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Contemporary: The Giant Chair that 'Dictates' UiTM Melaka Entrance

 



The Origin of the word 'Contemporary' derives from both words Medieval Latin Con (together with) + Tempus/Tempor (time), evolving into late Latin Contemporalis, and revolutionized as the 'Contemporary' in the mid 17th Century which remains significant especially in the Art World today. 

What sparks the heyday of Contemporary Art which is simultaneously associated with Multiculturalism/Pluralism remains on the shared Maxim of Fragmented Narrative, Championed by Post-Modernism

Art is viewed as self-expressions by western-centric philosophers which dictates the Individualism/Humanism as a Worldview. Whereas in eastern/oriental-centric Art is seen as a collective expression or symbol of pride on dictating the Worldview of Collectivism, this is seen on the majestic symbol of 'Keris' in the Malay World, technically it acts as a weapon, practically its adorned with mesmerizing intricate beauty between proportion and aesthetics, and symbolically as a majestic symbol of his royal highness and grace bestowed on the people of the land. 

These worldview between the hegemony of the Oriental and Western beliefs on Art in todays Contemporary Art Scene remains as an excitement towards the Artwork, conflict on the Artist, and blessings upon the Audience in interpreting between 'Art for Art Sake' and 'Art for Society'. In this Pluralist/Multiculturalist era, the Art of the Oriental and Western does not dictate regions, race, and religion, but belongs as an Artwork for the Art World, appreciated inclusively rather than exclusively.

This is one of the blessings of Contemporary Art where Audience can experience Art as it is in the form of 'Public Art', where Artwork does not meant to be dictated exclusively by the Galleries and Academies but also for the vast majority of the Public. Controversially in the other hand, 'Public' as is the mass stakeholder who contributes majority of the Annual Tax Pay. This sort of Liberations is a transcendental process towards a well-being and live-long Learning community, in sustaining an inclusive connection between the vast community and the Art World.  

The multiple connotation which dictates the Artist/Artwork/Audience in todays Contemporary Art Scene does not acts as burden for Modern Artist, but also as a count of blessings in the Art Scene especially here in Malaysia. We have witnessed the Malaysian Art Biennale by the National Art Gallery (MNAG) in 2017 showcasing a vast collection of Contemporary Art such as Conceptual Art, Installation, Video Art, Performance Art, and Happenings expressed upon the theme 'Belas' which also means Compassion/Mercy. As of what I have seen, as a blessings towards a dynamic shift of change on the dictation of modern Artwork/Artist/Audience. 

My Concerns are, how far does the vast majority of Malaysian understand this blessing of Contemporary Art? and to what extent do we move on enhancing the illiterate towards a literate journey, especially in this unique Multicultural Malaysian Art Scene.

I see this 'Giant Chair' as a symbol of Shift/Change towards a better Malaysian Art School Paradigm, which is in ensuring the excellency of Praxis-Perfect rather than just Practice-Perfect.

Thank You

MUSADDIQ MOHAMAD KHALIL
Department  of Liberal Studies
UiTM Alor Gajah
PACAQ- UITM RIG 2020





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