The painting of pledges
An exhibition reflects on the freedom of expression in new Malaysia.
For visual artist Jeganathan ramachandram, the new government in Malaysia has brought positive changes. He feels, from an artistic standpoint, there is more freedom of speech and as a result, it has been easier for him to create works.
“I’m not really political, but I’ve been watching the new developments in the country. For the artist community, we have more freedom of expression. Before May 9, we had artist friends like Zunar and Fahmi reza arrested. Art was curbed and the freedom of expression restricted. So if you ask me, May 9 marked a new world, a restart of a creative world, where we now have collective unity and a voice,” says Jeganathan, 56, in an interview at Art outlet gallery in Publika, Kuala Lumpur.
Jeganathan’s thoughts on the new government and its first 100 days in office can be seen in One Hundred Days Of Solidarity, a group exhibition at Art outlet.
“Before this, I could not express myself fully because I would have been questioned. I would have to hide. Artists have a duty to express how we feel. If not, we are not artists, only wall decorators,” says Jeganathan.
The show features eight works, with other contributions from Stephen Menon, Liu Cheng Hua, Shukur rani, Zulkefli Talha, Yong Chon Hua, Azizan Paiman and roslisham Ismail.
For this exhibition, Jeganathan contributes a pair of paintings – Malaysia Phase 1 and 2. Both depict the same subject, but look closely, however, and you will find references to many Malaysian issues of the day. one painting, Jeganathan reveals, was painted in April, before GE14. The other was was painted after, and its references are clearer and easier to spot. One Hundred Days Of Solidarity contains works – paintings and a sculpture – discussing the changes in the Malaysian political climate.
Liu’s painting 100 Days appears minimal ... just the number “100” with a black background. “The number 100 is the icon from our Whatsapp emoji. It represents how we spread news. If you notice, there are a lot of Chinese chess pieces inside the number. They represent the idea of strategy and formation, how the first 100 days was for the new government to strategise,” says Liu.
The work of Zulkefli, on the other hand, features a mudstreaked buffalo. The painting is named after a Malay proverb “Seekor Kerbau Membawa Lumpur, Habis Semua Terpalit” (one Buffalo Brings Mud, Everyone Is Smeared).
“As people, if you are ever involved in a scandal, everyone associated with you gets the bad name. Society blames the whole group. So this is sort of a reminder, whether you are a husband, father, CEo or politician. A leader crosses the line, all the rakyat also suffer,” says Zulkefli, 46. One Hundred Days Of Solidarity is on at Art Outlet, Art Row, Publika in Kuala Lumpur till Sept 7. The gallery is open from Mondays to Sundays from 11.30am to 8pm, and is closed on public holidays. For more information, call 016-932 2877 or visit FB: Art Outlet.