong>art</strong> <strong>of</strong> the therapy. Within an <strong>art</strong> therapy session there<br />
are many things going on simultaneously that combine<br />
to create a therapeutic relationship between client,<br />
therapist <strong>and</strong> images.<br />
The classical idea <strong>of</strong> traditional psychotherapist <strong>and</strong><br />
client (<strong>of</strong>ten depicted lying on a couch) is <strong>of</strong>ten a<br />
summary <strong>of</strong> common knowledge in our region about<br />
psychotherapy. While most people with no personal<br />
experience <strong>of</strong> therapy feel unfamiliarity from this subject,<br />
some treat it with frank suspicion <strong>and</strong> others undergo a<br />
process <strong>of</strong> distancing themselves further from a subject<br />
they are uncomfortable about by joking about it.<br />
So let’s demystify things a little.<br />
I’m sure that if you are reading Senikini you are already<br />
somewhere on a scale between ‘I am comfortable<br />
with’ <strong>and</strong> ‘ I have expertise in’ underst<strong>and</strong>ing the many<br />
languages <strong>of</strong> <strong>art</strong>. Now apply this knowledge <strong>and</strong><br />
underst<strong>and</strong>ing to the fact that 80% <strong>of</strong> our thinking is<br />
actually unconscious but can be expressed succinctly<br />
through <strong>art</strong> making. Then add to this, the knowledge<br />
that most <strong>of</strong> us struggle from time to time with personal<br />
emotional issues <strong>and</strong> the opportunity that <strong>art</strong> <strong>of</strong>fers us<br />
to underst<strong>and</strong> these from a conscious <strong>and</strong> unconscious<br />
level at the same time. The final ingredient is the trained<br />
<strong>art</strong> therapist who knows how to help people work<br />
sensitively with all <strong>of</strong> this material, make sense <strong>of</strong> it <strong>and</strong><br />
move forward. The end result is a more holistic <strong>and</strong><br />
insightful view <strong>of</strong> any internal struggle.<br />
Art therapy is not about creating images, as much as<br />
finding ways to express what is inside us, <strong>and</strong> exploring<br />
this once it becomes externalized. Hence it’s not about<br />
making figurative images to depict a story, but expressing<br />
the feelings evoked by it. The therapy takes place in<br />
both the process <strong>and</strong> the product. Although working<br />
directly with a therapist, there is an inherent privacy within<br />
<strong>art</strong> therapy, as the feelings are contained in the image<br />
<strong>and</strong> not necessarily spoken about. An <strong>art</strong> therapist<br />
helps clients express <strong>and</strong> work through these feelings in<br />
a way that <strong>of</strong>ten helps them feel less vulnerable than<br />
direct discussion. Modern knowledge <strong>of</strong> how emotions<br />
are processed in our right hemisphere, while the left<br />
is more language driven, helps us appreciate the<br />
fluency <strong>of</strong> visual <strong>art</strong>s in depicting feelings. Art is simply<br />
a more powerful language than words. For this reason<br />
images created in <strong>art</strong> therapy sessions are private <strong>and</strong><br />
seldom appropriate for display. They contain intensely<br />
personal feelings that in many cases the client prefers<br />
to leave behind with the therapist.<br />
Art therapy can be appropriate for almost anyone<br />
who wishes to work through personal issues. It is<br />
regularly used pr<strong>of</strong>essionally in health, education <strong>and</strong><br />
social work settings with many different client groups<br />
to address a range <strong>of</strong> varied needs. Examples <strong>of</strong> this<br />
might be helping someone find acceptance following<br />
bereavement, recover from a traumatic experience,<br />
or work through feelings <strong>of</strong> anger or betrayal after a<br />
divorce. While it is an effective therapy for adults, it has<br />
additional appeal for children to whom playing <strong>and</strong><br />
creating comes very naturally. But you don’t have to<br />
'Untitled'<br />
'SL faces'<br />
| HAZEL McCLuRE<br />
have a problem to work with an <strong>art</strong> therapist. It can<br />
also be used as a personal development process for<br />
those who want to know themselves better, or find<br />
ways <strong>of</strong> changing patterns in their lives. Companies<br />
for example, use <strong>art</strong> therapists to run pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
development training workshops <strong>and</strong> interpersonal<br />
skills sessions with groups <strong>of</strong> employees.<br />
Art Therapist <strong>and</strong> Art Psychotherapist (interchangeable<br />
terms) are protected job titles in the UK, US, Australia<br />
<strong>and</strong> New Zeal<strong>and</strong>. That means that legally only those<br />
who are pr<strong>of</strong>essionally trained <strong>and</strong> registered (or<br />
licensed) can state this as their job title. Training to<br />
become an <strong>art</strong> psychotherapist is a two year masters<br />
degree level programme <strong>and</strong> is a mix <strong>of</strong> therapeutic<br />
theory (psychology, psychiatry <strong>and</strong> psychotherapy),<br />
underst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>of</strong> the deeply personal process<br />
involved in our own image making <strong>and</strong> the knowledge<br />
<strong>of</strong> how to apply this to help others.<br />
Applicants usually apply for <strong>art</strong> therapy training with<br />
either a visual <strong>art</strong>s first degree or through working in<br />
a psychological pr<strong>of</strong>ession <strong>and</strong> having a personal<br />
interest or experience with <strong>art</strong>.
However, the pr<strong>of</strong>ession is newly developing in Asia so<br />
students are currently entering training from a wider<br />
range <strong>of</strong> backgrounds. Post qualification, in the UK,<br />
US, Australia <strong>and</strong> New Zeal<strong>and</strong>, additional registration<br />
or licensure with the appropriate pr<strong>of</strong>essional body is<br />
then required, to ensure that therapists are adequately<br />
trained <strong>and</strong> working to approved st<strong>and</strong>ards. This helps<br />
prevent confusion with other related pr<strong>of</strong>essions such as<br />
community <strong>art</strong>s workers or <strong>art</strong>ists in residence <strong>and</strong> helps<br />
to reassure potential clients that they are working with<br />
someone who is an approved practitioner.<br />
In Malaysia, the closest masters training course in <strong>art</strong><br />
psychotherapy is in Singapore <strong>and</strong> there is a second<br />
course soon to st<strong>art</strong> in Bangkok. There is also a newly<br />
opened Centre for Creative Arts Therapies in Penang,<br />
which runs introductory courses to creative <strong>art</strong>s<br />
therapies, <strong>and</strong> some other local organisations run short<br />
courses from time to time.<br />
To date there have been only two batches <strong>of</strong> <strong>art</strong><br />
therapy graduates from the Singapore training course,<br />
but there are also other graduates trickling back<br />
home from training overseas. Interest in the subject is<br />
growing steadily in our region, as we come to realize<br />
the value <strong>of</strong> accessing our unconscious world through<br />
<strong>creativity</strong> <strong>and</strong> perceived stigmas attached to seeking<br />
psychological support services are being replaced<br />
by underst<strong>and</strong>ing. These days a whole battery <strong>of</strong> <strong>art</strong><br />
materials is replacing the traditional<br />
psychotherapist’s couch.<br />
Hazel is a state registered <strong>art</strong> therapist (UK, 1990),<br />
trainer, consultant, counsellor <strong>and</strong> teacher. She works in<br />
an international school in KL <strong>and</strong> also writes, undertakes<br />
research in the visual images <strong>of</strong> third culture children<br />
<strong>and</strong> does <strong>art</strong> therapy training work for NGOs around SE<br />
Asia. She can be contacted through<br />
surfaceintervalcreative<strong>art</strong>s@gmail.com<br />
'Make it stop!'<br />
Further Information about <strong>art</strong> psychotherapy :<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Art therapy Organisations<br />
British Association <strong>of</strong> Art Therapists www.baat.org.<br />
Australia <strong>and</strong> New Zeal<strong>and</strong> Arts Therapy Association www.anzata.org<br />
American Art Therapy Association www.aata.org<br />
Art therapy Association <strong>of</strong> Singapore www.atas.org.sg<br />
Hong Kong Association <strong>of</strong> Art Therapists www.hk-hkaat.org<br />
Training courses<br />
Singapore:<br />
http://www.lasalle.edu.sg/index.php/programmes/master-<strong>of</strong>-<strong>art</strong>s/<strong>art</strong>-therapy<br />
Bangkok:<br />
http://www.<strong>art</strong>4human.com/bcsat.html<br />
For training courses further afield please refer to information on the appropriate<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional organizations listed above.<br />
Centre for Creative Arts Therapies, Penang<br />
www.creative<strong>art</strong>stherapy.org.my
24/page<br />
I was fortunate to be selected as an <strong>art</strong> educator to this year’s<br />
Art for All 2011 which was held in Thail<strong>and</strong> from 14July-18July. Our<br />
team from Malaysia includes curator Hui Koon from the National<br />
Visual Arts Gallery (NVAG) young <strong>art</strong>ist Damien Wong <strong>and</strong> his<br />
mother Nora Tan. Upon our arrival at Suvarnabhumi International<br />
Airport, we were welcomed by Ms Borimas Srikhajon from the<br />
International Relations Ministry <strong>of</strong> Culture, Thail<strong>and</strong>. This year eight<br />
Asean countries were invited to this memorable event, namely<br />
Brunei Darussalam, India, Japan, Lao, Philippines, Vietnam,<br />
Singapore <strong>and</strong> Malaysia.<br />
| TAN SEE LING<br />
The opening ceremony was held on the 14th<br />
July at the United Nation Conference Centre in<br />
Bangkok. I was surprised to witness such a gr<strong>and</strong><br />
ceremony with so many children <strong>and</strong> youth<br />
gathered together at the main hall.<br />
All <strong>of</strong> them came from different provinces <strong>of</strong><br />
Thail<strong>and</strong>. This event was held annually to unite<br />
the disabled <strong>and</strong> normal children <strong>and</strong> youth<br />
through <strong>art</strong>.<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>.Dr.Channarong Pornrungroj was the<br />
founder <strong>of</strong> the <strong>art</strong> foundation in1999. This year<br />
marked his 15th year <strong>of</strong> passion, dedication<br />
<strong>and</strong> contribution to this project. The event was<br />
successfully supported by The Crown Property<br />
Bureau Foundation, Government Savings Bank,<br />
Ministry <strong>of</strong> Culture, Government <strong>of</strong> Thail<strong>and</strong>,<br />
Ministry <strong>of</strong> Education, Government <strong>of</strong> Thail<strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> Tri Petch Isuzu Sales Company Limited.<br />
The opening ceremony was very spiritual, all the<br />
international delegates were seated in front to<br />
p<strong>art</strong>icipate in the chanting <strong>of</strong> Buddhist hymn<br />
during the opening. Nun Sansanee Sateerasut<br />
was one <strong>of</strong> the special speaker on that day<br />
to share about spiritual teachings to young<br />
children <strong>and</strong> youth. It was a very he<strong>art</strong> warming<br />
ceremony when we were asked to sing along<br />
with the meditation song screened during the<br />
opening.<br />
We were also introduced to Bai Sri ceremony which<br />
is a traditional ceremony performed on special<br />
occasions such as birth, wedding <strong>and</strong> welcoming<br />
new people. All p<strong>art</strong>icipants were blessed wih white<br />
strings tied a around the wrist to have “khwan” or<br />
“high spirit” before we embarked our journey to<br />
the campsite at Wangree Resort in Nakhon Nayok<br />
Province.<br />
Orientation <strong>and</strong> introduction for each children <strong>and</strong><br />
youth were held the first night when we arrived<br />
at the campsite. After a cold dinner, we were<br />
gathered at the main hall where all the children<br />
came in their pajamas. During the 5-day camp,<br />
children <strong>and</strong> youths were asked to practice<br />
mindfulness in their words <strong>and</strong> actions. A short study<br />
class was given by Pr<strong>of</strong>.Channarong Pornrungroj.<br />
I was amazed to see his dedication <strong>and</strong> his deep<br />
passion in this event.
The <strong>art</strong> activities at the camp site was on the 15th<br />
to 18th July. After a brief introduction from all the<br />
international delegates, we were invited for a guided<br />
tour by a few English speaking <strong>of</strong>ficers from the Ministry<br />
<strong>of</strong> Culture to the campsite. All the children <strong>and</strong> youth<br />
were divided into small groups each day to p<strong>art</strong>icipate<br />
in the <strong>art</strong> activities.<br />
Some interesting works that caught my<br />
attention were clay works by children,<br />
c<strong>and</strong>le sculpturing, drawing on carbon<br />
canvas heated by c<strong>and</strong>le, feet stamping<br />
<strong>art</strong>, foot <strong>and</strong> mouth painting <strong>and</strong><br />
exploring the darkroom.<br />
Delegates from every country have<br />
to present <strong>ideas</strong> for the <strong>art</strong> activities.<br />
Malaysia <strong>and</strong> Brunei teamed up for a<br />
recycling workshop. Young <strong>art</strong>ists from<br />
Brunei conducted a brief session on<br />
paper rolling for constructing paper<br />
houses.<br />
The team from Malaysia did doll installation<br />
using natural <strong>and</strong> used materials to<br />
enhance the beauty <strong>of</strong> all the works done<br />
by some children who came to p<strong>art</strong>icipate<br />
in the workshop. Delegates from Japan<br />
presented the <strong>art</strong> <strong>of</strong> wrapping with scarf<br />
while delegates from Vietnam <strong>and</strong> the<br />
Philippines did performing <strong>art</strong>s with a small<br />
group <strong>of</strong> disabled youth.<br />
In conclusion, the camp was an eye opener for me.<br />
Not so much <strong>of</strong> seeing new <strong>art</strong> or good <strong>art</strong> but the<br />
process <strong>of</strong> making <strong>art</strong> that made the experience<br />
with them wonderful.<br />
Nevertheless, Art for All has inspired all <strong>of</strong> us <strong>and</strong> i<br />
hope that Malaysia can be a host one day. With<br />
my dedication in nurturing special children through<br />
<strong>art</strong>, I am really looked forward to seeing more<br />
changes in the <strong>art</strong> scene especially for <strong>art</strong>ists with<br />
disabilities. In Art there is NO INABILITY.<br />
Tan See Ling<br />
Artist,<br />
Art Educator to special needs<br />
Thumb Art<br />
Tutti Art Club<br />
www.thumb<strong>art</strong>studio.com<br />
www.tutti<strong>art</strong>club.blogspot.com<br />
We had a good exposure with some<br />
Thai <strong>art</strong>ists <strong>and</strong> <strong>art</strong> educators during a<br />
group workshop.There was a sharing<br />
session with an Australian p<strong>art</strong>icipant<br />
in relation to western <strong>and</strong> eastern<br />
<strong>art</strong> cultures <strong>and</strong> also an interesting<br />
<strong>art</strong> therapy session with Mr Mairom<br />
Thamachati-Asoka.
Pertemuan petang itu amat santai dengan suasana yang amat tenang,<br />
setenang ruang galeri di singgahsana milik pelukis tersohor tanah air iaitu<br />
Yus<strong>of</strong> Ghani (Pak Yus<strong>of</strong>). Ditemani rakan sekerja saudara Ahmat Jafri Sharif<br />
dan jurufoto saudari Intan, penulis berpeluang menemubual pelukis yang<br />
tidak asing bagi graduan dan juga bakal graduan jurusan Seni Halus,<br />
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) juga bagi penggemar siri ‘Tari’, siri ‘Wajah’,<br />
siri ‘Wayang’, ‘Segerak’ dan yang terkini siri ‘Taman 2011’. Yus<strong>of</strong> Ghani<br />
satu nama yang penulis kira kekal relevan berdekad lamanya. Keterujaan<br />
menemubual beliau membuatkan penulis melakukan kajian demi kajian<br />
mengenai beliau sebagai persediaan bertatap mata dengan pelukis<br />
yang terkenal dengan kritikan-kritikan sosial yang tajam dalam mengheret<br />
pelbagai isu kemasyarakatan dan kesedaran terhadap dunia seni dalam<br />
karya beliau. Ini mem<strong>and</strong>angkan penulis biarpun pernah bertemu namun<br />
tidak pernah berbual dengan lebih lanjut mem<strong>and</strong>angkan reputasi yang<br />
dibina oleh beliau seakan langit dan bumi pada perkiraan penulis.<br />
Dilahirkan pada 29 November 1950 di Pontian<br />
Johor, anak kepada seorang pegawai kerajaan<br />
dan suri rumah sepenuh masa ini mempunyai<br />
sebelas orang adik beradik. Beliau mendapat<br />
pendidikan awal di Sekolah Rendah Tengku<br />
Mahmud Isk<strong>and</strong>ar. Minat kepada seni lukisan<br />
bermula apabila beliau berpeluang menonton<br />
wayang dan dari situ terhasil lakaran-lakaran<br />
babak yang dilakonkan seperti kata beliau;<br />
“Saya suka menonton wayang, apabila<br />
pulang ke rumah saya akan melukiskan<br />
kembali babak-babak lakonan tersebut secara<br />
‘storyboard’ dan akan tunjukkan kepada<br />
rakan-rakan”, - Yus<strong>of</strong> Ghani.<br />
Beliau juga melibatkan diri secara aktif dengan<br />
persatuan seni dan sering dipilih untuk melukis<br />
mural di sekolahnya dan ini menjadikan minat<br />
beliau dalam seni lukis semakin bercambah.<br />
Penulis tidak berhajat menulis panjang lebar<br />
mengenai latar belakang pendidikan beliau<br />
namun keinginan beliau untuk terus berjaya<br />
mampu menjadi p<strong>and</strong>uan kepada generasi<br />
baru. Apa yang mengagumkan adalah,<br />
bagaimana beliau mencorak masa hadapan<br />
dan bergelut dalam keadaan di mana<br />
pembudayaan dan kesedaran masyarakat<br />
terhadap dunia seni merupakan satu mimpi<br />
yang tidak pasti namun beliau yang juga<br />
pernah menjadi pelukis jalanan bersama-sama<br />
pelukis terkenal Raja Azhar begitu optimis akan<br />
masa depan dunia seni visual Malaysia. Beliau<br />
merasakan penerokaan terhadap dunia seni<br />
visual tanah air adalah suatu proses jangka<br />
masa panjang dan tidak akan tercapai<br />
dalam tempoh puluhan tahun ini. Proses ini<br />
harus berterusan dan yang paling utama<br />
pengkarya/perupa harus terus berusaha<br />
menghasilkan karya-karya yang terbaik.<br />
27/page<br />
Pak Yus<strong>of</strong> yang pernah dikenali sebagai pereka<br />
grafik dan juga pelukis ilustrasi terus bergerak maju<br />
kehadapan apabila menerima biasiswa dari George<br />
Mason University di Virginia, U.S.A dalam bidang<br />
Seni Grafik pada usia 29 tahun dan beliau tidak<br />
menunggu lama untuk berkarya apabila minat yang<br />
mendalam dalam bidang seni halus menyebabkan<br />
beliau mengambil subjek lukisan sebagai subjek<br />
elektif. Disitulah boleh disifatkan sebagai kejayaan/<br />
platform beliau dalam menerokai dunia seni visual<br />
apabila menyertai pameran ‘Seni Antarabangsa’<br />
anjuran Art Barn Gallery di Washington dan beliau<br />
telah menerima biasiswa Dr. Burt Am<strong>and</strong>a sebagai<br />
penghargaan terhadap karya yang luar biasa<br />
dihasilkan oleh beliau. Ini menyebabkan penulis<br />
teringat perbualan ringkas bersama saudara<br />
u-Wei Hj Saari ketika pameran “Wayang U-Wei<br />
Angkat Saksi” iaitu pameran pertama beliau<br />
yang menggabung elemen filem dan seni visual<br />
dengan beberapa pelukis tanah air yang baru<br />
sahaja berlangsung di galeri 3A & 3B di Balai<br />
Seni Visual Negara. Penulis bertanyakan apa lagi<br />
yang diperlukan oleh setiap pengkarya Malaysia<br />
tidak kira dibidang pengarahan filem atau seni<br />
visual agar setiap karya mereka mempunyai roh<br />
dan jiwa yang tinggi di mana setiap karya yang<br />
terhasil mampu memberi k<strong>esa</strong>n dan ingatan<br />
yang dalam terhadap penonton, pengunjung<br />
mahupun pencinta seni. “Kau nak tau apa..?<br />
Exposure…!” katanya. Ringkas tepat dan padat<br />
dalam merangkumi persoalan penulis lantas<br />
membuatkan penulis tersenyum. Ya, pendedahan<br />
sedari awal sangat perlu kepada semua pengkarya<br />
bukan hanya terkongkong di dalam alasan ciptaan<br />
sendiri.<br />
Kata-kata itu menggambarkan perjuangan<br />
pelukis tersohor tanah air ini. Pertemuan dengan<br />
beliau secara peribadi menjadikan mutiara kata<br />
bahawa ‘pengalaman itu mendewasakan’<br />
amat bertepatan sekali untuk penulis gambarkan<br />
siapakah gerangan Yus<strong>of</strong> Ghani. Banyak yang<br />
dikupas oleh beliau mengenai harapan dan<br />
kecintaan beliau terhadap dunia seni ini terutama<br />
di Malaysia. Peredaran masa tidak menjadikan<br />
beliau lupa Maha Pencipta apabila beliau sentiasa<br />
mengingatkan penulis bahawa disiplin manusia<br />
telah Allah bentuk sedari dulu, solat 5 waktu yang<br />
diwajibkan keatas umat Islam harus dilihat sebagai<br />
cara Allah mendisiplinkan manusia. “Tentu ada<br />
sebabnya… “ ujar beliau lagi.<br />
| ZuRIYADI SARPIN<br />
Berbalik kepada permulaan perjalanan karier<br />
beliau, impak yang paling berk<strong>esa</strong>n ialah<br />
apabila beliau menyertai pelukis-pelukis muda<br />
yang radikal dan menyertai pameran secara<br />
berkumpulan iaitu "American Intervention in<br />
Nicaragua & El Salvador" di Gallerie Intae di<br />
Washington, Amerika Syarikat. Gambaran<br />
karya beliau sebagai medan kritikan sosial yang<br />
sangat tajam terhadap tindakan-tindakan sosial<br />
masyarakat pada ketika itu. Kritikan itu bertujuan<br />
menyedarkan masyarakat bahawa setiap<br />
tindakan yang diambil haruslah diteliti dan tepat<br />
agar ianya tidak menimbulkan k<strong>esa</strong>n yang tidak<br />
baik akhirnya. Lantas dari itu lahirlah pameran<br />
solo yang pertama oleh beliau berjudul "Protest"<br />
pada 27 Julai 1984 di Anton Gallery, Capitol<br />
Hill, Washington, D.C. Penulis berpendapat itu<br />
merupakan satu lagi kejayaan bagi Malaysia<br />
kerana pada tahun itu 1984, seorang anak<br />
Malaysia telah berjaya mengadakan pameran<br />
solo di sana.<br />
Menjadikan William De Kooning dan Henry Matisse sebagai<br />
rujukan, pelukis aliran abstrak ekspressionis ini terus mengorak<br />
langkah dengan menghasilkan beberapa siri lukisan seperti<br />
siri ‘Tari’, siri ‘Topeng’, siri ‘Wayang’, ‘Segerak’, ‘Biring’,<br />
‘Wajah’dan siri ‘Hijau’ sepanjang hampir 30 tahun beliau<br />
berkarya. Pameran solo terkini beliau adalah pameran ‘Taman<br />
2011’ yang bertempat di galeri seni PUNCAK di Bukit Jelutong,<br />
Shah Alam. ‘Taman 2011’ merupakan rentetan pengalaman<br />
dan kenangan beliau ketika berada di Amerika Syarikat<br />
dan juga negara Eropah lain. Bersekali dengan pameran ini<br />
Yus<strong>of</strong> Ghani turut menampilkan karya-karya yang pernah<br />
menggegar dunia seni visual satu ketika dahulu dan juga<br />
karya simpanan peribadi yang tidak pernah dipamerkan<br />
kepada khalayak.
Menceritakan perkembangan terkini pelukis<br />
ini, beliau telah pun membina sebuah galeri<br />
seni yang diberi nama ‘Tapak Yus<strong>of</strong> Ghani’ di<br />
Seksyen 8, Shah Alam, Selangor. Ini merupakan<br />
satu lagi sumbangan beliau kepada komuniti<br />
setempat. Galeri yang dibina ini boleh dilawati<br />
secara percuma dan beroperasi seperti galerigaleri<br />
lain. Beliau turut mengadakan kelas<br />
seni bagi mereka yang berminat bermula dari<br />
pukul 9.00 malam – 1.00 pagi. Kelas seni ini turut<br />
disertai oleh golongan pr<strong>of</strong>esional seperti Arkitek,<br />
Peguam, Pensyarah dan sebagainya yang ingin<br />
mendalami seni visual dengan lebih lanjut. Galeri<br />
yang menempatkan 120 karya koleksi peribadi<br />
beliau, juga turut menyimpan karya-karya dari<br />
pelukis terkenal tanah air seperti, Ibrahim Hussien,<br />
Latiff Mohidin, Awang Damit, Sulaiman Esa,<br />
Ramlan Abdullah, Raja Azhar Ahmad Idris dan<br />
lain-lain pelukis lagi. Satu-satunya pameran solo<br />
yang pernah diadakan di galeri ini adalah pada<br />
tahun 2005 adalah pameran ‘Segerak 2’ iaitu<br />
satu lagi siri pameran solo beliau.<br />
Tapak Yus<strong>of</strong> Ghani ini terbahagi kepada 3 iaitu<br />
ruang pameran, studio pelukis dan tempat<br />
tinggal. Ruang hadapan tingkat bawah dijadikan<br />
galeri/ruang pameran yang menempatkan<br />
karya beliau, juga sebagai ruang menerima<br />
kunjungan manakala bahagian belakangnya<br />
sebagai kediaman. Tingkat dua pula dijadikan<br />
ruang perbincangan di antara pelukis dan juga<br />
penyelidikan bagi mereka yang ingin melakukan<br />
kajian lukisan. Terdapat juga satu ruang tamu<br />
yang dihiasi rak buku dengan pelbagai buku yang<br />
digunakan oleh beliau sebagai sumber rujukan.<br />
Tingkat paling atas pula digunakan oleh beliau<br />
untuk menempatkan karya-karya pelukis tanah air<br />
yang telah dikumpul oleh beliau sejak awal 90-an.<br />
Karya-karya didalam himpunan beliau yang pada<br />
perkiraan penulis merupakan himpunan karya<br />
yang hebat.<br />
Galeri beliau ini persis galeri sebenar seperti milik<br />
organisasi lain, di sini jugalah beliau membawa<br />
rakan dan jiran tetangga bagi menyemai kesedaran<br />
dunia seni dalam minda mereka. Seperti kata beliau<br />
“Kadang-kadang saya juga membawa rakan surau<br />
ke sini bagi mereka memahami dunia seorang pelukis<br />
dan mengharapkan kesedaran ini menjadikan<br />
mereka lebih arif tentang seni lukis”, ujarnya. Pada<br />
masa ini juga beliau menyatakan kepada penulis<br />
empat prinsip berkenaan isu-isu yang bagi beliau<br />
harus ada dalam setiap penghasilan karya agar karya<br />
tersebut mendapat ‘jiwa’.<br />
Protest Series Hydrogen Man / Mixed media on<br />
canvas / 66 x 50 cm / 1983<br />
“Kita harus ada empat perkara ini dalam<br />
menghasilkan karya dan karya kita tidak akan lari<br />
paksinya, yang pertama sosial, cultural, spiritual<br />
dan mistikal”. – Yus<strong>of</strong> Ghani.<br />
Apa yang menarik adalah kesungguhan beliau dalam<br />
mewujudkan kesedaran dunia seni visual terhadap<br />
masyarakat, kesungguhan beliau untuk jatuh dan<br />
bangun di dalam arena ini harus diberikan pujian,<br />
pengalaman benar-benar mendewasakan beliau.<br />
Kita letak dahulu soal lain dalam sisi karya-karya Yus<strong>of</strong><br />
Ghani, ada yang mempertikai karya-karya beliau,<br />
tidak kurang juga yang mencemuh namun bagi<br />
beliau ini semua sebagai satu pengalaman yang<br />
menyeronokkan. Namun nilai yang harus dipuji adalah<br />
bagaimana beliau sebagai pelukis ‘memasarkan’<br />
diri beliau agar terus dikenali dan karya beliau terus<br />
dinanti oleh pencinta-pencinta seni visual. Dalam<br />
keadaan karyawan tempatan yang terus berjuang<br />
dan masih mencari sinar beliau terus bangkit dan<br />
maju terus dalam menghasilkan karya-karya terbaik<br />
beliau. Beliau harus berdepan realiti yang nasib<br />
seseorang bukan ditentukan oleh orang lain namun<br />
beliau percaya nasib itu boleh diubah hanya dengan<br />
USAHA. Beliau harus terus bangun dan mengejutkan<br />
masyarakat luar tentang pentingnya nilai budaya<br />
ini, seni dan budaya saling berkait, seni mampu<br />
menceritakan apa sahaja sesuai dengan tugasan lain<br />
beliau sebagai pensyarah seni di Universiti Teknologi<br />
MARA ini.<br />
Atas kesedaran itu, kini beliau sedang membina<br />
sebuah lagi galeri seni yang terletak ditepi jalan<br />
utama di ruang belakang Tapak Yus<strong>of</strong> Ghani.<br />
Beliau telah membeli sebidang tanah bagi tujuan<br />
itu. Galeri setinggi dua tingkat ini bertujuan untuk<br />
mempamerkan koleksi-koleksi simpanan beliau dan<br />
juga memberi ruang dan peluang kepada manamana<br />
pelukis yang ingin mengadakan pameran seni<br />
secara solo atau berkumpulan. Hakikat tujuan beliau<br />
hanya satu, dengan sokongan yang beliau terima<br />
dari masyarakat, beliau ingin kembalikan semula ‘hak’<br />
ini kepada masyarakat dan beliau ingin berkongsi<br />
kepada khalayak akan keindahan seni visual. Semoga<br />
ini mampu memberi kesedaran kepada masyarakat<br />
mengenai dunia seni lukis di Malaysia. Sebagai<br />
permulaannya, beliau ingin mengadakan pameran<br />
retrospektif sebagai t<strong>and</strong>a pembukaan galeri<br />
tersebut.<br />
Apa lagi yang harus penulis katakan apabila<br />
menterjemah perupa ini dalam konteks penulisan<br />
kecil sebegini? Semuanya telah dilakukan, sokongan<br />
dorongan, cemuhan, kritikan, cabaran dan kejayaan<br />
telah beliau lalui. Namun penulis percaya seseorang<br />
perupa tidak boleh terus dibiarkan sel<strong>esa</strong>, perupa,<br />
pengkarya dan pelukis harus terus dicabar bagi<br />
menghasilkan karya hebat, perlu terus dikritik dalam<br />
konteks pembudayaan ilmu, dipuji seminima mungkin<br />
dan harus terus disokong setiap karyanya kerana<br />
seni itu merupakan nadi bangsa, seni itu merupakan<br />
penceritaan terhadap ketamadunan sebuah bangsa<br />
yang berjaya.<br />
Memetik kata-kata Nur Hanim Mohamed Khairuddin,<br />
seorang kurator bebas dalam buku Persoalan Seni<br />
Rupa Sezaman sebagai berkata “Mutakhir ini kita<br />
kerap dicanang dengan konsep ‘independen’ dalam<br />
konteks seni di Malaysia. Seniman muda digalakkan<br />
untuk menjunjung sikap m<strong>and</strong>iri, melakukan sendiri<br />
tugas-tugas asas untuk mengangkat karya masingmasing<br />
tanpa perlu senantiasa bergantung kepada<br />
badan-badan b<strong>esa</strong>r yang ditubuh khas untuk<br />
tujuan tersebut, untuk mengelakkan diri daripada<br />
kongkongan-kongkongan garis p<strong>and</strong>uan rasmi yang<br />
telah termaktub. Ini akan memberi lebih ruang dan<br />
kepuasan kepada seniman untuk menghasilkan karya<br />
secara jujur mengikut visi dan target personal mereka<br />
lantas dapat mengundang respons perdebatan atau<br />
wacana yang lebih bermakna”.<br />
Yus<strong>of</strong> Ghani harus dilihat dalam konteks kejayaan<br />
beliau meletakkan diri di dalam persaingan dunia seni<br />
lukis moden Malaysia yang serba kompetitif. Semoga<br />
karya beliau dapat terus kita nikmati pada masa<br />
akan datang mungkin dengan nafas yang lebih baru<br />
sekaligus mencabar tahap intelektual masyarakat<br />
Malaysia, lebih menggerunkan dan mampu<br />
mencetus polemik hangat dikalangan pencinta seni.<br />
Diharapkan rentetan perjalanan beliau ini dapat<br />
dijadikan dorongan sebagai pembakar semangat<br />
jiwa perupa muda Malaysia dan penulisan ini akan<br />
terus mampu menzahirkan rasa cinta terhadap seni.<br />
“In <strong>art</strong>... you cannot cheat, because <strong>art</strong> is visual….”<br />
Kata beliau mengakhiri perbualan kami.<br />
Rujukan:<br />
- “WAJAH”, Yus<strong>of</strong> Ghani 2010. published by TAPAK<br />
- Katalog SEGERAK – One Movement 1 Malaysia.<br />
- Katalog Yus<strong>of</strong> Ghani, Taman 2011.<br />
- PERSOALAN SENI RUPA SEZAMAN?, Contemporary Visual Art Discourse: vignettes by Malaysian <strong>art</strong>ist/<br />
editor Raja Ahmad Aminullah, Nur Hanim Mohamed Khairuddin. ISBN 983-101-056-6.<br />
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yus<strong>of</strong>_Ghani.<br />
- http://www.yus<strong>of</strong>ghani.com<br />
- http://seni-lukis.blogspot.com/2005/05/rumah-itu-galeri-dunia-seniku.html<br />
- http://risalahproseni.blogspot.com/2009/06/menatap-buku-yus<strong>of</strong>-ghani-<br />
- http://malaysian-<strong>art</strong>ist.blogspot.com/2005/05/yusuf-ghani.html
Art as<br />
therapy<br />
is a form <strong>of</strong><br />
treatment which could<br />
be traced back to ancient<br />
times. It played a role in health<br />
<strong>and</strong> symbolic expression. From Egyptian<br />
hieroglyphics, it was discovered that people <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
use objects <strong>and</strong> visuals <strong>of</strong> animals <strong>and</strong> birds as<br />
intervention in mental health. Another example are<br />
scripts from the Sumerians <strong>and</strong> the Mayan cultures,<br />
called logograms, were primitive elements for<br />
magical, spiritual, protection purposes <strong>and</strong> as a daily<br />
journal.<br />
Through contemporary cultures <strong>and</strong> societies, <strong>art</strong> has<br />
been used symbolically to cure illness, which brought<br />
physical <strong>and</strong> psychological relief. For example, as<br />
evidenced in the culture <strong>of</strong> the Navajo Indian inthe<br />
United States, who combined songs, dance, <strong>and</strong><br />
s<strong>and</strong> paintings in some specific element <strong>of</strong> patterns.<br />
Further, s<strong>and</strong> painting in the form <strong>of</strong> M<strong>and</strong>alas act<br />
as a focus <strong>of</strong> prayers that were used by the Tibetans<br />
intended for healing <strong>and</strong> relief from suffering.<br />
Art therapy was been inspired by Sigmund Freud<br />
a psychologist & philosopher, who claimed that<br />
psychological disorders are the results <strong>of</strong> conflicts<br />
in early childhood which the individual is unaware<br />
<strong>of</strong>. Impulses <strong>and</strong> emotions involved that have been<br />
repressed unconsciously results in conflicts between<br />
the aggressive <strong>and</strong> sexual impulses. The techniques<br />
<strong>of</strong> psychoanalysis were modified into more flexible<br />
<strong>and</strong> less stressful to reconstruct the patient’s<br />
childhood experiences during therapeutic process.<br />
Freud clarified that psychoanalysis is a form <strong>of</strong><br />
psychotherapy-which combines other theories<br />
<strong>and</strong> techniques that now are now widely used by<br />
the group therapists, counselors, psychologists <strong>and</strong><br />
psychiatrists- acts as a bridge to access deeper<br />
levels <strong>of</strong> underst<strong>and</strong>ing in manipulating between<br />
mind <strong>and</strong> body.<br />
Carl Jung,a former follower <strong>of</strong> Freud <strong>and</strong> founder <strong>of</strong><br />
Analytical Psychology said :<br />
“Expressive therapy is a form <strong>of</strong> therapy which<br />
uses <strong>art</strong>istic expression <strong>and</strong> divided into different<br />
discipline <strong>and</strong> approaches such as dance therapy,<br />
drama therapy, <strong>art</strong> therapy <strong>and</strong> music therapy”<br />
Therapy is a process designed to help changes in<br />
personality or in daily life while <strong>art</strong> is a means to<br />
discovering both the self <strong>and</strong> world in establishing a<br />
| RINA SHuKOR<br />
relation<br />
between<br />
the two. It is a<br />
meeting ground <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
both the inner <strong>and</strong> outer worlds.<br />
A recent scientific research <strong>of</strong>ficially declared<br />
how images influenced emotions, thoughts <strong>and</strong><br />
well-being. This is a process <strong>of</strong> how the brain <strong>and</strong> body<br />
reacts through drawings <strong>and</strong> paintings. Science has<br />
found connections between emotions <strong>and</strong> health,<br />
stress, disease <strong>and</strong> the immune system. Therefore,<br />
<strong>art</strong> therapy is to discover the use <strong>of</strong> imagery <strong>and</strong> <strong>art</strong><br />
expression in treatment.<br />
In the field <strong>of</strong> education, <strong>art</strong> therapy is a way to<br />
express emotion through <strong>creativity</strong> in expressing<br />
inner feelings <strong>and</strong> emotion. Art therapists were to<br />
help in analyzing factors such as attitudes, emotion,<br />
environment, behaviors <strong>and</strong> social relationships.<br />
Zeki (1999) has used new method in brain imaging,<br />
the process <strong>of</strong> forming memories from motor, visual<br />
<strong>and</strong> “somatosensory” information whose relationship<br />
is created between the process <strong>of</strong> <strong>art</strong> expression <strong>and</strong><br />
brain function using <strong>art</strong> media through stimulation.<br />
According to Barbara Granim,<br />
“When we use <strong>art</strong> to express our pain, we are<br />
accessing that through body – mind’s inner language<br />
<strong>of</strong> imagery instead <strong>of</strong> using words”. (2004)<br />
In lighter terms, <strong>art</strong> therapy can be described as a<br />
process <strong>of</strong> therapeutic <strong>and</strong> diagnostic means <strong>of</strong><br />
underst<strong>and</strong>ing people’s emotion through <strong>art</strong> activities<br />
instead <strong>of</strong> words.<br />
These days, <strong>art</strong> therapy is a new media to detect<br />
social skills, motor skills, expression, inner self-emotion<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>art</strong>istic skills through <strong>art</strong> making activities towards a<br />
variety groups <strong>of</strong> people namely people with disorders,<br />
physical disabilities, cancer patients, hardcore<br />
drug abusers, severe mental disorders, Human<br />
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), sexually abused children<br />
<strong>and</strong> etc.<br />
28/page<br />
Each group<br />
that I’ve worked<br />
with have developed<br />
an intervention towards mind –<br />
body <strong>and</strong> brain co-ordination through<br />
the <strong>art</strong> process. Clients are able to create<br />
their own images, <strong>ideas</strong> <strong>and</strong> problem- solving in<br />
their <strong>art</strong> production. Working with autistic children<br />
using <strong>art</strong> is a long-term process due to their lack <strong>of</strong><br />
eye coordination <strong>and</strong> motor skills. However, autistic<br />
children are more creatively expressive than normal<br />
children in making their <strong>art</strong> pieces. Working with the<br />
disabled using <strong>art</strong> <strong>of</strong>ten stretches one’s <strong>creativity</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
imagination because one has to think <strong>of</strong> how to make<br />
the end results achievable. In <strong>art</strong> therapy sessions with<br />
autistic children, one must pay p<strong>art</strong>icular attention<br />
to the <strong>art</strong> making process in order to address deficits<br />
in communication <strong>and</strong> imagination. This helps the<br />
children collaborate with the <strong>art</strong> therapist in making<br />
symbols, icons <strong>and</strong> visual <strong>art</strong>s. Children with HIV,<br />
psychologically abused, social withdrawal, refusing<br />
to go to schools, anxiety disorders, social phobias<br />
are even more challenging. They are capable <strong>of</strong><br />
communicating through drawing <strong>and</strong> storytelling.<br />
As demonstrated with case materials, children with<br />
these disorders frequently reveal themes <strong>of</strong> death,<br />
destruction <strong>and</strong> rebirth.<br />
My current project, which uses the <strong>art</strong> therapy<br />
approach is aimed towards adult hardcore drug<br />
abusers <strong>and</strong> addiction to help them change to a new<br />
lifestyle that does not include compulsive abuse <strong>of</strong><br />
chemicals <strong>and</strong> the change <strong>of</strong> behavior requires both<br />
time <strong>and</strong> commitment. The purpose <strong>of</strong> the treatment is<br />
not to push the addicts into de-escalation but rather to<br />
bring about a pr<strong>of</strong>ound shift in beliefs <strong>and</strong> behavior in<br />
which the addiction loses its power.<br />
Art making may stimulate a similar experience <strong>and</strong><br />
provide experiences that soothes <strong>and</strong> heals the self.<br />
The process <strong>of</strong> “<strong>art</strong> therapy has a unique <strong>and</strong> specific<br />
potential relative to self-healing <strong>of</strong> the way <strong>art</strong> affects<br />
the brain.” (Tinnin, 1994). As an addition, researches in<br />
neuroscience continues to provide an ever-widening<br />
underst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>of</strong> how the brain <strong>and</strong> body reacts to<br />
stress, illness <strong>and</strong> other events. The ability to capture<br />
through visual imagery the internal world <strong>of</strong> feelings,<br />
sensations, perceptions, <strong>and</strong> cognition makes the <strong>art</strong><br />
therapy approach a unique, creative <strong>and</strong> effective<br />
way to work with clients <strong>of</strong> all ages.
To Create, To Communicate, To Connect<br />
Artis di lobi BSVN<br />
Osman Akhbar<br />
(Fulltime Artist / Art Consultant)<br />
-Water color l<strong>and</strong>scape <strong>and</strong> Kampung Houses.<br />
019-3698 486<br />
Email:osmanakbarlong@yahoo.com<br />
Umi Natasha<br />
(Fulltime Artist / Art Consultant)<br />
-Batik, Sculpture<br />
016-3766181<br />
Email:Uminatasha@yahoo.com
BSVN SANA SINI<br />
PELANCARAN SETEM KHAZANAH SENI<br />
VISuAL NEGARA-SIRI II<br />
Lobi Aras 1, Balai Seni Visual Negara (BSVN)<br />
25 September 2011<br />
BSVN dengan kerjasama Pos Malaysia turut melancarkan<br />
setem Khazanah Seni Visual Negara-Siri II, di mana<br />
Pos Malaysia telah mengeluarkan 3 jenis setem yang<br />
bertemakan perjuangan kemerdekaan sempena sambutan<br />
kemerdekaan Malaysia ke 54 pada tahun ini. Setem-setem<br />
tersebut mempamerkan karya tiga orang pelukis pelopor<br />
negara iaitu Datuk Mohd Hoessein Enas, Encik Nik Zainal<br />
Abidin Nik Salleh, dan Encik Anthony Lau. Pelukis-pelukis ini<br />
terkenal dengan kajian bahan dan olahan reka bentuk yang<br />
penuh estetika. Kaitan karya ini dengan tema perjuangan<br />
adalah berdasarkan idealisme pelukis terhadap budaya,<br />
persekitaran dan kelestarian kehidupan.<br />
PAMERAN SENI LI CHI MAO<br />
‘JOY OF LIVING'<br />
Lobi Aras 1, Balai Seni Visual<br />
Negara (BSVN)<br />
25 September 2011-09-22<br />
25 September–27 November 2011<br />
Galeri 2B, BSVN<br />
Balai Seni Visual Negara berb<strong>esa</strong>r hati apabila<br />
sekali lagi bekerjasama dengan Art Expo Sdn Bhd<br />
dalam menganjurkan Pameran Seni Li Chi Mao<br />
‘Joy <strong>of</strong> Living’ iaitu sebuah Pameran Berus Cat<br />
Cina yang menjadi sebuah lagi jambatan budaya<br />
yang diterjemahkan melalui karya Pr<strong>of</strong> Li Chi Mao<br />
melalui unsur-unsur kemanusiaan dan kehidupan<br />
dalam rantaian persembahannya. Perasmian ini<br />
dengan jayanya telah Dilancarkan oleh RAJA<br />
MuDA PERLIS, DYTM TuANKu SYED FAIZuDDIN<br />
PuTRA IBNI TuANKu SYED SIRAJuDDIN JAMALuLLAIL<br />
dan RAJA PuAN MuDA OF PERLIS, DYTM TuANKu<br />
HAJJAH LAILATuL SHAHREEN AKASHAH KHALIL.<br />
PELANCARAN AKTA BALAI SENI VISuAL NEGARA<br />
Lobi Aras 1, Balai Seni Visual Negara (BSVN)<br />
25 September 2011<br />
Menteri Penerangan, Komunikasi dan Kebudayaan Malaysia,<br />
Dato’ Sri utama Dr. Rais Yatim hari ini telah merasmikan<br />
Majlis Pelancaran Akta Lembaga Pembangunan Seni Visual<br />
Negara 2011 (Akta 724) yang membawa kepada penukaran<br />
nama dari Balai Seni Lukis Negara (BSLN) kepada Balai Seni<br />
Visual Negara (BSVN). Majlis tersebut juga telah dihadiri oleh<br />
Timbalan Menteri, Ketua Setiausaha dan Timbalan Ketua<br />
Setiausaha serta wakil-wakil agensi KPKK selain rakan-rakan<br />
korporat dan media yang turut sama menyaksikan pelancaran<br />
yang bersejarah bagi Balai Seni Visual Negara.<br />
BENGKEL PENDIDIKAN SENI VISuAL (2)<br />
DI BALAI SENI VISuAL NEGARA<br />
Balai Seni Visual Negara sekali lagi telah mengadakan Bengkel<br />
Pendidikan Seni Visual (2) berikutan sambutan dan permintaan<br />
yang menggalakkan dari bengkel-bengkel yang lalu. Bengkel ini<br />
telah berlangsung pada 15 Oktober sehingga 20 November 2011<br />
selama 5 sesi, setiap sabtu dan ahad yang melibatkan Bengkel<br />
Pendidikan Seni Visual khususnya bagi pelajar sekolah rendah dan<br />
pelajar sekolah menengah.<br />
• Bengkel Pendidikan Seni Visual bagi pelajar sekolah rendah<br />
telah dibimbing oleh tenaga pengajar muda , Saudara Hirzaq<br />
Harris yang juga merupakan seorang pelukis sepenuh masa.<br />
Setiap peserta diketengahkan dengan pelbagai teknik dan<br />
penggunaan medium dalam menghasilkan sesuatu hasil seni.<br />
Antaranya catan,corak kolaj, stensil, rekaan dan seni kraf.<br />
• Bengkel Pendidikan Seni Visual bagi pelajar sekolah<br />
menengah pula telah diberi tunjuk ajar oleh seorang<br />
pelukis muda , Saudara Ali Azraei Bebit. Di sini, peserta<br />
diberi pendedahan berkaitan pengenalan asas seni visual,<br />
perspektif, lanskap perm<strong>and</strong>angan, lukisan alam benda (still<br />
life), dan merekacipta “miniature”.<br />
ART ExPO 2011 CATALOGuE LAuNCHED BY<br />
THE MINISTER OF TOuRISM<br />
The Art Expo Malaysia has become a marketplace <strong>of</strong> East-West <strong>and</strong><br />
Arabian <strong>art</strong> trading <strong>and</strong> commerce <strong>and</strong> exchanges. It is a great<br />
confluence <strong>of</strong> Western, Asian <strong>and</strong> Arabian <strong>art</strong> with Iran making its<br />
debut this year with representations from Shiraz Art Gallery <strong>and</strong> Art &<br />
Identity.<br />
Some 66 exhibitors from 24 countries will be taking p<strong>art</strong> <strong>and</strong> they<br />
include six <strong>art</strong> organisations <strong>and</strong> 51 <strong>art</strong> galleries. The p<strong>art</strong>icipating<br />
countries are: Brazil, China, Cuba, Ecuador, Germany, Hong Kong,<br />
Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Macau, Malaysia,<br />
Myanmar, Pakistan, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden,<br />
Switzerl<strong>and</strong>, Taiwan, The Philippines <strong>and</strong> Vietnam. It will involve more<br />
than 400 <strong>art</strong>ists, some <strong>of</strong> whom come from nine other countries like<br />
Costa Rica <strong>and</strong> Tibet.<br />
MAJLIS BERBuKA PuASA DAN PELANCARAN<br />
PAMERAN BSLN YAYADAN/MANIFESTASI<br />
MERDEKA/‘JAGA!’/‘SYED AHMAD JAMAL<br />
DALAM KENANGAN’<br />
Pada 18 Ogos 2011- Sempena menyambut keberkatan<br />
bulan Ramadhan al-Mubarak, Balai Seni Lukis Negara<br />
(BSLN) menganjurkan satu Majlis Berbuka Puasa dan<br />
pelancaran empat buah pameran BSLN seperti Pameran<br />
Yayadan, Pameran Manifestasi Merdeka, Pameran<br />
‘JAGA’ dan Pameran ‘Syed Ahmad Jamal Dalam<br />
Kenangan’.<br />
PAMERAN DAN JuALAN BERSEMPENA ISTIADAT<br />
KONVOKESYEN KE 8 AKADEMI SENI BuDAYA DAN<br />
WARISAN KEBANGSAAN (ASWARA)<br />
Pada 14 dan 15 Oktober 2011, Balai Seni Visual Negara telah dijemput<br />
untuk mengadakan pameran dan jualan bersempena Istiadat<br />
Konvokesyen ke 8 Akademi Seni Budaya dan Warisan Kebangsaan<br />
(ASWARA). Tujuan pameran dan jualan ini diadakan adalah untuk<br />
memberi pendedahan dan informasi kepada pelajar khususnya<br />
para graduan mengenai industri seni visual tanahair. Balai Seni Visual<br />
Negara amat berbangga kerana pameran dan jualan ini mendapat<br />
sambutan yang amat menggalakkan dari pengunjung dan pelajar<br />
jurusan seni halus. Pelbagai katalog penerbitan yang dipamerkan<br />
seperti Bakat Muda Sezaman 2010, Wayang U-Wei Angkat Saksi,<br />
Kasihnya Ibu, Yang Terutama dan sebagainya.
SESI PERBINCANGAN PINJAMAN DANA<br />
INDuSTRI KREATIF DI BSVN<br />
Satu sesi perbincangan bersama para pemohon Pinjaman<br />
Dana Industri Kreatif telah diadakan pada 6 Oktober 2011<br />
(Khamis) di Balai Seni Visual Negara yang dihadiri hampir<br />
80 orang wakil industri kreatif.<br />
Objektif sesi berkenaan sebagai satu platform untuk<br />
meningkatkan jalinan kerjasama dengan para pemohon<br />
dalam memberikan p<strong>and</strong>angan serta kritikan membina<br />
untuk menambah baik proses permohonan Pinjaman<br />
Dana Industri Kreatif dengan matlamat utama iaitu<br />
membawa impak positif kepada pembangunan<br />
industri kreatif.<br />
Antara-antara isu-isu yang telah dibangkitkan dalam<br />
sesi pertemuan dan lain-lain p<strong>and</strong>angan yang diterima<br />
berhubung Pinjaman Dana Industri Kreatif adalah:<br />
• Kelewatan pempros<strong>esa</strong>n pinjaman<br />
• Ketiadaan peng<strong>esa</strong>han pempros<strong>esa</strong>n<br />
• Ketiadaan perincian justifikasi penolakan<br />
• Kekurangan proses komunikasi<br />
• Polisi pinjaman berhubung pembelian aset<br />
• Isu-isu h<strong>art</strong>a intelektual/hak cipta/ assignment royalty<br />
PERTANDINGAN SENI VISuAL<br />
TERBuKA JOHOR 2011<br />
Satu panel hakim telah dipilih untuk menilai dan memilih<br />
pemenang-pemenang bagi Pert<strong>and</strong>ingan Seni Visual<br />
Terbuka Johor yang bertajukkan 'Ritma Johor'. Panel<br />
hakim terdiri dari wakil BSVN Saudara Tan Seihon,<br />
Pengarah Muzium dan Galeri Tuanku Fauziah, USM iaitu<br />
En. Hasnul Jamal Saidon selaku Ketua Panel Hakim dan<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>. Ponirin Amin dari UiTM dan dibantu oleh staf-staf dari<br />
Galei Seni Johor. Tiga kategori utama dalam pet<strong>and</strong>ingan<br />
tersebut ialah catan/cetakan, Arca dan Batik. Galeri<br />
Seni Johor telah menerima hampir seratus penyertaan<br />
dari penggiat-penggiat seni dari seluruh negara melalui<br />
penggunaan pelbagai media dan pendekatan seni yang<br />
telah diperlihatkan.<br />
PANASONIC KIDS SCHOOL ECO WORKS OF ART<br />
NATIONAL CONTEST 2011 JuDGING SESSION<br />
Panasonic News on the recent Panasonic Kids School Eco<br />
Works <strong>of</strong> Art National Contest 2011 Judging Session that<br />
was held on 13 October 2011 at National Visual Gallery<br />
Kuala Lumpur for information sharing. The line up <strong>of</strong> the<br />
works <strong>of</strong> <strong>art</strong> exhibits to be judged at National Visual Gallery<br />
Malaysia, produced by students age 10 to 16 years old.<br />
Nine judges had a grueling time judging 16 works <strong>of</strong> <strong>art</strong> by<br />
students from Panasonic Kids School program at National<br />
Visual Gallery Kuala Lumpur on 13 October 2011. The works<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>art</strong> were submitted by students from both primary <strong>and</strong><br />
secondary schools from the 10 schools in Selangor that<br />
took p<strong>art</strong> in the pilot project for eco learning program.<br />
The works <strong>of</strong> <strong>art</strong> are based on the concept <strong>of</strong> collage <strong>art</strong>,<br />
sculpture or innovation models using recyclable items or<br />
biodegradable materials.<br />
PERKARA<br />
AUDITORIUM<br />
(kapasiti : 144 orang)<br />
LCD PROJECTOR<br />
PROGRAM<br />
SUKARELAWAN<br />
di Balai Seni Visual Negara<br />
Membuka peluang kepada masyarakat<br />
di luar sana untuk menyumbangkan<br />
tenaga dalam ruang kesenian visual di<br />
Malaysia. Program yang bertujuan ke arah<br />
mendidik masyarakat dalam memahami<br />
kepentingan seni visual dan dalam masa<br />
yang sama ianya dapat membantu<br />
Balai Seni Visual Negara menaik taraf<br />
memahami dan memenuhi kehendak<br />
pelukis tempatan, peminat seni dan<br />
masyarakat. Program sukarelawan<br />
yang diharap dapat menjadi<br />
titiktolak dialog dua hala kearah<br />
pembangunan minda yang lebih<br />
sihat dari persepsi seni visual.<br />
Syarat-syarat dan garis p<strong>and</strong>uan untuk program sukarelawan<br />
Balai Seni Visual Negara:<br />
• Terbuka kepada yang berumur 18 tahun-60 tahun.<br />
• Sukarelawan mendapat latihan yang melibatkan<br />
tenaga pr<strong>of</strong>esional dari Balai Seni Visual Negara dan<br />
juga melibatkan tenaga pengajar badan sukarelawan<br />
luar yang berpengalaman.<br />
• Mendapat pengiktirafan sijil dari Balai Seni Visual Negara<br />
sebagai t<strong>and</strong>a penghargaan.<br />
• Pihak Balai Seni Visual Negara menyediakan kupon<br />
makan dan minum dalam program sukarelawan<br />
• di jalankan.<br />
• Penyediaan alat bantuan kerja oleh Balai Seni Visual<br />
Negara dan penerangan terperinci akan di berikan<br />
tentang prosedur dan tatacara kerja.<br />
• Jawaban permohonan dan latihan akan di beritahu<br />
terus oleh pihak urus setia.<br />
Tarikh tutup permohonan sukarelawan seni adalah pada<br />
30 November 2011. Borang permohonan sukarelawan seni<br />
boleh di dapati di ruang kaunter Balai Seni Visual Negara<br />
di alamat :<br />
Pihak Balai Seni Visual Negara menawarkan sewaan Auditorium dan LCD Projector kepada<br />
semua agensi Kerajaan, NGO dan pihak swasta untuk mengadakan sesuatu acara atau<br />
program dengan kadar sewaan seperti berikut :<br />
KADAR MENGIKUT JABATAN / AGENSI<br />
MASA<br />
Min : 3 jam<br />
1 jam<br />
AGENSI<br />
KERAJAAN<br />
RM 100<br />
RM 33<br />
BADAN BUKAN<br />
KERAJAAN (NGO)<br />
RM 120<br />
RM 40<br />
SWASTA<br />
RM 300<br />
RM 100<br />
Sehari RM 500 RM 650 RM 1500<br />
Sehari RM 150 RM 300 RM 500<br />
* Tertakluk kepada kekosongan dan permohonan awal selewat-lewatnya 3 minggu<br />
sebelum tarikh penggunaan auditorium.<br />
No 2, Jalan Temerloh,<br />
Off Jalan Tun Razak,<br />
53200 Kuala Lumpur,<br />
Malaysia.<br />
Ataupun boleh terus berhubung di Bahagian Penyelidikan dan<br />
Pameran, Puan Intan Rafiza di talian<br />
03-40267015 atau email : intan@<strong>art</strong>gallery.gov.my<br />
Permohonan boleh dibuat dengan menghantar surat permohonan kepada :<br />
Ketua Pengarah, Balai Seni Visual Negara, No. 2 Jalan Temerloh Off Jalan Tun Razak, 53200 Kuala Lumpur<br />
[u/p : Bahagian Khidmat Pengurusan]
CENTRES / GALLERIES /<br />
STUDIOS / OTHERS<br />
Hueman Studio<br />
(<strong>art</strong>works <strong>and</strong> crafts)<br />
Add: No. 9, Jalan Tokong, 75200<br />
Melaka,Malaysia.<br />
Tel: 06-288 1795<br />
Email: huemanstudio@yahoo.com<br />
Url: www.hueman–studio.com<br />
ART GENERATION STUDIO<br />
21-1, Jalan Damai Perdana 1/8D,<br />
B<strong>and</strong>ar Damai Perdana,<br />
56000 Cheras Kuala Lumpur.<br />
Tel/Fax: 03-9100 1597<br />
Blog: baiduren-space.blogspot.com<br />
Email: <strong>art</strong>.baiduren@gmail.com<br />
Relaxsee Gallery<br />
lot 125, lrg Kempas 1,<br />
Kampung Melayu 68000<br />
Ampang, Slangor D.E<br />
Ismail Hj. Baba<br />
Naive Artist<br />
017 883 0303<br />
03-42533984<br />
JOM<br />
Jadilah ahli<br />
Keahlian pelukis akan menikmati<br />
faedah menarik seperti berikut :<br />
Dijemput menghadiri pembukaan pameran,<br />
menyertai program khas, bengkel,<br />
ceramah dan sebarang acara anjuran<br />
Balai Seni Visual Negara.<br />
Menikmati *diskaun 10% ke atas hampir<br />
kesemua barangan di Kedai Galeri<br />
merangkumi bahan-bahan melukis,<br />
penerbitan dan cenderamata.<br />
Menerima maklumat terkini melalui SMS.<br />
Menerima warkah Balai Seni Visual Negara,<br />
SENIKINI : Malaysia Art Now, percuma<br />
untuk setahun (enam keluaran).<br />
Nama dan alamat pelukis akan dimuatkan di<br />
dalam rangkaian laman web direktori pelukis<br />
Balai Seni Visual Negara.<br />
Wan Faizun Zaan : faizun@<strong>art</strong>gallery.gov.my<br />
NEO POP ART (JERI’S STUDIO ‘55)<br />
Sitajeriazhari (Art Dealer)<br />
220 Lorong Maar<strong>of</strong><br />
Bangsar 59000 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia<br />
Studio : 03-2094 1537<br />
Mobile : 013-3253 045<br />
Natyavaruval Arts Workshop<br />
And Gallery<br />
Umi Natasya Pie<br />
016-3766 181<br />
25-2, Taman Setapak Indah Jaya<br />
Jalan Puah Jaya,<br />
Off Jalan Pahang,<br />
53000 Kuala Lumpur.<br />
Email: natyavaruval @yahoo.com<br />
THE ART CAFE<br />
54, Jalan Ss2/75<br />
Petaling Jaya 46100<br />
Selangor.<br />
christianlai.blogspot.com<br />
christians<strong>art</strong>cafe.blogspot.com<br />
chris.the<strong>art</strong>cafe@gmail.com<br />
CULTURE STREET ARTS & GALLERY<br />
(Gallery, Chinese Paintings Mounting, Mounting<br />
Material,Art Materials)<br />
10C, 3rd Floor, Jalan Panggong, 50000 Kuala<br />
Lumpur.<br />
Tel/Fax:03-2026 0292<br />
Email: cs_<strong>art</strong>s@tm.net.my<br />
Oriental Art & Cultural Center<br />
Kuala Lumpur<br />
(under the auspices <strong>of</strong> Elken Foundation)<br />
Tel: 03-7785 6363<br />
Fax: 03-7785 9393<br />
No 10 & 12, 2nd & 3rd, Pusat Elken,<br />
Jalan 1/137C, Batu 5,<br />
Jalan Kelang Lama, 58000 Kuala Lumpur.<br />
Duncan Tang<br />
Assistant Curator<br />
012-297 3618<br />
www.efoacc.org<br />
SOCIETY OF INTERPRETERS<br />
FOR THE DEAF (SiD)<br />
The Community Service Centre for the Deaf<br />
No. 41A, Lorong Ampang,<br />
540450 Kuala Lumpur.<br />
Tel:03-2031 4599 Fax: 03-2078 6630<br />
GLOBP Stoodio<br />
Animation/motiongraphics/editorial+concept<br />
illustration/charaterdesign<br />
globp@yahoo.com<br />
www.flickr.com/photos/myglobp<br />
Untuk penggunaan ruang<br />
Peti Seni BSLN bagi tujuan<br />
menjalankan aktiviti-aktiviti<br />
yang berkaitan dengan seni<br />
visual, sila majukan surat<br />
permohonan ke pejabat Ketua<br />
Pengarah Balai Seni Lukis<br />
Negara. Penggunaan Peti Seni<br />
ini tidak dikenakan caj.<br />
To apply for the use ( <strong>art</strong> studio,<br />
experimental <strong>and</strong> other <strong>art</strong>-related<br />
activites) <strong>of</strong> NAG's Peti Seni<br />
(3-6 months) please write to<br />
the Director-General <strong>of</strong><br />
National Art Gallery. Peti Seni is<br />
available free <strong>of</strong> charge.<br />
/ tanseihon@gmail.com<br />
EDEN ART STUDIO<br />
ART CENTRE, TEA HOUSE,<br />
COMMUNICATION CENTRE,<br />
ARTGALLERY<br />
eden<strong>art</strong>studio@gmail.com<br />
Block L6-3-9C, Pelangi Promenade,<br />
Jalan Pekan Baru 34, 41050 Klang,<br />
Selangor.<br />
LEADER PORTRAIT ARTIST<br />
Abdul Hadi Haji Ahmad<br />
Lot 01.08A, Groud Floor,<br />
Central Market Annexe,<br />
Jalan Hang Kasturi,<br />
50050 Kuala Lumpur.<br />
Email : hadi365@gmail.com<br />
www.hadiportrait.blogspot.com<br />
MALAYSIAN ASSOCIATION OF<br />
CREATIVITY & INNOVATION<br />
macri<br />
empowering simple <strong>ideas</strong><br />
Tel:03-2282 7028<br />
Fax: 03-2282 7028<br />
Email : www.macri.com.my<br />
Lot A-28-10, Menara UOA Bangsar,<br />
No 5 Jalan Bangsar 1, 59000 Kuala Lumpur.<br />
SCULPTUREATWORK<br />
(M) SDN.BHD.<br />
www.sculpcureatwork.com<br />
Studio: 108 Lorong Maar<strong>of</strong>, Bangsar Park,<br />
59000 Kuala Lumpur.<br />
Tel: 03-22836936<br />
Fax: 03-22835936<br />
NURIDAUS ENTERPRISE<br />
(SPECIALIST IN COPPER TOOLINGS)<br />
Blok L22-505, Persiaran P<strong>and</strong>an,<br />
P<strong>and</strong>an Jaya, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.<br />
-FULLY HANDCRAFTED-<br />
019-334 7877<br />
018-268 1880<br />
018-287 7883<br />
CHEAP SENG POTTERY SDN.BHD.<br />
(Ceramic Design, Glazes Mixing,<br />
Plaster Mold Design, Sculpture)<br />
Factory & Seramic Studio:<br />
Lot 2269 Jalan Bercham,<br />
31400 Ipoh, Perak.<br />
Tel: 05-547 8936<br />
Fax: 05-547 5040<br />
Email : <strong>art</strong>studio39@yahoo.com<br />
Mouth & Foot Painting Artists Sdn.<br />
Bhd.<br />
Lot 327, 2nd Ampang Park Shopping<br />
Centre, Jalan Ampang,<br />
50450 Kuala Lumpur,<br />
P.O.Box 12431,<br />
50778 Kuala Lumpur.<br />
Tel: 03-2161 8860,2161 8502<br />
Fax: 03-2162 1504<br />
Gerai OA<br />
-Indigenous Peoples Stall-<br />
Contact us:<br />
Reita Faida Rahim (coordinator)<br />
Email: geraios@gmail.com<br />
buy online: www.elevyn.com/shop/geraioa<br />
www.urban-cr3atures.com<br />
Motiongraphics/printgraphics+interactive/<br />
clothing/toys/web+characterdesign/illustration/<br />
typography/animation/event/C.G effects/music/<br />
sound/publication.<br />
www.projectboxie.com<br />
urbancr3atures.blogspot.com<br />
D.I.Y / FREELANCE /<br />
SERVICES<br />
Chekri Mansor<br />
(Free lance caricaturist, c<strong>art</strong>oonist, painter <strong>and</strong><br />
musician)<br />
chekrimansor@gmail.com<br />
http://chekrimansor.webs.com/<br />
Suchen SK<br />
(Freelance Photographer)<br />
www.suchens.com<br />
Let’s H<strong>and</strong>made<br />
a.hippies@gmail.com<br />
Miss Ireen H<strong>and</strong>made<br />
www.missireen.blogspot.com<br />
www.missireen.110mb.com<br />
AChiBuu H<strong>and</strong>made<br />
Blog: http://achibuu.blogspot.com<br />
Website: www.achibuu.com<br />
Contact: huichyet@yahoo.com<br />
P<strong>and</strong>a Eyes H<strong>and</strong>made<br />
Wen Yi (Graphic Designer)<br />
hata-knight@hotmail.com<br />
http://www.p<strong>and</strong>aeyesdiy.blogspot.com<br />
Ambriel Craft -h<strong>and</strong>made from the he<strong>art</strong>-<br />
(H<strong>and</strong>made Cards, Custom Made To Order,<br />
Home baked, Custom Bake to Order,<br />
Wedding Invitations, Thematic P<strong>art</strong>y Cards,<br />
Thank You Cards, Corporate Gifts.)<br />
43, Jalan Bp2,<br />
B<strong>and</strong>ar Bukit Puchong,<br />
41720 Puchong<br />
Selangor.<br />
Tel/Fax: 03-8060 3795<br />
Blog: http://ambrielcraft.wordpress.com<br />
Email: audrey@ambriel.com.my<br />
I LOVE UNIQUE GIFTS<br />
http://iloveunique.blogspot.com<br />
email: aimeili55@yahoo.com (Emily Ng)<br />
Shahril Nizam Ahmad<br />
(Freelance Illustrator)<br />
Email: shahrila@yahoo.com<br />
Webpage:<br />
http://www.geocities.com/shahrila/shahril_<br />
nizam.html<br />
Nazmi<br />
(Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Photographer)<br />
nazmi_photo@yahoo.com<br />
Yus Usratika@Luqman Husaini<br />
(Writer/composer)<br />
yusratika@yahoo.com<br />
yusnistone@yahoo.com<br />
www.usratika.blogspot.com<br />
Heroes Sticker + Heroes Apparel<br />
heroesticker@gmail.com<br />
hero<strong>esa</strong>pparel@gmail.com<br />
hero<strong>esa</strong>pparel.webs.com<br />
mudah.my/herosticker<br />
facebook.com/hero<strong>esa</strong>pparel<br />
Pyanz Henna Arts & Crafts<br />
Pyan Shariff<br />
(Henna Artist)<br />
012-297 9588<br />
Email:pyanzhenna<strong>art</strong>@yahoo.com<br />
Website: http://pyanzshariff.webs.com<br />
www.pyanzhenna<strong>art</strong>.com<br />
Studio: Blok A8-G-25, Jalan Mewah 4,<br />
P<strong>and</strong>an Mewah, 68000 Ampang, Selangor.<br />
Fax: 03-4291 1588<br />
'Everyone is Awesome'<br />
Ummi<br />
Creative Designer<br />
Phone: 03-6038 6377<br />
Email: everyoneisawesome@gmail.com<br />
Kufi On Kanvas<br />
Yushafizal Yunos<br />
kufionkanvas@gmail.com<br />
012-252 5644<br />
VALERIE YAN CREATIONS<br />
Valerie Yan<br />
( Illustrator)<br />
Rainie_yan@hotmail.com<br />
http://valeriecreations.blogspot.com<br />
Nurgajir@Gajir<br />
(Tempahan Nama Dalam Tulisan Jawi<br />
Lukisan Atas Kanvas)<br />
017-366 9290<br />
http://gajirkaligrafi.blogspot.com<br />
-Oil Painting<br />
-Abstrak<br />
-Seni Khat<br />
Tan Chee Hon<br />
Artist @ photographer<br />
85B, jalan tiong nam,<br />
50350 Kuala lumpur.<br />
Email: tchon75@gmail.Com<br />
picasaweb.google.com/tchon75<br />
Thangarajoo @ Mr. Raj<br />
(Artist-Children's book illustrator-Art Tutor)<br />
Conducts <strong>art</strong> classes at stucent's home.<br />
Call- 012 3467872<br />
Email: jootha@gmail.com/ jootha57@yahoo.com.<br />
Please visit:www.flickr.com/pjotos/thanga4<br />
bibichun<br />
(freelance designer, illustrator +graffiti <strong>art</strong>ist)<br />
bibichun@gmail.com<br />
www.bibichun.com<br />
Khor Hui Min<br />
(Writer)<br />
khor.hm@gmail.com<br />
khorhmin@yahoo.co.uk<br />
(Writing, Editing, Pro<strong>of</strong>reading, Project<br />
Coordination, Brochures Articles, Corporate<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>iles, General/Technical<br />
Reports, Websites/Interactive, Lyrics<br />
Translation, Children’s<br />
Books etc.)<br />
Michael Chuah Design<br />
(character designer/comic book <strong>art</strong>ist)<br />
chuahshihchung@yahoo.com<br />
www.michaeldesign.com<br />
The Seamstress<br />
http://seamstresses.blogspot.com<br />
Syahirah Suhaimi: 013-6282 2417<br />
Sumarni Suhaimi: 013-3730 602<br />
KLOBOT<br />
www.come<strong>and</strong>harmeme.vox.com<br />
myspace.com/klobot<br />
come<strong>and</strong>harmme@gmail.com<br />
WISEZONE-Innovative Photography<br />
GARY CHEW<br />
(Photographer)<br />
Tel/Fax: 03-7980 2210<br />
Fax: 03-7984 0959<br />
Email:wisezone_innovative@yahoo.com<br />
Play & Expressive Arts<br />
Andrew Ng (Play & Art Therapist)<br />
Tel : 012-361 8596<br />
-Founder & Director <strong>of</strong> Play & Expressive Arts<br />
-Conducts Parenting Seminars, Play Therapy<br />
Workshops & Training in Malaysia, Singapore,<br />
Hong Kong & China.<br />
Elements Creations- h<strong>and</strong> crafted<br />
ceramics<br />
48 Lorong Nikmat 2, Taman Gembira<br />
Jalan Kuchai Lama<br />
58200 Kuala Lumpur.<br />
nikicheong33@yahoo.com<br />
Colorss Clay Accessories<br />
www.colorss88.blogspot.com<br />
chia_li_huei@hotmail.com<br />
SUPPLIERS / SERVICES /<br />
BOOKS /<br />
Selvan Holdings (M) Sdn Bhd<br />
Specialised in convenience/newst<strong>and</strong> concept<br />
stores. Exclusive distributors <strong>of</strong> foreign<br />
magazines <strong>and</strong> books.<br />
tel: 603 4042 2339<br />
email: selvan39@streamyx.com<br />
On Target Training Sdn Bhd<br />
-books, posters, manuals, simulation s<strong>of</strong>tware,<br />
E-book,E-learning, educational dvds, Interactive<br />
Cd-Roms, customized content development.<br />
Office-03-77859716<br />
Fax-03-77859718<br />
email: arull@ottlearning.com.my<br />
HAVEN (something for everyone)<br />
Lot S211 (2nd floor) Promenade,<br />
1 Utama Shopping Centre,<br />
1 Lebuh B<strong>and</strong>ar Utama, 47800<br />
Petaling Jaya, Selangor.<br />
tel: 03-7727 3541<br />
email: getcrafty@craft-haven.com<br />
www.crafty-haven.com<br />
Clarity Enterprise<br />
(whol<strong>esa</strong>le & retail keychains, accessories &<br />
<strong>art</strong> pieces)<br />
No. 21 Lorong 9/115C, Taman Jaya,<br />
Off Jalan Kuchai Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur.<br />
Tel/Fax: 03-7875 9195<br />
Email: clarityenterprise@gmail.com
Design Art Books<br />
Lot FF-07,<br />
The Waterfront @Park City 5,<br />
Persiaran Resident,<br />
D<strong>esa</strong> Park City,<br />
52200 Kuala Lumpur.<br />
Email: deendab@gmail.com<br />
Tel: 03-6280 7876<br />
Fax: 03-6280 7875<br />
BASHEER GRAPHIC BOOKS<br />
AT BORDERS<br />
Lot – 216-B, Third Floor, The Gardens Mid<br />
VALLEY<br />
Lingkaran Syed Putra 59200 Kuala Lumpur.<br />
www.basheergraphic.com<br />
www.basheercityroom.com<br />
Internasional Art Services(M)Sdn Bhd<br />
-mover <strong>and</strong> transportation <strong>of</strong> <strong>art</strong>works-<br />
Jerry (Supervisor)<br />
Tel: 03-7846 5821<br />
Fax: 03-7846 1944<br />
Email: international<strong>art</strong>services@jim.com.my<br />
THE ART SHOP<br />
(Art Material, Technical Drawing<br />
Instruments, Stationary)<br />
No 65, Jalan Negara,<br />
Taman Melawati,<br />
53100 Kuala Lumpur.<br />
Tel: 03-4108 8322 Fax: 03-4107 8036<br />
Wholly Owned By Hi-Scan<br />
Whol<strong>esa</strong>le Sdn.Bhd.<br />
Leong Brothers<br />
-Artistic, Frame Specialists <strong>and</strong> Designer,<br />
Glass Dealer-<br />
331 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman,<br />
50100 Kuala Lumpur.<br />
Tel/Fax: 03-2691 3941<br />
Tel: 03-2692 2116<br />
ART.FRIEND<br />
(Complete range <strong>of</strong> Art,<br />
Graphic & Craft Materials,<br />
<strong>and</strong> Stationary)<br />
Tel: 03 2284 7777<br />
Fax: 03 2284 7577<br />
email: kl_eng@<strong>art</strong>friend.com.sg<br />
Lot T-213, Third Floor, The Gardens,<br />
Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra,<br />
59200 Kuala Lumpur.<br />
www.<strong>art</strong>friend.com.sg<br />
KHAI LIEN SILK SCREEN<br />
SUPPLIERS (M) SDN.BHD.<br />
132, Jalan Selar, Taman Bukit Riau, Batu 3 ½,<br />
Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur.<br />
Tel: 03-9283 7032<br />
Fax: 03-9285 1035<br />
Email : kailien@po.jaring.my<br />
www.khailien.com.my<br />
We supply:<br />
Inks, Machineries & Equipment, Other<br />
Silkscreen Materials, Advertising.<br />
WS ART & FRAMES<br />
CENTRE SDN. BHD.<br />
(Art Gallery, Conservation & Custom Framing,<br />
delivery & Installation <strong>of</strong> Artwork.)<br />
No 34, Jalan Dang Wangi,<br />
50100 Kuala Lumpur.<br />
Tel: 03-2698 0132<br />
Fax: 03-2692 7520<br />
Email: ws<strong>art</strong>ctr@msn.com<br />
A member <strong>of</strong>:<br />
PROFESSIONAL PICTURE FRAMERS<br />
ASSOCIATION(USA)<br />
Perniagaan Hai Kuang Sdn. Bhd.<br />
-Supplies all kinds <strong>of</strong> screen printing, pad<br />
printing,materials, equipment machinery <strong>and</strong><br />
stencil making service.<br />
Head Office : No. 51, Jalan Dato’ Haji Eus<strong>of</strong>f,<br />
Damai Komplek,<br />
50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.<br />
Tel: 03-4042 9569, 4042 0071, 4041 9493,<br />
4041 9479<br />
Fax: 03-4042 2467(ADMIN) , 4042<br />
3425(SALES)<br />
Email: haikuang@tm.net.my<br />
SOLE DISTRIBUTOR IN MALAYSIA<br />
(The Most Famous in Silkscreen Printing<br />
Industry)
NEW YORK – September 5, 2011 – Leon Lim broke<br />
into the world’s leading television <strong>and</strong> entertainment<br />
industry that is making him Malaysia’s first <strong>art</strong>ist <strong>and</strong><br />
Asia’s first deaf star to qualify for the new second<br />
season <strong>of</strong> Bravo’s reality show series, “Work <strong>of</strong> Art:<br />
The Next Great Artist,” on NBC Universal, one <strong>of</strong> the<br />
America’s five major television networks, as well as<br />
Bravo’s first deaf star <strong>and</strong> contestant in its 43 reality<br />
shows including Top Chef, Project Runway <strong>and</strong> The<br />
Real Housewives. The show, “Work <strong>of</strong> Art: The Next<br />
Great Artist,” is a direct descendent <strong>of</strong> the juriedexhibition<br />
tradition which was greatly modified for a<br />
different age <strong>and</strong> culture, <strong>and</strong> became a staple <strong>of</strong><br />
American museums through much <strong>of</strong> the twentieth<br />
century.<br />
Mr. Lim, one <strong>of</strong> the fourteen <strong>art</strong>ists, was selected from<br />
several thous<strong>and</strong>s <strong>of</strong> <strong>art</strong>ists from across the United<br />
States <strong>and</strong> around the world. Thous<strong>and</strong>s <strong>of</strong> <strong>art</strong>ists<br />
came to New York, Chicago <strong>and</strong> Los Angeles with<br />
their digital <strong>and</strong> hardcopy portfolios or <strong>art</strong> pieces<br />
<strong>and</strong> waited in a four-hour long line for hours for their<br />
chance to casting audition. The <strong>art</strong>ists’ backgrounds<br />
range from recent <strong>art</strong> school<br />
graduates to emerging <strong>art</strong>ists to<br />
<strong>art</strong>ists with gallery representation<br />
<strong>and</strong> pieces in the permanent<br />
collections <strong>of</strong> internationally<br />
recognized museums, as well as<br />
their talents ranging from painting,<br />
photography, performance <strong>art</strong>,<br />
installation, multimedia, film,<br />
illustration <strong>and</strong> sculpture to come<br />
out for a potentially life <strong>and</strong><br />
career-level-changing opportunity.<br />
In the episodes <strong>of</strong> the reality<br />
show, the producers provided a<br />
certified interpreter who is fluent<br />
in American Sign Language <strong>and</strong><br />
English Spoken Language for the<br />
installation <strong>art</strong>ist Leon Lim for studio<br />
discussion with the <strong>art</strong>ists <strong>and</strong><br />
critiques <strong>and</strong> narratives with the<br />
judges.<br />
With his p<strong>art</strong>icipation in “Work <strong>of</strong> Art: The Next Great<br />
Artist,” Leon Lim embodies the new wave <strong>of</strong> Malaysian<br />
contemporary <strong>art</strong> <strong>and</strong> also is a leader in changing the<br />
perceptions <strong>of</strong> those among us who cannot hear <strong>and</strong><br />
have native language – American Sign Language – by<br />
defying the radical ideology <strong>and</strong> traditional images <strong>of</strong><br />
deaf people in the context <strong>of</strong> family, business, media,<br />
<strong>and</strong> the <strong>art</strong> world as a whole. He doesn’t believe that<br />
the inability to hear sound or music is a way to create<br />
an uncertain future or a poor life. Being deaf with sign<br />
language <strong>and</strong> being an <strong>art</strong>ist are new culture <strong>and</strong> a<br />
source <strong>of</strong> great pride.<br />
Mr. Lim has dedicated himself to increasing public<br />
awareness <strong>of</strong> <strong>art</strong> education <strong>and</strong> deaf education in<br />
Malaysia as well as advancing the diverse narratives<br />
threaded through Malaysian Contemporary Art.<br />
Influenced, yet not limited by his deafness <strong>and</strong><br />
strength, his career as an <strong>art</strong>ist draws extensively from<br />
his experiences in both Malaysia <strong>and</strong> America.<br />
Born in Kedah, Malaysia, Mr. Lim has been pr<strong>of</strong>oundly<br />
<strong>and</strong> proudly deaf since birth. His first language is<br />
American Sign Language. An alienated <strong>and</strong> isolated<br />
child growing up in a largely un<strong>art</strong>istc family, he<br />
drew <strong>and</strong> painted incessantly, inspired by the<br />
colorful covers <strong>of</strong> music cassettes-a fact he now finds<br />
amusingly ironic. Instinctively, his deafness motivated<br />
Mr. Lim to devise ways <strong>of</strong> telling a story through his<br />
<strong>art</strong>work without speaking, reading, or writing. It is not a<br />
surprise then, that Mr. Lim believes that experiencing<br />
<strong>art</strong> first begins from seeing, opposed to reading<br />
description on a label or hearing a teacher lecture<br />
on the subject.<br />
Mr. Lim left his family following primary school in<br />
Kedah, enrolling at the Federal School for the Deaf in<br />
Penang, the oldest deaf institution in Malaysia. At 14<br />
he was living alone in a three-bedroom ap<strong>art</strong>ment<br />
in Tanjung Bungah, Penang, which further instilled a<br />
strong sense <strong>of</strong> independence. Seven years <strong>of</strong> living<br />
alone allowed Mr. Lim build his world<br />
without the need to hear sound or<br />
music. He went to New York as an<br />
international student after he was<br />
awarded four scholarships, including<br />
the prestigious Nippon Foundation<br />
Scholarship.<br />
Mr. Lim received degrees from<br />
Rochester Institute <strong>of</strong> Technology in<br />
New York <strong>and</strong> De Montfort University<br />
in the United Kingdom, <strong>and</strong> then<br />
settled in New York City to pursue his<br />
passion for <strong>art</strong>, design, photography,<br />
fashion, <strong>and</strong> film. He dabbles in a<br />
wide range <strong>of</strong> <strong>art</strong> forms including<br />
painting, photography, multimedia,<br />
installations, <strong>and</strong> performance<br />
objects, Mr. Lim's compositions<br />
explores various themes, namely<br />
heritage preservation <strong>and</strong> social<br />
segregation, communication<br />
barriers, intertwining realms <strong>of</strong> life<br />
<strong>and</strong> death, connections between<br />
nature <strong>and</strong> man-made objects, <strong>and</strong> the politics <strong>of</strong><br />
identity <strong>and</strong> culture.<br />
Mr. Lim's <strong>art</strong>work has been exhibited in galleries,<br />
museums <strong>and</strong> major festivals including the Total<br />
Museum <strong>of</strong> Contemporary Art in Seoul, the CAFA<br />
Art Museum in Beijing, the John F. Kennedy Center<br />
in Washington, D.C., <strong>and</strong> the World Financial Center<br />
Gallery in New York City. Last year, in cooperation<br />
with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Mr. Lim<br />
was commissioned to create a new site-specific,<br />
l<strong>and</strong>mark public <strong>art</strong> installation for the George Town<br />
Festival in Penang. His “The Last Chairs” exhibition<br />
marked Penang’s first public <strong>art</strong> in its new chapter on<br />
Contemporary Art in George Town as well as Mr. Lim's<br />
first major work in his home country.<br />
Recently, Mr. Lim's transformative portrait <strong>of</strong> Julian<br />
Assange was featured in the 2010 TIME Magazine’s<br />
“Person <strong>of</strong> the Year” issue, which was printed in over<br />
28 million copies. Mr. Lim is currently exploring the<br />
dispositions <strong>and</strong> aftereffects <strong>of</strong> creation, evolution <strong>and</strong><br />
abstraction, working with the elements <strong>of</strong> fire, water<br />
<strong>and</strong> sunlight.<br />
In an interview with New Straits Times, one <strong>of</strong> the major<br />
Malaysian newspapers, Lim said,<br />
"People generally cannot see beyond a deaf person’s<br />
senses. Many <strong>of</strong> them have hidden talent. All that is<br />
required is a little prodding, a push. Give them a little<br />
encouragement. They are not as disabled as you<br />
might think."<br />
Cathy Rose A. Garcia <strong>of</strong> The Korea Times, wrote,<br />
'Being deaf should not be seen as a hindrance to<br />
pursuing one's dreams. If anyone is living pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> this, it<br />
is deaf Malaysian <strong>art</strong>ist Leon Lim'.<br />
Bravo’s 10-episode reality show series, “Work <strong>of</strong> Art:<br />
The Next Great Artist,” will be airing on Wednesdays<br />
st<strong>art</strong>ing on 12 October 2011. This imaginative series<br />
is a creative synergy between the Emmy-winning<br />
producers Dan Cutforth, Jane Lipsitz, the Golden<br />
Globe <strong>and</strong> Emmy-winning actress <strong>and</strong> executive<br />
producer Sarah Jessica Parker, <strong>and</strong> the creator<br />
<strong>of</strong> Project Runway, Eli Holzman <strong>and</strong> the executive<br />
producer Alison Benson.<br />
Host, judge <strong>and</strong> <strong>art</strong> enthusiast China Chow lends<br />
her <strong>art</strong>istic grace to the second season <strong>of</strong> Bravo’s<br />
cutting-edge contemporary <strong>art</strong> competition. The<br />
judging panel includes Jerry Saltz, the three-time<br />
Pulitzer Prize-nominated senior <strong>art</strong> critic for New York<br />
Magazine, <strong>and</strong> Bill Powers, the owner <strong>of</strong> New Yorkbased<br />
Half Gallery <strong>and</strong> literary <strong>art</strong> contributor. Simon<br />
de Pury, one <strong>of</strong> the <strong>art</strong> world’s leading figures <strong>and</strong> the<br />
world-renowned Chairman <strong>and</strong> Chief Art Auctioneer<br />
<strong>of</strong> Phillips de Pury & Company, adds his expertise as a<br />
mentor to the contestants.<br />
The new second season <strong>of</strong> “Work <strong>of</strong> Art: The Next<br />
Great Artist” is filmed in New York City under the<br />
watchful eye <strong>of</strong> <strong>art</strong> world elites. The fourteen up<strong>and</strong>-coming<br />
<strong>art</strong>ists are ready to make their mark on<br />
the industry <strong>and</strong> battle it out for a solo show at the<br />
Brooklyn Museum <strong>and</strong> a cash prize <strong>of</strong> $100,000.<br />
Bravo’s first season <strong>of</strong> “Work <strong>of</strong> Art: The Next Great<br />
Artist” averaged 1.37 million total viewers <strong>and</strong> 809,000<br />
in the adult age 18 to 49.
How long have you been based abroad?<br />
I was working in Singapore from since1995 but left<br />
for Japan in 2000 to pursue <strong>art</strong>.<br />
What made you decided to venture overseas?<br />
(Smile) hahaha ^^…<br />
Tired <strong>of</strong> working for other people!!?<br />
Before becoming an <strong>art</strong>ist, I was a ‘Visualizer’<br />
(Commercial Artist) in an advertising firm. When I<br />
was 24 years old, I imagined that I was going to be a<br />
famous <strong>art</strong> director or an Illustrator in an advertising<br />
firm one day as my training had prepared me. I was<br />
even awarded a ‘Best Studio man Award’ in 1999<br />
but I had already secretly applied online to study<br />
in Japan the 6 months before <strong>and</strong> was just waiting<br />
for the admission approval. My decision surprised<br />
everyone around me, including my family. I had only<br />
3 weeks to make preparations <strong>and</strong> resigned <strong>and</strong> left<br />
Singapore for Japan.<br />
I guess, perhaps seeking the REAL ME was my main<br />
purpose for venturing overseas after recalling all<br />
those years living abroad.<br />
What were the initial challenges when you began<br />
your <strong>art</strong> career in a foreign l<strong>and</strong>?<br />
At the beginning <strong>of</strong> my career, I had no doubt that<br />
I would have to learn <strong>and</strong> to do new things as well.<br />
Because <strong>of</strong> these reasons, I got invited to p<strong>art</strong>icipate<br />
in exhibitions with other fellow <strong>art</strong>ists organized by<br />
one <strong>of</strong> my pr<strong>of</strong>essors outside <strong>of</strong> the campus. The<br />
feedback was good, thus giving me the confidence<br />
to continue.<br />
What are the advantages <strong>of</strong> being based overseas<br />
<strong>and</strong> how have those advantages nurtured your<br />
<strong>art</strong>istic <strong>and</strong> creative talent?<br />
I don’t know whether what I have at the moment<br />
could be called advantages. For me personally, I<br />
had tried very hard to make my <strong>art</strong>works closer to<br />
the Japanese but it just comes out distinctively. You<br />
might say I already have my own ‘colors’, ‘shapes’,<br />
culture <strong>and</strong> identity. And difference is a constant<br />
in my works. However, philosophy stimulates me in<br />
creating my works.<br />
What are the differences in terms <strong>of</strong> environment,<br />
working as an <strong>art</strong>ist in Malaysia <strong>and</strong> abroad?<br />
I can’t really compare the differences between<br />
Japan <strong>and</strong> Malaysia because I have not kept<br />
up with the contemporary situation in Malaysia.<br />
However, I personally feel that Japan has more<br />
opportunities for one to show one’s works to the<br />
public. There are long lists <strong>of</strong> <strong>art</strong> galleries <strong>and</strong><br />
museum everywhere <strong>and</strong> <strong>art</strong> workshops for kids <strong>and</strong><br />
adult are common.<br />
What are some <strong>of</strong> the themes that inspire your work?<br />
Since moving to Japan 11 years ago, I had lived<br />
in both urban <strong>and</strong> rural areas. I am constantly<br />
fascinated by my surroundings <strong>and</strong> have never<br />
stopped being inquisitive <strong>and</strong> curious about human<br />
reactions around me, especially critiques <strong>of</strong> fixed<br />
<strong>ideas</strong>, namely symbolic image associated with the<br />
social structure <strong>and</strong> appearances.<br />
What <strong>art</strong>istic works/projects are you currently<br />
working on right now?<br />
I will have an open-air group show in a park next<br />
week. It is a valuable challenge to exhibit precious<br />
works outdoors. The works itself has to confront the<br />
natural elements, including man’s destructiveness.<br />
The longevity <strong>and</strong> sustainability <strong>of</strong> an <strong>art</strong>work is<br />
still essential these days <strong>and</strong> must be taken into<br />
consideration.<br />
What were the most memorable/ unforgettable<br />
experiences you’ve had as an <strong>art</strong>ist working<br />
overseas?<br />
It happened at a recent group show in Nagoya.<br />
A young man was grinning at my kinetic work ‘The<br />
Rubber Fan’ (2011) for more than 30 minutes!<br />
How <strong>of</strong>ten do you come back to Malaysia? What<br />
are your typical activities when you are back<br />
here?<br />
I used to come back twice a year but have nor<br />
been back since 2007. I usually gather with my<br />
family <strong>and</strong> friends. I also visit <strong>art</strong> galleries <strong>and</strong> the<br />
museum. I do ‘cultural research’ at the Mamak<br />
stores <strong>and</strong> hawker centers with my friends.<br />
I have a few SNS friends who are <strong>art</strong>ists on<br />
Facebook <strong>and</strong> they are my source <strong>of</strong> information<br />
about the Malaysian <strong>art</strong> scene. I think I will try to<br />
meet them in my next trip home.<br />
What advice would you give to other aspiring<br />
Malaysian <strong>art</strong>ists hoping to make it abroad?<br />
First <strong>of</strong> all I believe, if one wishes to venture abroad,<br />
one need to double one’s efforts or to pour in<br />
more energy in what one does as compare to<br />
being based back home for opportunities to<br />
appear. In the case <strong>of</strong> Japan, it has a very unique<br />
culture, it is Asia but it is not. Secondly, never ever<br />
forget your reasons for going abroad.<br />
Thirdly, ‘Let it be’.<br />
Name : Tan Ru Yi<br />
Year <strong>of</strong> birth : 1973<br />
Hometown : Kuala Lumpur<br />
Education : Nagoya Zokei university<br />
Current Base : Shizuoka, Japan
RESOURCECENTER<br />
GALLERYSHOP<br />
GALLERYCAFE<br />
‘CAHAYA’<br />
26 Oct - 25 Nov 2011<br />
Gallery REKA<br />
Curators: Kannathasan A/L Thanapal/Azman Salleh<br />
EXHIBITIONS<br />
‘LI CHI-MAO : JOY OF LIVING’<br />
25 Sept - 27 Nov 2011<br />
Gallery 2B<br />
Guest Curator: Vincent Sim<br />
The National Visual Arts Gallery was established<br />
on 27 August 1958 under the patronage <strong>of</strong><br />
Malaysia’s first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul<br />
Rahman Putra Al-Haj. Presently the NVAG,<br />
under the Ministry <strong>of</strong> Information,<br />
Communications <strong>and</strong> Culture Malaysia, aims to<br />
create awareness, underst<strong>and</strong>ing,<br />
appreciation <strong>of</strong> the visual <strong>art</strong>s <strong>and</strong> is the<br />
custodian <strong>of</strong> our national visual <strong>art</strong>s heritage.<br />
‘RAJA‘AH’<br />
ART, IDEA AND CREATIVITY OF SULAIMAN ESA<br />
(1950’S- 2011)<br />
20 Sept - 31 Dec 2011<br />
Galleries 3A & 3B<br />
Guest Curator: Nur Hanim Khairuddin<br />
www.facebook.com/ar tgaller y.gov.my<br />
‘CONCEPTUAL ART’<br />
(NATIONAL COLLECTION)<br />
9 Oct 2011 - 26 Mar 2012<br />
Gallery 1A<br />
Curator: Faizal Bin Sidek<br />
Guest Curator: Nasir Baharuddin<br />
ALI ‘MABUHA’ RAHAMAD: KEMBARA<br />
DI SARANG SENI<br />
30 Nov 2011- 31 Jan 2012<br />
Gallery 3A<br />
Guest Curator: Nur Hanim Khairuddin<br />
PELANCARAN BUKU & MINI<br />
PAMERAN : ‘PERJUANGAN PAK SANI’<br />
19 Dec 2011 - 20 Jan 2012<br />
Gallery 3B<br />
Curator: Rohana Mohd Yus<strong>of</strong><br />
International KLIB<br />
5 Dec 2011 - 31 Jan 2012<br />
Gallery REKA<br />
Curator: Rohana Mohd Yus<strong>of</strong><br />
nationalar tgaller y.blogspot.com<br />
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