Thursday, July 14, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
Reproducing the Masters
'The Masters of Drawing", an art book I borrowed from Lee Khai contained works of the rennaisance masters and focussed on their drawings and sketches most of which were done as studies for larger pieces and final paintings.
Most of these works were done on parchment papers or hand made papers and the medium of rendering the drawings were pen and ink, charcoal and some in watercolors, a few were done with a more sophisticated combination of silver and graphite. the technique and style varies from one master to another.
I was mesmerized by Leonardo Da Vinci's portrait of himself at two in the morning while i was staring at it closely for the longest time. I could almost see the sweat forming on the skin of the work as the face came alive!
It is part of my ongoing study to draw from the masters it helps me to better myself wiht the various styles and techniques each artist employs and also it helps for me to recognise whose work it is after a while.
The words of my former mentor and friend the late Mr. William"Bill" Prevetti still ring in my ears today , he said, "Sam, an artist has to spend at least six hours a day drawing in order to become a master at it." After all these years of drawing I feel I am far from having grasped the essence of drawing.
A true artist for me is he who has mastered the technique of drawing especially the drawing of people not just portraits but people in general doing their everyday thing. In the East Katsushika Hokusai was one of those masters whose drawings was more appealing than his formal woodcuts.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Bersih Swept by like a New broom...
"Bersih 2.0 is proud that in spite of all the obstacles and hindrances that we were forced to face, Malaysians of all walks of life overcame the oppressive acts of the police to come out peacefully and in incredibly large numbers to show their love for their country and for the principles of justice,” said its statement."
"National laureate A Samad Said, who has become another symbol of the movement for electoral reform, led a press conference after Bersih 2.0 chairperson Ambiga Sreevenasan was arrested, saying he had never seen Malaysians being so united in championing a common cause."I have never seen all the races in Malaysia so united in one cause before. The authority looks really harsh and unprofessional. I see some women being pushed and fell,” said the soft spoken literary activist."
"Our reason for gathering is pure and simple – to demand the electoral roll be cleaned, that the postal voting system be reformed, that indelible ink be used, a minimum 21 day campaign period be instated, free and fair access to media for all be provided, public institutions be strengthened, and for corruption as well as dirty politics to be stopped."
"This is Malaysia’s single most important defining moment in recent history, and we are fully confident that the rakyat will heed the call to safeguard the principles Malaysia was founded on and together ensure that we pass down to our children a nation that is just, democratic and united in love for one another."
Everyone and anyone that had any interest in the whole 'Bersih' phenomena has had their say in defence or in attacking the movement or simply as most Malaysians are apt to do, just ambivalent about the whole affair as yet another 'Malaysia Boleh'. For me personally it was one moment in time and history of this country when Malaysians of all walks of life, colors and races stood for what they believed in and faced the inevitable, the very law and enforcement agency that was employed to protect them. They the police too were just doing their thing however, over zealous at times but still without law and order only chaos rules. It is all a relative matter depending upon what one has to gain or loose as one taxi driver in KL interviewed on TV claimed his day's losses while little did he realized the gains being made in the long run for his country's integrity, his and his family's bill or rights being set aright and the fact that his manhood as a Malaysian is being redeemed by those who dared to participate along the streets.
Against all odds the people marched towards the Merdeka Stadium which was promised as a venue for the meeting by the ruling party and which later was withdrawn for security reasons, the flip floppping of the Primeminister's indecisiveness only weaken the support for him as a leader; it was also set as a mockery to the King who had offered to defuse the situtation by offering an option towards both parties involved. The Media itself was put to the task to report without fear or favour but sucummed to favour and fear by highlighting only the worse case scenarios which favours the government while the opposition controlled favours their side of the story. The is no truth and the whole truth only that which the individual who can take the trouble to piece it all together like a jig saw puzzle can see it all in the bigger picture.
At the end of the day this Nation is still in the grips of those who suffer from the three illnesses, Greed, Hate and Ignorance.
The greedy cannot loose a day's worth of business even on a weekend for a National cause nor can they give up their control over the purse strings they hold which events like these tends to expose. The threat of arrest and manhandling of those who are arrested reveals the hatred one group has for the other disguised in whatever form and in this case in the form of 'National Security'. Ignorance? How many in this country really understood the real motives and reasons of the Bersih march? How many really cared to? With all the sophistication in mass media coverage and in rapid form of educating the public available today we failed as a Nation to make it happen in a proffesional and peaceful manner, Why??
Instead of focussing on the immediate subject of 'Fair Electoral', what it is what is means to all why the issue if being raised we were forced to deal with mudslingging and backbiting, fears and paranoias by political parties who are guilty of hijacking the event to suit their interests. They betrayed the people the whole lot of them and they betrayed the King in the process. if there is any accountability for this whole mess is to be addressed to, it is these so called political leaders whoever and on whichever side they belong. They should be made to explain what Bersih was all about and how it jeopardized their positions or enhances it, or threaten the Natinal Security. The people who voted them deserves the explaination and so does the law in this country. Enlighten us, please! Enlighten the folks in the villages and the small towns what 'Free and Fair Electoral System is all about; the uneducated and the fencesitters needs to know the Truth, just the simple Truth - not politics...there is no Fairness in Politics!
"National laureate A Samad Said, who has become another symbol of the movement for electoral reform, led a press conference after Bersih 2.0 chairperson Ambiga Sreevenasan was arrested, saying he had never seen Malaysians being so united in championing a common cause."I have never seen all the races in Malaysia so united in one cause before. The authority looks really harsh and unprofessional. I see some women being pushed and fell,” said the soft spoken literary activist."
"Our reason for gathering is pure and simple – to demand the electoral roll be cleaned, that the postal voting system be reformed, that indelible ink be used, a minimum 21 day campaign period be instated, free and fair access to media for all be provided, public institutions be strengthened, and for corruption as well as dirty politics to be stopped."
"This is Malaysia’s single most important defining moment in recent history, and we are fully confident that the rakyat will heed the call to safeguard the principles Malaysia was founded on and together ensure that we pass down to our children a nation that is just, democratic and united in love for one another."
Everyone and anyone that had any interest in the whole 'Bersih' phenomena has had their say in defence or in attacking the movement or simply as most Malaysians are apt to do, just ambivalent about the whole affair as yet another 'Malaysia Boleh'. For me personally it was one moment in time and history of this country when Malaysians of all walks of life, colors and races stood for what they believed in and faced the inevitable, the very law and enforcement agency that was employed to protect them. They the police too were just doing their thing however, over zealous at times but still without law and order only chaos rules. It is all a relative matter depending upon what one has to gain or loose as one taxi driver in KL interviewed on TV claimed his day's losses while little did he realized the gains being made in the long run for his country's integrity, his and his family's bill or rights being set aright and the fact that his manhood as a Malaysian is being redeemed by those who dared to participate along the streets.
Against all odds the people marched towards the Merdeka Stadium which was promised as a venue for the meeting by the ruling party and which later was withdrawn for security reasons, the flip floppping of the Primeminister's indecisiveness only weaken the support for him as a leader; it was also set as a mockery to the King who had offered to defuse the situtation by offering an option towards both parties involved. The Media itself was put to the task to report without fear or favour but sucummed to favour and fear by highlighting only the worse case scenarios which favours the government while the opposition controlled favours their side of the story. The is no truth and the whole truth only that which the individual who can take the trouble to piece it all together like a jig saw puzzle can see it all in the bigger picture.
At the end of the day this Nation is still in the grips of those who suffer from the three illnesses, Greed, Hate and Ignorance.
The greedy cannot loose a day's worth of business even on a weekend for a National cause nor can they give up their control over the purse strings they hold which events like these tends to expose. The threat of arrest and manhandling of those who are arrested reveals the hatred one group has for the other disguised in whatever form and in this case in the form of 'National Security'. Ignorance? How many in this country really understood the real motives and reasons of the Bersih march? How many really cared to? With all the sophistication in mass media coverage and in rapid form of educating the public available today we failed as a Nation to make it happen in a proffesional and peaceful manner, Why??
Instead of focussing on the immediate subject of 'Fair Electoral', what it is what is means to all why the issue if being raised we were forced to deal with mudslingging and backbiting, fears and paranoias by political parties who are guilty of hijacking the event to suit their interests. They betrayed the people the whole lot of them and they betrayed the King in the process. if there is any accountability for this whole mess is to be addressed to, it is these so called political leaders whoever and on whichever side they belong. They should be made to explain what Bersih was all about and how it jeopardized their positions or enhances it, or threaten the Natinal Security. The people who voted them deserves the explaination and so does the law in this country. Enlighten us, please! Enlighten the folks in the villages and the small towns what 'Free and Fair Electoral System is all about; the uneducated and the fencesitters needs to know the Truth, just the simple Truth - not politics...there is no Fairness in Politics!
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
MOMEE the Raptor- The making of.
It took over a month and some ten to twelve students and staff members of MGTF to put together Momee using recycle materials and left over paints. Today the raptor stands behind thick wire fences in a corner of the Gallery as part of an ongoing exibition.
The time i spent hanging out with the UNIMAS studetns from University Malaysia in Sarawak was most rewarding and it has made me feel young againat least in my heart. The students were a very enthusiastic lot and were always up to something to keep themselves busy. They knew how to have a good time doing simple things and not costing too much.
Here Momee the headless raptor met the Director of Tourism Penang for the first time.
MGTF staff Rosli giving the kids a durian feast. He was most helpful to the kids and well loved by all of them while they were here.
OH what joy it is to be having durian while taking a break fron putting Momee together.
Monday, July 04, 2011
And the King has spoken!...
Below is the translated full text of the King's statement:
“I am following closely the developments of the proposed gathering and procession by Bersih with the aim of handing over a memorandum to me as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and how the Government, particularly the agencies and departments concerned, is handling the issue.
“However, I believe that the nation's leadership under Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is capable of handling this problem in the best possible way.
“I urge that amid the political fervour of a section of the people to bolster democracy in our country, it must also be ensured that this demand on democracy does not bring destruction to the country.
“Generally, we cannot be following too much the practices in other countries, as harmony and stability are vital foundations for a country and which all quarters must protect.
“I also urge the Government to carry out everything that is entrusted to it by the people in a just and wise manner, and it is important that I, as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, do not want to see this country with a plural society in a situation where there is animosity among them or a section of the people being enemies with the Government, on whatever grounds.
“When any problem arises, we as a civilised society must resolve it through consultations and not follow our emotions, as the Malay saying goes Yang dikejar tak dapat yang dikendong berciciran (Not getting what we chase for and spilling what we carry).
“The fact is, street demonstrations bring more bad than good although the original intention is good. Instead, we should focus on our main objective to develop this country, and not create problems that will cause the country to lag behind.
“Remember that there is no land where the rain does not fall, there is no ocean that is not turbulent. That is how important moderation and compromise is, which has been long in practice by our nation's administration.” - Bernama
“I am following closely the developments of the proposed gathering and procession by Bersih with the aim of handing over a memorandum to me as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and how the Government, particularly the agencies and departments concerned, is handling the issue.
“However, I believe that the nation's leadership under Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is capable of handling this problem in the best possible way.
“I urge that amid the political fervour of a section of the people to bolster democracy in our country, it must also be ensured that this demand on democracy does not bring destruction to the country.
“Generally, we cannot be following too much the practices in other countries, as harmony and stability are vital foundations for a country and which all quarters must protect.
“I also urge the Government to carry out everything that is entrusted to it by the people in a just and wise manner, and it is important that I, as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, do not want to see this country with a plural society in a situation where there is animosity among them or a section of the people being enemies with the Government, on whatever grounds.
“When any problem arises, we as a civilised society must resolve it through consultations and not follow our emotions, as the Malay saying goes Yang dikejar tak dapat yang dikendong berciciran (Not getting what we chase for and spilling what we carry).
“The fact is, street demonstrations bring more bad than good although the original intention is good. Instead, we should focus on our main objective to develop this country, and not create problems that will cause the country to lag behind.
“Remember that there is no land where the rain does not fall, there is no ocean that is not turbulent. That is how important moderation and compromise is, which has been long in practice by our nation's administration.” - Bernama
Sunday, July 03, 2011
CLEAN - BERSIH
Over the past few months Malaysian have been at odds with the upcoming event of the 'Bersih' demostration whixch has been organized by an NGO body and backed by the opposition as well as various other non governmental institutions and ploitical parties in the country. What is 'Bersih' or the English translation of which being Clean?
The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih 2.0) is comprised of Malaysian civic and human rights organisations campaigning for electoral reforms and independent monitoring of elections in the country. Bersih 2.0 plans to hold a mass rally on 9 July 2011 to demand for, among others, fair access of all political parties to the media, reform of postal ballots and a revision of the electoral roll to address irregularities for the upcoming 13th General Elections to be held in mid-2012.'
Coalition for Free and Fair Elections (Bersih 2.0) has called for a mass rally on 9 July to demand electoral reforms. And that is all this is about as I see it, the people at the initiative of the few who has the ability and courage to do it is leading the people to claim their fundamentle right to a Clean free and fair Election and it ihas been way long over due for this to happen as has been proven from all parties in the political arena of this country the electorial infrastructure set up in this country needs a revamping to say the least and true to the last Prime Minister's campaign a sense of transparencycy is needed for all to see and acknowledge that there is no fear or favour at any level where the elction process in this country is concern. This is the Most Basic Human Right of a Citizen of any nation without which the is no sense in voting.
"SUARAM is appalled by the arrests and the on-going crackdown on freedom of expression, a fundamental right which is guaranteed under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Federal Constitution of Malaysia. "
So what has this got to do with any political party whether the Government of the Opposition? If anything this is the voice of the people the concience of the people as a whole not any single unit or party and the aim is to enshrine a Clean and Fair Electoral Mandate for the Nation such that the future of our children whatever or wherever they may originate from be well safe gaurded from any form of exploitation or corruption. It is our solemn duty as Policemen, Doctors, Lawyers, Fishermen, Farmers and whatever political party or faith we hold to make sure this happen at least once in our lifetime. Our future generation, our children will be able to look back at their history and say to themselves thank you, Mom, Dad for standing up for our legal rights. The prime Minister should lead this example as his children too will benifit from its outcome ans so will all the children of Malaysians.
"SUARAM is also extremely disturbed by the lack of civil engagement on the part of the authorities. Very little has been said or done to address the core issue, which is the need for electoral reform to help provide a level playing field for all parties. Instead, the mass media and other government institutions are continually confusing civil society demands with a ‘hidden opposition agenda’. Ministers and supposedly independents institutions such as the Election Commission are going out of their way to paint Bersih 2.0 as ‘troublemakers’"
It is my understanding that the aim of the Demostration or Gathering is to deliver to the King a letter of intent by the leaders who organized this movement as a symbol of their appeal or the Nation's appeal for His Highness to deliberate upon the issue and grant a Royal Comission to look into the matter. The people is appealing to the highest of all courts in the country it is their right to do so, my right your right and the right of miilions of Malaysians like you and me. I fail to understand why the King has not uttered a word on this matter, a matter that is so volatile as it threaten to disrupt the Nation; why is His Highness not taking any action now like what is stopping Him from asking the Letter whatever form it may be be delivered to Him NOW! There is no need for any demonstration but just dfelivered by the few key leaders and He will give it all His Effort as befits in the Natinal Interest? His Highness the King is a very highly educated and intelligent man and no ordinary monarch. His highness can and should step in to deffuse this this volatile time bomb. His Highness is well loved and respected and the Nation will abide by his wishes at the end of the day. But who am I to even suggest such a move to my King? Where do I even begin?
"SUARAM is also appalled by the attitude shown by the Police in its practice of selective persecution, only targeting those who are in opposition to their political masters. This is unbecoming of a law enforcement agency that is supposed to serve all and protect all, without regard for political affiliations.
SUARAM demands that the government stop this campaign of intimidation against human rights defenders and allow them to continue to exercise their right to freedom of expression."
If I am arrested for writing my feelings over this matter as such so be it, but I am sad and I am sorry for what this country has come to and I am disillusioned by what is happening to my fellow Malaysians most of whom are trapped into taking sides intimidating eachother over issues that they do not even sit to think or most do not even care to understand anymore for what is at stake in their lives and those of the children's. My fellow Malaysians are becoming more and more aggressive towards eachother simply for their differences in beliefs and understanding and the saddest of all is the fact that they are being exploited and manipulated by the very system they elected and trusted. Where is the Divine intervention in this hour of our need, we who claim we are religious and tolerant, where is the justice when all hell is about to break loose on account of ignorance?
For th love of this beautiful country (it still is..), I call upon all concern to step back and rationally access what is it that this is all about. It is not a 'Cancer' case, it is not a Doomsday Event, it is what is long overdue that we all stand together irrgardless of who we are and let our voices be heard in one form or another or forever be silenced!
The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih 2.0) is comprised of Malaysian civic and human rights organisations campaigning for electoral reforms and independent monitoring of elections in the country. Bersih 2.0 plans to hold a mass rally on 9 July 2011 to demand for, among others, fair access of all political parties to the media, reform of postal ballots and a revision of the electoral roll to address irregularities for the upcoming 13th General Elections to be held in mid-2012.'
Coalition for Free and Fair Elections (Bersih 2.0) has called for a mass rally on 9 July to demand electoral reforms. And that is all this is about as I see it, the people at the initiative of the few who has the ability and courage to do it is leading the people to claim their fundamentle right to a Clean free and fair Election and it ihas been way long over due for this to happen as has been proven from all parties in the political arena of this country the electorial infrastructure set up in this country needs a revamping to say the least and true to the last Prime Minister's campaign a sense of transparencycy is needed for all to see and acknowledge that there is no fear or favour at any level where the elction process in this country is concern. This is the Most Basic Human Right of a Citizen of any nation without which the is no sense in voting.
"SUARAM is appalled by the arrests and the on-going crackdown on freedom of expression, a fundamental right which is guaranteed under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Federal Constitution of Malaysia. "
So what has this got to do with any political party whether the Government of the Opposition? If anything this is the voice of the people the concience of the people as a whole not any single unit or party and the aim is to enshrine a Clean and Fair Electoral Mandate for the Nation such that the future of our children whatever or wherever they may originate from be well safe gaurded from any form of exploitation or corruption. It is our solemn duty as Policemen, Doctors, Lawyers, Fishermen, Farmers and whatever political party or faith we hold to make sure this happen at least once in our lifetime. Our future generation, our children will be able to look back at their history and say to themselves thank you, Mom, Dad for standing up for our legal rights. The prime Minister should lead this example as his children too will benifit from its outcome ans so will all the children of Malaysians.
"SUARAM is also extremely disturbed by the lack of civil engagement on the part of the authorities. Very little has been said or done to address the core issue, which is the need for electoral reform to help provide a level playing field for all parties. Instead, the mass media and other government institutions are continually confusing civil society demands with a ‘hidden opposition agenda’. Ministers and supposedly independents institutions such as the Election Commission are going out of their way to paint Bersih 2.0 as ‘troublemakers’"
It is my understanding that the aim of the Demostration or Gathering is to deliver to the King a letter of intent by the leaders who organized this movement as a symbol of their appeal or the Nation's appeal for His Highness to deliberate upon the issue and grant a Royal Comission to look into the matter. The people is appealing to the highest of all courts in the country it is their right to do so, my right your right and the right of miilions of Malaysians like you and me. I fail to understand why the King has not uttered a word on this matter, a matter that is so volatile as it threaten to disrupt the Nation; why is His Highness not taking any action now like what is stopping Him from asking the Letter whatever form it may be be delivered to Him NOW! There is no need for any demonstration but just dfelivered by the few key leaders and He will give it all His Effort as befits in the Natinal Interest? His Highness the King is a very highly educated and intelligent man and no ordinary monarch. His highness can and should step in to deffuse this this volatile time bomb. His Highness is well loved and respected and the Nation will abide by his wishes at the end of the day. But who am I to even suggest such a move to my King? Where do I even begin?
"SUARAM is also appalled by the attitude shown by the Police in its practice of selective persecution, only targeting those who are in opposition to their political masters. This is unbecoming of a law enforcement agency that is supposed to serve all and protect all, without regard for political affiliations.
SUARAM demands that the government stop this campaign of intimidation against human rights defenders and allow them to continue to exercise their right to freedom of expression."
If I am arrested for writing my feelings over this matter as such so be it, but I am sad and I am sorry for what this country has come to and I am disillusioned by what is happening to my fellow Malaysians most of whom are trapped into taking sides intimidating eachother over issues that they do not even sit to think or most do not even care to understand anymore for what is at stake in their lives and those of the children's. My fellow Malaysians are becoming more and more aggressive towards eachother simply for their differences in beliefs and understanding and the saddest of all is the fact that they are being exploited and manipulated by the very system they elected and trusted. Where is the Divine intervention in this hour of our need, we who claim we are religious and tolerant, where is the justice when all hell is about to break loose on account of ignorance?
For th love of this beautiful country (it still is..), I call upon all concern to step back and rationally access what is it that this is all about. It is not a 'Cancer' case, it is not a Doomsday Event, it is what is long overdue that we all stand together irrgardless of who we are and let our voices be heard in one form or another or forever be silenced!
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