Skip to main content

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





Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

3D Spectrum : Diverse Expression - "Mat Teropong (2025)" by Ali Bebit

  Figure 1: Ali Bebit with his work "Mat Teropong (2025) - Image Courtesy by Artist 12 July - 31 July 2025 marks the exhibition "3D Spectrum : Diverse Expression" at HARTA Space, Ampang Selangor. This 3-dimensional exhibition catalogue was published, and curated by Pelita Hati. Among the celebrated artist in this group show are: Abdul Hakkam, Ali Bebit, Fairus Ahmad, Hilal Mazlan, Iskandar Murad, Liu Cheng Hua, and Shaliza Juanna.  Figure 2: Group Picture -Image Courtesy by Artist With all due respect, I have viewed almost all of the works exhibited in the show. Each and every art makers have their respective art oeuvre on approaching a divergent expression which harmonises what the exhibition title had proposed "3D Spectrum". I believe a divergent approach in todays contemporary art scene is as well equipped as its convergent counterpart. After all we are unique individuals bolstered with unique characters in a multifaceted society we address ourselves. It is ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Kem Rebung Seni (2025) at TuAS: Harvesting Innovation in Formal Art Education

  Figure 1: A Poster of "Kem Rebung Seni 2025" 27 July 2025 - Marks the opening date of this innovative Art Camp given the name "Kem Rebung Seni (2025)", taking place at Tukang Arca Art Space (TuAS), an all rounded Art Space managed by Dr. Rosli Zakaria, an Academic-Artist base in Melaka.  This Art Camp is a collaborative team project between Tukang Arca Art Space (TuAS), with the support of the National Art Gallery (NAG), Melaka State, District Education Office (PPD) Masjid Tanah, with four (4) secondary schools around Masjid Tanah, focusing entirely on innovating formal art education. The Art Camp highlights aspects on; Art Dialogue & Discussion, Art Talk, Eco Sculpture, as well as Eco Painting. Its objective is to focus on creative and innovative aspects among the chosen candidates from the art camp, who are secondary school students taking art subjects as a part of their school curriculum. This interesting camp also addresses the theme of "Adding Self V...
Post a Comment
Read more

Imposing Dimensions: A Malaysian Contemporary Sculptural Exhibition

  A Malaysian Sculpture Exhibition: Courtesy of Imposing Dimensions E-Catalogue 17 December 2022 - 15 January 2023, a celebrated Malaysian Contemporary sculpture exhibition took part at China House Gallery, Penang. A platform for Malaysian Sculptural Art Scene Co-Organised by HOM and RAG.  Hosted at one of Malaysia's promising state, accountable for the earliest Malaysian pioneering Modern Art Group; Penang Watercolorist Group (1930). Almost a 100 years today, a historical journey through the nations sculptural art platform takes charge. This cutting edge platform is showcasing Malaysia's established and emerging sculpture artists through Modern and Contemporary epoch, epitomise in a whole sculptural showcase persenting: Mad Anuar Ismail, Ramlan Abdullah, Raja Shahriman Raja Aziddin, Zakaria Sharif, Rosli Zakaria, Sharmiza Abu Hassan, Daud Rahim, Aznan Omar, Shaharuddin Supar, Zuraimi Rahim, Zulkifli Lee, Idrus Rani, Irsyaduddin Maktar, Fakhrurrazi Fatziruddin, and Aqil Mahmoo...
Post a Comment
Read more