Singgang Hulu - Queensland Art Gallery

A Micro Study Of Langkasuka
Building A Bridge To The Land Across
Having studied the culture and tradition of the ancient Malay kingdom
of Langkasuka and traversed this ‘resplendent land’ (langkha in
Sanskrit) for more than a decade, the knowledge I have gathered
is still incomplete. I have met thousands of great masters yet feel
I have learned from only one. After each discovery, I sketch my
findings and observations: by drawing motifs to untangle my feelings,
and by seeking out symbols to understand its ancient language,
I attempt to unravel the questions and mysteries plaguing my mind.
Lovers of history share a passion for researching and documenting
whatever materials they can find, in the hope that these will lead to
a great discovery. Records written by past travellers, merchants and
scholars are evidence of the existence of a history or civilisation.
Nowadays, however, with new technologies, new modes of thinking,
and society’s increased awareness of its roots being uncovered and
examined in a critical light, some propose that a number of these records
function merely as channels for the writers to offer practical advice —
promoting civilised lifestyles and didactic narratives — to be used as
guidelines in life. Moreover, the vast diversity of disciplines in the field of
historical study today often leads to confusion about certain historical
facts. It is therefore the responsibility of all researchers, regardless of
whether they are historians, geologists, artists or archaeologists, to
work together to find ways to explain and validate the truth in history.
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