Art KL-itique

With the noble ambition of encouraging "...artists to produce works outside of their ‘comfort zones’...", only Awang Damit plays to the theme with a couple of small but interesting brick installations, complete with the "...formal elements in his two-dimensional pieces..." Haffendi Anuar elucidates an abridged analysis of each artist's contribution , including this description for Gan Chin Lee's large painting teeming with sexual tension - "'Ellie Thinks About Art Through Me', a portrait devoid of a social framework and concentrates instead on the single subject matter (the classical reclining female figure), the picture’s formal qualities and the reward from pure visual experience." Doubling poses compromise the realistic rendering of a female body, but Chin Lee's fantastic blend of colours project passionate warmth, which makes up for the drawing deficiency. Gan Chin Lee - Ellie Thinks About Art Through Me (2014) Haslin Ismai...

Having done residencies there, it is no surprise that acting curator Astrid Köppe selects Lostgens’-affiliated artists to participate in this exhibition . As one whose artistic output is mostly A4-sized drawings, Astrid hopes to raise local awareness towards drawing being regarded as a complete artwork, and not just as preparatory sketches. Her curatorial statement also describes drawing as "...simply the most direct way of expression for an artist. It is personal, intuitive, immediate, enriching and also intriguing…” Still recovering after being blown away by the sketches of the Bouroullec brothers last June, it takes effort to recognize the subtle complexities in Astrid’s illustrations. Organic forms and coloured ink draw visual contrasts that tap into the subconscious, a refreshing experience not found in her more adventurous but straightforward works, which feature the usage of bamboo skewers, pins, shadows, and plastic grass! Wall of drawings by Astrid Köppe Nylon...

Retiree Kamal Mustafa conflates moving images and canvas painting in his coming out as a fine artist, whose compositions reflect a career behind the camera. Like a spectral spectator, the former director leads us through a netherworld of ear-y (pardon the pun) passages, occasionally taking refuge in spaces with personal images. Alighting steps towards the contemporary world, the phantom observes portly emperors and kingmakers from behind, then proceeds past the current sphere into higher and alternate dimensions. Cinematographic detachment is detected in the blurring which exists across the exhibits, where neon colours intermingle with earthy textures to surprisingly great effect. Evident in both "Archivist" paintings, such colour combinations and an unforgettable image mask scrawling lines, while a painted pinkish drip and black spiral staircase firmly anchor the viewer's perspective. Parallel Universe Red (2013) The artist observes acutely , that "(t)he...

Art collective Findars move into Jalan Panggong above Lostgens', a strategic location for its mostly ethnic Chinese supporters to visit and attend performances. Its opening exhibition features rotting vegetables, grotesque drawings , bloody fantasies, patterned prints, and cheerful watercolours. The space's industrial set up provides a practical background for the variety on show, which best works are contributed by Tey Beng Tze and Lim Keh Soon. Rachel Jena once described that both artists "...applied the aesthetics of (manga and comic) graphic works into their art, lending to images that are at once highly narrative and distinct." As compared to the garish mess seen at the absurd NVAG show, these drawings on paper are stripped down but more potent, corroborating that simple contrasts create an effective visual impact. Lim Keh Soon - Diam!! (2013) Greeting the visitor is a large pen drawing by Beng Tze on 25 pieces of yellowed (newsprint) paper, featurin...

Appreciating artworks by Noor Azizan Rahman Paiman across two floors, the smell of warm bread complements the visual appetite being sated. An unofficial retrospective  spanning twenty years, these colourful collection provides a decent representation of Paiman's output on paper and canvas. Studies for the 1994 "Pursuing a Dream" installation display intricate drawings, yet the torn canvas indicates a subversive intent, which eventually unveils itself in the blue flying bird seen in 'Insect Man'. As Rachel Jena observes , "...these imaginary beings have featured heavily in the artist’s oeuvre since..." Such flying creatures are present as Malaysian parliament members in 'Wakil Pilihan Rakyat!', the printed quotes augmenting pictures with biting and incisive political commentaries. A similar approach pervades the 2005-2007 "AP" series, where shiny paper is used as a reflective device within the small works.  From the "Issue Now ...

Walking around to appreciate “exhibits that explore the relationship between tradition and innovation in contemporary design”, wooden moose heads recall the taxidermy trophies in hunting traditions, also the symbol of a commercially successful design. Pretentious art take the form of foam wardrobes and Bo Reudler Studio's "Slow White" furniture, while beautiful aesthetic that do not forsake function, are seen in chairs that update existing designs. Martino Gampar's and Marten Baas' contemporary interpretations of the Monobloc, attract a Malaysian audience accustomed to this polypropylene outdoor staple. Rattan proves to be an attractive substitute materials used in recreated chairs by Émilie Voirin and Jérôme Nelet, also utilised by Cordula Kehrer for her whimsical "Bow Bins". Interpretations of the Monobloc at "New Olds" Farah Azizan from Kedai Bikin seems to be the only local featured designer (or named, at least) in this 3-year ol...

The more one knows about the subject, the more likely one gets drawn into its politics. Worse yet, Facebook activism. I admire Cheng Yen Pheng’s output in the past few years, where she utilises inflated balloons as symbols of chauvinist power. Nothing new, but a concept worth exploring beyond the boundaries of a painted canvas. However, art can evoke powerful emotions, especially the heart-wrenching and repetitive wails of “This my painting, last few days still here, but right now no more!”  Once again  the National Visual Arts Gallery (NVAG) demonstrates a lack of critical thinking, as they removed Yen Pheng's work without her knowledge on opening day of the Bakat Muda Sezaman competition, her painting labelled as sensitive . A Malay political slogan is liken to an English idiom about death, its spray painted graffiti denoting a rebellious expression from society's underbelly. Here it is: Cheng Yen Pheng - alksnaabknuaunmo (2013) Yen Pheng's recorded respon...

As chemically uninteresting gold is, it has retained its value as a successful currency due to its material splendour. The same applies to many other natural elements, which shine and sparkle tantalises one’s vision. Azliza Ayob crystallises her perceived fascination with bling , by sprinkling decorative glitter atop collage and acrylic in this series . The only work that follows a visually linear narrative, à la her Mughal miniature paintings , is ‘All That Glitters: The Quest’. Fiery pinnacles represent an inferno threatening to swallow the protagonist, who extends one palm towards the forbidden fruit, while the other arm morphs into a phoenix’s wing. Eve’s extravagant crown grows from an earthy gown, a contrast to the bright flowing drapes of the character to the right. The tree of life sprouts from a Robin Hood head – complete with feathered cap – as toxic green clouds, flying jewellery, and an assortment of fantastical creatures envelop the eastward-facing scene. All That Gl...