Figure 1: Connectivity A Public Art Solo by Ramlan Abdullah
(Image courtesy from 'Connectivity Ramlan Abdullah (2021)' catalogue)
“One step for an artist, one giant leap for Malaysia", an iconographic callings of Neil Armstrong, by then 'Connectivity' with all its marvel has already landed at The Square Publika Shopping Gallery, Kuala Lumpur.
18th November 2021, this Malaysian Public Art Solo by celebrated sculptor Ramlan Abdullah was inaugurated by the 'Father of Malaysian Architecture', Ar. Hijjas Kasturi, exemplifying the artist’s ethos between Arts and Architecture.
'Connectivity (2021)', the name itself speaks as the connecting dots, and chronicles of Ramlan Abdullah's profound sculptural journey in our diverse Malaysian Art Scene. From the courtesy of 'Connectivity Ramlan Abdullah (2021)' catalogue, below are the five artworks representing 'Connectivity (2021)'.
Figure 2: Sundial (2021)
Figure 3: Double Disc or Dwi-Cakra (2021)
Figure 4: Seed (2021)
Figure 5: Motion in Stillness - Aryan (2021)
Figure 6: Motion in Stillness - Ayden (2021)
If 'Connectivity (2021)' confronts you in such an astronomical curiosity, rest assured it does speaks upon the connective signs and symbols of the universe we find ourselves. Engaging towards such confrontation is at the heart of Contemporary Art, where artist are interpretative agents who connects viewers inclusively, with the entity as well as experience of an artwork.
Questions on the provenance of universe, has been distinguishingly profound. Since the pre-historic days, evidence on Megaliths monument more than 5000 years ago, such as the 'Stonehenge' with its vertical and horizontal forms, is believed to be connected in regards with astronomical purpose.
These mega marvels has been connecting communities through time and space. In Malaysia alone, Megaliths sites can be found at Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Perak, and more, in Malaysia.
The construction of these gigantic marvels especially in Malaysia resides between questions of reasons or revelations?
In classical Greek, Socrates concluded "There is only one good: knowledge; and one evil: ignorance". Such notion leads us towards daily confrontations such as 'fear of the unknown'. He further describes that an unexamined life leads the soul to be "confused and dizzy, as if it were drunk", while the wise soul achieves stability, its straying finally brought to an end.
Stability is an important element within 'Connectivity (2021)'. The materials, measurement, and mechanism precisely chosen within the artists protocols and procedures depicts elements of balance within the centre of axis for all the artworks respectively.
Intersection points which connects the whole structure of the artworks depicts ability of the artist to create forms where at the same time cultivates the capacity of his chosen materials of stainless steels, aluminium, and copper, put upon the test of time.
The intersection points connecting the whole structure as in artworks 'Sundial (2021)', 'Double Disc (2021)', and 'Seed (2021)' suggests the intersected connections of 100 billion neurons in our brains, which is equal to the 100 billion galaxies in our universe.
Points and Intersections has always been an tool for artist in representing the space as well as perspective of reality. Since High-Renaissance celebrated artists has been in-cooperating linear perspective in their paintings. At that time it was a major breakthrough, to create naturalistic illusions of 3-Dimensional reality on a 2-Dimensional plane. Paintings such as 'The Last Supper (C. 1490)' by masters such as Leonardo Da Vinci utilised such tool. In linear perspective it starts with the 'Vanishing Point (VP)', the centre which controls the exclusive reality of an artwork, however 'Connectivity (2021)' embraces multiple intersection points on 3-Dimensional artworks, to embrace inclusive connection to be experienced by its audience.
All five artworks from 'Connectivity (2021)' has their respective axis. 'Sundial (20210', 'Double Disc (2021)', 'Seed (2021)', 'Ayden (2021)', and 'Aryan (2021)'structure is articulated with a centre axis from the longest 'Sundial (2021)', and shortest 'Seed (2021)'. If the interconnected intersection points controls the structural form of most of the artworks, the centre axis controls the structural balance of all the artworks. Hence, stability and balance is a vital component which unfolds the curiosity of the artist. This is evident where most of the artworks from 'Connectivity (2021)' are articulated in a free-standing position with its standing legs of three to four, celebrating its balance opposing the force of gravity. Depiction of Tripod Legs in 'Aryan (2021)', and 'Plump Bob / Plummet' in 'Seed (2021)' and 'Ayden (2021)' exemplifies balance and stability as crucial element in the artists artwork.
The axis of all the artworks in 'Connectivity (2021)' not only depicts the notion of balance and stability, nevertheless suggest the connection between heaven and earth. 'Revelations and Reasons' which connects the universe as defined as 'Axis Mundi'.
In astronomy, 'Axis Mundi' is the Latin term for the axis of the Earth between the celestial poles, a geocentric system as opposed to the heliocentric system of our universe. In simple words, Axis Mundi is the centre of the earth which connects directly towards heaven in a geocentric coordinate system.
In Islam Ka'aba in Al-Baytu-I-Haram is connected vertically to Al-Baytu-I-Ma'mur (The Worship Place of Angels), as suggested by 'Axis Mundi', whereby an axis pole which connects earth and heaven. Since the classical Greek, Mount Olympus is believed to house the gods such as Zeus, Judaism has the 'Temple Mount', Christianity has the 'Mount of Olives' and 'Calvary', Hinduism has the 'Mount Kailash' (Mount Meru). Thus the celebrated Romanian modern sculptor artist Constantin Brancusi came out with 'Endless Column (1938)', an artwork portraying components of 'Axis Mundi'.
Such centre enhance perspective which is an important factor in todays contemporary art world, where inclusiveness of multiculturalism is celebrated as opposed to exclusiveness of mono-culture. The only axis point which connects such diverse culture in Malaysia is identity, identity has became the 'Axis Mundi' which propagates an inclusive reality we find ourselves today.
Describing the discourse of identity, the articulated artworks of 'Connectivity (2021)' by the artist upon its material, methods, and mechanisms does respond towards the aesthetic principle of the indigenous roots of Malaysia. A revisited chronicle of arts and crafts, in a whole contemporary approach between form and function. Dr Zakaria Ali, celebrated Malaysian Art Historian Professor, describes the aesthetic principles of Malay Craft in 'Thoughts on the aesthetics of Malay Artifacts (2006)', such as Berhalus (Finesse), Berguna (Useful), Bersatu (Unity), Berlawan (Contrast), as well as Berlambang (Symbolic).
Creativity is a vital tool for everyone, especially artist. The artist throughout his 40 years of experiences as a professional sculptor has represented his exceptional mastery in marrying the geometric and organic motifs and patterns creating the formation of 'Connectivity (2021)' artworks.
'Ayden (2021)' and 'Aryan (2021)' are created out of organic motifs leafs and flower patterns which celebrates its geometrical structural form, suggesting industrial mechanical turbines, in consequence resembling the aesthetics principles of Berlawan (Contrast), and Bersatu (Unity), identical within its respective context.
In contrast, 'Seed (2021)' is articulated through its interconnections of geometrical motifs and patterns celebrating its organic structural form, from fixed geometrical shapes towards an organic formation of the seed itself, suggesting freedom and diversity.
Figure 7: Gyroscope Model in 3D
Engaging towards the divisiveness of the artists artworks in 'Connectivity (2021)', the artist portrays interconnections between connecting points, however also incorporates Arts with Science and Mathematics. By this time, the metamorphosis of the artist artworks are more clear through its spectrum.
An astronomical tool once used to describe the hitherto of the universe, the 'Gyroscope' suggest an important concept in ‘Connectivity (2021)’. The gyroscope in simple words is a spinning disc rotor or spinning top, positioned in between 3 Axis Gimbal which allows the gyroscope (disc) to maintained its angular orientation in all direction when tilted. A gimbal is a pivoted support that permits rotation of an object about an axis, as apparently utilised in phones or camera gimbals.
One close example of an organic gimbal is our own eyes, the lens with all its corneas, iris, and pupils are placed at a point, where even if we change or move our body position, the lens of the eyes does not follow its direction, unless done voluntarily. The eyes keeps its balance and stability to give perspective towards meaningful experiences in life, this is why the artist is so intrigued by the circle and its characteristics of the eye-ball.
The significant tripod legs mostly represented in the artist sculptural artworks depicts the number of gimbals forming a gyroscope. In 'Connectivity (2021', artworks of 'Ayden (2021)' and 'Aryan (2021)' depicts the tripod legs to symbolize the artist significant approach upon encapsulating elements of balance and stability. Whereas in the artwork 'Aryan (2021)' the gimbal which supports the structure of the turbine above the tripods are apparently visible.
The disc visible in the artwork 'Double Disc (2021)' depicts the rotating disc rotor, one significant towards the components of the gyroscope. The way 'Ayden (2021)' rotates in a horizontal plane suggest the rotation of spinning top as well as rotors presented from a gyroscopic structure.
All spinning objects has gyroscopic properties. The two (2) gyroscopic principles that an object can experience in gyroscopic motion are 'rigidity in space' and 'precession'.
Rigidity in space describes the principle that a gyroscope remains fixed on the plane in which it is spinning, unaffected by the whole rotation, for example the bicycle wheel where the rims rotate however the hubs or centre of the wheel does not, the frictions are reduced by ball bearings and grease inside the centre of the wheel. These concept 'rigidity in space' is seen on the titles of the artworks series by the artist which was used since 2004, 'Motion in Stillness', as evident at 'Connectivity (2021)' artworks such as the 'Motion in Stillness - Ayden (2021)', 'Motion in Stillness - Aryan (2021)', and 'Double Disc or Dwi-Cakra (2021)'. The other gyrospic principles is 'Precession' in angular momentum as evident in 'Ayden (2021), where its spinning property resembles a rotor disc or spinning top.
Astrophysics of the universe has not only gotten the best out of the artist with components in relative towards the gyroscope. Nevertheless the artist challenges himself with diverse knowledge connections between art, science, and mathematics. 'Connectivity (2021)' addresses the importance of energy connecting us with our environment. The motifs and patterns of organic leafs and flowers send moral messages on the importance regarding our connection with nature, where through chemical energy of photosynthesis life on earth is made possible for humankind. Such ideas is not too artificial in a contemporary or postmodern climate, execution of steel and concrete 'Super Tree Concrete Outdoor Park' as found in the Gardens by the Bay, Singapore remains a significant exemplary of sustainability. In the future the artist might articulate structures which incorporates the green factors.
Furthermore, the artist prevails connections between energy and the universe around us in ‘Connectivity (2021)’. The main force of energy in earth which holds the structures of mountains and seas is in-fact the force of gravity. It is interesting to witness how gravity creates balance and stability, in consequence creating our perspective of proportion, order, and harmony.
Eye-level and Point-of-View is important in giving perspective, for instance in the Artwork 'Ayden (2021)' if viewed from the bottom suggest a formation structure of a mechanical wind turbine, however from above suggest a spinning top, at the same time the artwork 'Sundial (2021)' is viewed as an astronomical tool from below, however from a different angle or level it also suggests an umbrella. Thus positioning is important in representing balance and stability.
In positioning 'Connectivity (2021)' artworks towards balance and stability, the artist has applied knowledges regarding mechanical engineering, utilising mathematical calculations through the precise materials, measurements, and mechanism. In the 1st Law of thermodynamics; 'The Law of Conversation of Energy', describes during any process, energy is neither created nor destroyed, but it can be converted from one form to another. In broad terms, thermodynamics deals with the transfer of energy from one form to another. This is evident in the whole process of 'Connectivity (2021)' where the artist works hand by hand with his sons who graduates from mechanical and electrical engineering respectively.
Such collaborations is visible in such concepts as 'Potential Energy (PE)' in the artwork 'Seed (2021)' whereby gravitational force is balance by the four (4) standing supports, at the same time depicting a 'Plump Bob / Plummet' at the centre suggesting measurements of balance and stability. Kinetic Energy (KE) is evident on the movements of turbine components in the artworks 'Ayden (2021)', and 'Aryan (2021)'. Both fundamental knowledge on Potential and Kinetic Energy are significant towards understanding thermodynamics as a branch of physics that studies how energy changes in a system.
Moreover, questions regarding how the artist incorporates function on his public artwork remains debatable in the mindset of a purist who addresses 'Art for Art sake', strictly paying worth towards the form rather than function. In this case, function is considered to have purpose, and purpose have timelines before it becomes obsolete. In ‘Art for Art Sake’ art has to stand alone through its forms and ideas, rather than being instrumental through its functions. However, contemporary art rejects such notion of exclusivity on the right method or approach in making art, in favour of inclusiveness where to an extent form and function has become apart of public art itself.
Contemporary art installations such as 'Whatever you love, will bring you to wines (2009)', by celebrates German Sculptor Tobias Rehberger with his profound Cafetaria art installation which utilises and blurs the demarcation between form and function, reserving his award as 'Best Artist Golden Lion' award at the 53rd International Art Exhibition of Venice Biennale 2009, has been revolutionizing the art worlds paradigm and perspectives.
In a nutshell, through its material, measurement, and mechanism, 'Connectivity (2021)' has been a chronicle of the artist’s journey through his 40 years of experience in the Malaysian Art Scene. This one of a kind Public Art solo exhibition by Ramlan Abdullah is opened to public from 16th November 2021 until 2nd January 2022. The public is welcome to experience ‘Connectivity (2021)’ inclusively on site together at The Square Publika Shopping Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
PACAQ is honoured to have Ramlan Abdullah working hand by hand as permanent member in sharing experience, thoughts, as well as guidance in areas related to Public Art in Malaysia's rapidly developing art scene.
'Keep on Charging!'
MUSADDIQ MOHAMAD KHALIL
Department of Liberal Studies
UiTM Alor Gajah
PACAQ- UITM RIG 2021
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