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POSTs For Arts Category

November 14, 2015

Exploring Chiang Mai, Thailand

It was my first time visiting Chiang Mai, Thailand and I must say that I prefer Chiang Mai over Bangkok, though, the latter is best known for shopping. If shopping is not your thing, and you’d still like to experience great Thai street food without the deafening hustle and bustle of the city, then Chiang Mai is for you.

Chiang Mai is also known as the “New City” of the 13th century ancient Northern Kingdom of Lan Na, crucial in the then political histories of Southeast Asia. Despite the progression of many centuries later, the people of Chiang Mai today are very proud of their heritage as evidenced by the documentation, presentation and superb execution of all things tourism that is Thailand.

I spent almost two full days walking the Old City of Chiang Mai alone with my trusted Fuji X-T1, just wandering aimlessly through the streets and alley ways. It was really an enjoyable experience without any definite plans. It was just knocking around into different sounds, sights and smell of a place filled with tasty street food. Here are some photographs from this first-time visit to Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai city, Thailand

Disrupting Geometry I

Chiang Mai city, Thailand

Disrupting Geometry II

Chiang Mai city, Thailand

“Curb”-ing boredom

Chiang Mai city, Thailand

Ground rules

Chiang Mai city, Thailand

Creative design at play

Chiang Mai city, Thailand

The roadside seamstress

Chiang Mai city, Thailand

Hung out to dry

Chiang Mai city, Thailand

Viewing art I

Chiang Mai city, Thailand

Viewing art II

Chiang Mai city, Thailand

Glaring thirds

Chiang Mai city, Thailand

Searing reaction

Chiang Mai city, Thailand

Fill in the blanks

Chiang Mai city, Thailand

Urban segment

Chiang Mai airport

Containment

Chiang Mai airport

Maintaining the legacy of Piet Mondrian

Ping river in Chiang Mai city, Thailand

Ping river

Ping river in Chiang Mai city, Thailand

The skies in the water

Chiang Mai city, Thailand

A public view

Chiang Mai city, Thailand

Real world desktop

Chiang Mai city, Thailand

Yellow cab

Chiang Mai city, Thailand

The curious neighbour

Chiang Mai city, Thailand

Young order

Chiang Mai city, Thailand

Traffic scouts I

Chiang Mai city, Thailand

Traffic scouts II

Chiang Mai city, Thailand

After school

Chiang Mai city, Thailand

The other side

Chiang Mai city, Thailand

Structured education

Chiang Mai city, Thailand

Individual manifestations

Chiang Mai city, Thailand

Traffic imprisonment

Chiang Mai city, Thailand

The odd-wheeler

Chiang Mai city, Thailand

Apathy

Chiang Mai city, Thailand

When yellow comes alive

Chiang Mai city, Thailand

Shuttered

Chiang Mai city, Thailand

The beginnings of a master piece

Posted in Arts, Children, Travels · Tagged arts, bicycle, chiang mai, children, dog, photography, river, school, streets, thailand, travels, vespa, xt1 · Leave a Reply ·
May 11, 2014

Lost Childhood Photographs

Looking for pre-wedding photography ideas? How would it be like imagining rediscovering your lost childhood photographs in which your stranger-then wife was present right next to you back then? It was a rather vivid, euphoric and eureka-like moment when I had the idea of putting together some pictures depicting my wife and I at a particular moment back when we were little.

I set about searching for old photographs of us and matched them according to the year they were taken. For instance, pictures taken during 1986 would see me, a 5 year-old boy being right in the frame; where I don’t belong, right next to my wife, a 2 year-old girl. It was either a case of photoshopping myself into her photographs or her, into mine.

Lost childhood photographs

1985: Sneaking up on me during a nap

The challenges of this attempt were many. I had to find the right expressions and body language so I could blend them effortlessly and believably into the scene. The condition and age of the photographs that have been kept for so long caused a great variety of discolouration. This plus the different lighting conditions under which the photographs were taken cause a wide range of colour cast and temperature difference.

Lost childhood photographs

1986: Cheeky me

Lost childhood photographs

1986: Me and my bread

Lost childhood photographs

1986: Can’t take this off from me

Hence, when merging the photographs, I had to be careful to desaturate and perform some colour balance on either one of our pictures to maintain consistency. Sometimes, it worked brilliantly while other times, it looked just too fake. Shadow fall was one of the biggest headache in mimicking. Nevertheless, I thought this never-been-done before concept as an accompaniment to our very own DIY pre-wedding photography would be something extraordinary, if not, “eerie” representation of our historical relationship sealed in time.

I scanned all the pictures on a flat-bed scanner, and up-sampled the images by gradually and methodically increasing the pixel count. I ended up with really large resolution images of an otherwise low-res straight-out-of-the-scanner reproduction of the physical photographs. They could easily go up to a 16″ x 20″ print.

Lost childhood photographs

1988: Fun times at the beach

Lost childhood photographs

1988: A stroll at the beach

Lost childhood photographs

1988: Here we are…

Logically, I did not photograph any of these pictures. It just goes to show how important children photographs are in documenting and reliving one’s fleeting little moments. In this digital age, I’m certain most parents will end up having a large pool of stock images of their children. They will never know when their children will end up using them creatively like in this case.

In contrast, I had actually very little material to work with. Of course, the more pictures, the better, as I had a wider range of scenes and possibilities to work on. Nevertheless, it has been a terrific and enjoyable experience putting together these little mementos with a tinge of humour in what have been one of the most interesting series on lost childhood photographs.

I am indeed glad at the injection of this uniqueness in my wedding.

Chalkboard with lost childhood photographs on display on an easel during wedding

2014: From then, till now

Posted in Arts, Children, Weddings · Tagged arts, children, photography, prints, weddings · Leave a Reply ·
January 27, 2014

AbbVie’s MISI 2014 Educational Symposium

I was recently present as the official photographer for AbbVie‘s major event of the year: Asian Multidisciplinary Interactive Symposium in Immunology (MISI) 2014 at Le Meridien Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. This healthcare professional symposium calls for the convergence of 3 medical disciplines in the area of Immunology; namely Rheumatology, Gastroenterology and Dermatology.

This 2-days educational symposium (25 – 26 January 2014) for healthcare professionals from both the private and government healthcare sectors is jointly organised by AbbVie, Malaysian Society of Rheumatology, Malaysian Society of Gastroenterology & Hepatology and Dermatological Society of Malaysia. The conference featured leading specialists in their respective field of interests, with doctors, professors, pharmacists and researchers conducting talks on updates and challenges of the management and treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID) affecting the joints, gut and skin.

MISI 2014 participants registering themselves

Participants during MISI 2014 Participants during MISI 2014 Participants during MISI 2014 Participants during MISI 2014

Registration began at 8.30 am before the Plenary session kicked off where everyone came together for opening remarks and talks that set the tone for the rest of the day.

Participants during MISI 2014

Dr Subrata Ghosh speaking to audiences during MISI 2014 Prof Dr Sanjiv Mahadeva addressing MISI 2014 Dr Peter Nash speaking during MISI 2014 Dato Dr Gun Suk Chyn addressing MISI 2014 Panel of doctor speakers during MISI 2014 Dr Diamant Thaci speaking to audiences during MISI 2014 Dr Diamant Thaci speaking to audiences during MISI 2014 Prof Aslam Anis speaking at MISI 2014 Dr Subrata Ghosh speaking to audiences during MISI 2014

Panel of doctors discussing during MISI 2014 A participant listening to a panel of doctors discussing during MISI 2014

Subsequently, the program broke off into 3 separate breakout sessions by their respective medical disciplines; Rheumatology, Gastroenterology & Dermatology, to cater to the various interest groups. Highly interactive workshops were also conducted where dialogues were exchanged between panel of speakers and participants from the floor.

Prof Aslam Anis speaking at MISI 2014 Participants during MISI 2014 Dr Simon Roger speaking during MISI 2014 Dr Shereen Ch'ng speaking during MISI 2014 Dr Shanthi Palaniappan speaking during MISI 2014 Dr Raja Affendi Raja Ali speaking during MISI 2014 Dr Peter Nash during MISI 2014 Dr Nor Fariza Ngah speaking during MISI 2014 Dr Mogana Sivalingam speaking during MISI 2014 Dr Maxime Dougados speaking during MISI 2014 Dr Masato Okada speaking during MISI 2014 Dr Kenneth Lee speaking during MISI 2014 Dr Ida Hilmi speaking during MISI 2014 Dr Ida Hilmi speaking during MISI 2014 Dr Heselynn Hussein speaking during MISI 2014 Dr Heselynn Hussein speaking during MISI 2014 Dr Azura Mohd Affandi speaking during MISI 2014 Dr Azura Mohd Affandi speaking during MISI 2014 Dr Azura Mohd Affandi sharing a light moment with Dr Diamant Thaci Dr Arvind Jayaseelan speaking during MISI 2014

MISI 2014 was also an event that served to exhibit finished artworks by participating artists from a recently concluded “Perspectives – Art, Inflammation & Me” Art Project, of which I too was a participant attempting to offer my artistic perspectives of arthritic patients. Apparently, there were only 3 full time participating artists in this project, while the rest were all design students from INTI College’s division of INTI Center of Art & Design (ICAD).

Participants of MISI 2014 having a view of Mudframes Pictures' photographs by Melvin Tong Participants of MISI 2014 having a view of Mudframes Pictures' photographs by Melvin Tong Participants of MISI 2014 having a view of a painting by artists from INTI College Participants of MISI 2014 having a view of a painting by artists from INTI College

I have to say I was immensely impressed by the works of art by these young students from INTI International College Subang. Not only were they aesthetically balanced and pleasing, they offered a very unique and deep interpretation of the disease and patient experiences that brings with them, a very strong concept. The works hold themselves pretty solidly.

I was especially drawn to these two of my favourite pieces; “The Beauty” and “Fortitude”.

Painting titled "The Beauty" by INTI College art students Painting titled "Fortitude" by INTI College art students

There was also a booth where real patients demonstrated to curious visitors how it feels like to have arthritic fingers. Thick rubber bands were tightly tied onto visitors’ hands to simulate the restrictive movement arthritis causes as a result of stiffened joints.

Visitors experiencing what it feels like to have arthritis during MISI 2014 Visitors experiencing what it feels like to have arthritis during MISI 2014 Visitors experiencing what it feels like to have arthritis during MISI 2014

As the event for the first day drew to a close, a short video interview session was held to interview all participating artists for this “Perspectives – Art, Inflammation & Me” Art Project. The footage filmed will be collated into a short behind-the-scenes account of these artists’ endeavour in coming out with the pieces.

Interview with artists involved with Abbvie's Perspectives Art Project during MISI 2014 Interview with artists involved with Abbvie's Perspectives Art Project during MISI 2014 Interview with artists involved with Abbvie's Perspectives Art Project during MISI 2014MISI 2014 was truly a well balanced event in that not only speakers and participants were from all over Malaysia; a select few key speakers were also flown in from Japan, France, Canada & Australia, offering an up to date 360 view on current treatment practices and challenges. The event’s format was carefully crafted to enable medical practitioners from the 3 IMID-related disciplines mingle and cross-pollinate ideas and views in a more cohesive and dynamic environment.

This synergistic approach not only benefited medical practitioners by lending them a platform for voices to be made and heard, the event also took on an unexpected twist by hosting a special “Insights Into the Life of Patients” session by guests speakers on the second day; Ms Ding Mee Hong (a rheumatoid arthritis patient), Mr Eugene Clifford Cross (a psoriasis patient) and Mr Leong Jia Ming (a Crohn’s disease patient).

Mr Eugene Clifford Cross sharing his experiences as a Psoriasis patient during MISI 2014 Participants during MISI 2014 Participants during MISI 2014 Ms Ding Mee Hong sharing her experiences as a Rheumatoid Arthritis patient during MISI 2014 Ms Ding Mee Hong sharing her experiences as a Rheumatoid Arthritis patient during MISI 2014 Mr Leong Jia Ming sharing his experiences as a Crohn's disease patient during MISI 2014 Mr Eugene Clifford Cross sharing his experiences as a Psoriasis patient during MISI 2014

These patients came on stage to share with the audience on what it means to be living with their respective diseases. The potentially poignant and tear-inducing session highlighted their trials and challenges in dealing with the inner demon, while putting up with the public in trying to manage and making their condition understood. The key takeaway from this session was the importance of social support from understanding family and friends.

The second day of MISI 2014 concluded with a Live Talk Show touching on the impact and burden of IMID from Bio-Psycho-Social Aspects, hosted by Simon D’Cruz.

Dr Benjamin Cheah speaking during MISI 2014 live talk show Simon D'Cruz hosting a live talk show during MISI 2014 Simon D'Cruz hosting a live talk show during MISI 2014 Ms Chu Ai Reen speaking during MISI 2014 live talk show Mr Paul Jambunathan speaking during MISI 2014 live talk show Dr Chan Lee Chin speaking during MISI 2014 live talk show

The Deputy DG from Ministry of Health (MOH), Datuk Dr Jeyaindran was also present to deliver his closing remarks before being escorted for a gallery walk of the exhibited artworks.

Datuk Dr Jeyaindran speaking at MISI 2014

Datuk Dr Jeyaindran during MISI 2014 art gallery walk with Abbvie personnel

Datuk Dr Jeyaindran during MISI 2014 art gallery walk with Abbvie personnel Datuk Dr Jeyaindran during MISI 2014 art gallery walk with Abbvie personnel Datuk Dr Jeyaindran during MISI 2014 art gallery walk with Abbvie personnel Datuk Dr Jeyaindran during MISI 2014 art gallery walk with Abbvie personnel

Posted in Arts, Corporate, CSR, Events, Exhibitions, Healthcare · Tagged abbvie, arthritis, arts, artwork, corporate, csr, events, exhibition, gun suk chyn, healthcare, hotel, ida hilmi, jeyaindran, moh, paul jambunathan, photography, prints, simon d'cruz · Leave a Reply ·
October 19, 2013

Artistic Perspectives of Arthritic Patients

Arthritis has always been a vague understanding of a disease of the joints for as long as I can remember. I just know it as something that gives your joints the “wind chill”. So it came as a welcomed opportunity to delve into the disease when I agreed to take part in AbbVie‘s worldwide art campaign named “Perspectives – Art, Inflammation and Me”, to offer my perspectives of being an arthritic patient as part of Mudframes’ CSR efforts.

This highly interactive art campaign brings artists together with people with an IMID (immune-mediated inflammatory disease) to offer a unique insight into what it means to live with one of these diseases. Why “Perspectives”? Perspective is a technique or process used to represent objects as they might appear to the eye (Perspective Art). It is also the ability to view or interpret things from a relative – or in my case – from a patient’s point of view.

The Perspectives initiative will see a series of paintings, sculptures, photos and other artistic expressions developed around the world to creatively portray and help others understand the impact of IMIDs. Each artistic expression will depict a significant “moment of meaning” within the person’s journey with their disease.

A panel of judges in Malaysia will select the best art piece (i.e. ONE) to represent each therapy area – Rheumatoid Arthritis, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Psoriasis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Collitis). These will be subsequently sent for global judging where a group of international panel representing international art expos, museums, patient and medical associations, along with AbbVie executives will select the most creative and impactful artworks from each country for an internal launch and external debut in 2014.

I was paired with two arthritic patients during the recent World Arthritis Day celebration in Seremban. As the event drew to a close, I spent some time speaking with two female patients at one of the halls in the National Council of Women’s Organisations (NCWO) premise. This series of four images (two representing each patient) are symbolic of the patients’ experiences and journey with rheumatoid arthritis.

Imprisoned

"Imprisoned" - Fingers of an arthritic patient holding onto metal bars

The arthritic fingers clinging helplessly on a row of metal bars signifies the patient’s forlornness and deprivation of freedom as though being incarcerated in a dark world of imprisonment. This representation is highly characteristic of the patient’s testimony of not being able to perform her favourite activities as a result of her disability from arthritis.

“I have always loved swimming and sewing. But since I was diagnosed with arthritis a year after the birth of my second son, I felt helpless. I couldn’t perform my favourite activities anymore. It’s no different being in a prison. It feels as though my freedom and wants have been completely stripped off me,” Siti (not her real name) says.

Disability is both a physical and mental handicap that prevents a person from living a full and normal life. It puts someone at a position of great disadvantage. Incapacitated, one is not being able to do what one wants. This visual of imprisonment resonates strongly with this phenomenon of being held back behind bars. She wouldn’t have been able to enjoy playing with her grandchildren or actively involved in sports activities. However, as the gap between the bars show, she could still watch in vicarious thrill of all the many wonderful things that revolve around her two children. More importantly, it’s a two way channel through which she could reach out to them. All is not lost.

Nails In Hand

"Nails In Hand" - Fingers of an arthritic patient grasping a bunch of nails

The arthritic fingers grasping a bunch of nails echoes the patient’s sensation of pain experienced as though being swarmed by red ants and cold prickly needles. The overflowing nails signify the immense pain felt occasionally especially during cold weather or even spending too long a time at the shopping mall. The tight grip of nails also connotes her determination and strength in overcoming the obstacles arthritis poses. This symbolic fist of control stands out against a gloomy and pitch black backdrop of pain and lost.

“Mornings are especially a dreadful moment when it is pretty cold. The coldness of the air is tingling, piercing and especially stinging. Arthritis is a disease which is highly averse to the cold weather. I don’t like being in the cold. That includes being in a car with too cold an A/C. I feel like a sunflower at times, craving for the warmth of the sun. The joy and pleasure of being washed over with warmth in the transitioning away from cold makes me ‘bloom’ in comfort,” Nora (not her real name) says.

I could identify really well how it feels to have your hands crawled all over with red ants and bitten by it. I experienced the same too when any part of my body is numbed from the lack of blood flow. It feels just like a million needles nudging at you. Perhaps the sensation is magnified many folds by grasping tightly at a bunch of nails. It’s painful. I guess, this visual is also strongly representative of the fact that the patient has come to “grips” with the disease. As with any experiences, familiarity breeds desensitization of the condition. One needs to be strong and brave to grasp a bunch of nails tightly. At least I know she is, without a doubt.

Puppeteered

"Puppeteered" - Fingers of an arthritic patient hanging like a puppet

A puppeteer manipulates puppets in a series of actions; the former being Arthritis, the latter, the patient. More often than not, an arthritis patient’s actions and abilities are controlled and greatly influenced by the disease. The patient has lost their free will to act and is hugely defined by what the disease allows them to do. However, over time, the patient is able to resist this control and eventually break free from this bondage by adapting as evidenced by the frail looking ropes.

“It’s difficult to eat with my hands nowadays. I can’t cup my hands without gaps in between my deformed fingers. Due to lost of strength in my hand, I have to pull up the car hand brake with two hands! When I would like to move my fingers in a certain direction, I couldn’t because of the permanent deformity. Hence, I have to compensate by moving my arm in a certain direction and motion to perform the task. Joint damage by arthritis is irreversible. As much as you’d like to move in a certain way, you just can’t without adapting and improvising. It’s as though there’s this unseen force possessing you against your will,” Siti (not her real name) says.

It appears that all of the activities a patient tries to perform smoothly isn’t perfectly what they hope to be. The mind is willing but the body not. The patient may want to reach their back for a scratch but their arthritis-ravaged shoulder joints may not allow them to. A patient may want to bend over to pick up an item but is unable to do so because of their physical disability. Arthritis is a disease with a mind of its own, attempting to exert its deadly influence over the patient. However, through sheer determination and creativity, any patient can overcome this. If I have arthritis, I would feel like a puppet. But if I’m mentally strong, I can break free from these strands of manipulative ropes!

Time

"Time" - Fingers of an arthritic patient holding a clock

The arthritic fingers clutching the clock signify an attempt at grappling with the disease on a constant struggle to battle against time. Any basic movement is slow and an arduous effort. Executing any actions seem to take forever. Time suddenly seems intangible, immaterial and “unidentifiable” as evidenced by the unmarked clock. It appears this setback impinges on one’s freedom and quality of life, but it also serves to harden the fighting spirit to overcome this disability creatively as demonstrated by this patient; hence the white clock in an otherwise gloomy setting. Hope prevails.

“A bath session of 2 hours includes a mere 5-10 min of actual showering; I have to extend my arms/shoulders and bend in a complicated “dance” move to bathe. The rest of the time is spent resting from exhaustion! I have to plan my actions well to avoid inconvenience of having to move much. For instance, I lay out the morning necessities by my bedside; i.e. vitamins, tooth brush etc, so they are easily within reach. As a result, I got creative! When I make coffee, I ensure I sweeten it first to avoid making another trip to the kitchen once I seat myself down at the living room. Planning ahead keeps my mind active and helps me move smoothly through the day,” Nora (not her real name) says.

The first thought that struck me upon hearing her getting about her daily routine was what a constant struggle it was against time to accomplish the most basic functions. It feels as though the patient easily loses track of time as they get absorbed into accomplishing a task. Time just stand still. It is said that time heals all things. But it can be the most torturous experience for a patient riddled with uncontrolled severe arthritis. It either works against you, or work with you. This jovial patient has clearly chosen the latter by being creative and mentally alert to combat this debilitating disease.

—

I made a 36″ x 24″ foam board-mounted vinyl print out of each of the pictures above to be donated to AbbVie, who will be using them as educational tools to raise awareness of IMIDs. I chose foam board as I needed a very lightweight material for ease of handling and transport, as these art pieces may go on an international tour and exhibitions if selected.

Photography art pieces in Mudframes Studio showing fingers of arthritic patients as part of a worldwide art campaign

This CSR project has been both an insightful and eye-opening experience for me. Learning the disease and empathizing with the patients’ experiences have been especially humbling and helpful to get a grasp of living with this debilitating medical condition.

More importantly, I get a first hand appreciation of the determination and courage of these patients in dealing with arthritis with an aura of hopeful joy. It sure does gives the notion that in the end, it’s all just a matter of the mind.

I wish I could have completed the series on Psoriasis and other diseases in the IMID group for a more comprehensive coverage but unfortunately, this initiative came to my knowledge too late a time. Perhaps with funding from the right parties and more planning, growing this to a larger scale with more impact would be possible. Until then, I’d just have to make do with four symbolic images of rheumatoid arthritis.

Posted in Arts, CSR, Healthcare, Portraits, Strobist · Tagged abbvie, arthritis, arts, concept, csr, healthcare, highlights, photography, portraits, prints, strobist, world arthritis day · Leave a Reply ·
May 16, 2013

“No Boundary” Art Exhibition at Seni Art Gallery by The Studio @ KL

It has been just a little over a year when I first met the really cool bunch of people from The Studio @ KL during a corporate team building event. Time just flew past as fast as a stroke of the brush and since then, I’ve been witnessing the extraordinary growth and progress of this undisputed champion of the culture of art jamming in Malaysia.

12 months forward, The Studio @ KL is proud to launch its first ever art exhibition titled “No Boundary” at the Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara, featuring the works of its students who have completed their “Adult Artist Class” painting course. Each class lasts for 3 hours with 4 available time slots over a week to cater to one’s convenience. I was present to photo document the event on a short notice and I must say, it’s been a fantastic experience.

Arrival of guests at the "No Boundary" art exhibition at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.Arrival of guests at the "No Boundary" art exhibition at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.Arrival of guests at the "No Boundary" art exhibition at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.

Boasting over 50 students who have completed the course, art jamming at The Studio @ KL is truly a multi cultural experience with students who hail from Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand to UK, US, France, Switzerland and Austria. Under the guidance of an experienced and highly qualified professional art teacher cum artist, participants will be taught  to work with oil or acrylic paint. All painting materials including a stretched canvas will be provided and participants will be able to bring home their completed works.

KL has been blessed with more art exhibitions in recent years due to its increasingly maturing and rapidly evolving Art scene. The “No Boundary” art exhibition is truly an exhibition with a twist – a showcase of the works of common KL residents themselves, unlike most exhibitions who feature works of trained, famous and established artists. The fact that these exhibition-worthy pieces are the works of students who’ve never painted before nor even remotely entertained the thought of dabbling with brush painting speaks volume.

Guests mingling at the "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.Guests mingling at the "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.Guests mingling at the "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.Guests mingling at the "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.Guests mingling at the "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.Guests mingling at the "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.

The Studio @ KL, located at Publika, Mont Kiara opened its doors for the public to paint in April 2010. Their open, friendly and engaging approach has reaped dividends for these artists who were given an opportunity to take part in their very own first joint exhibition. “No Boundary” certainly lived up to its name and reflected the ethos of The Studio @ KL – regular people have talent and given the right environment and impetus, that talent can be harnessed on the canvas.

The thinking that “I cannot paint” should be no boundary to one’s creative talent. No one should be dismissive of their hidden abilities at the canvas and as this exhibition clearly showed; you wouldn’t know until you try it.

This “Everyone can paint” concept was wonderfully demonstrated in spades at the exhibition as the adult students proudly admired their work with family and friends amidst gasps of awe-struck approvals. I too was very impressed with these art works and couldn’t help imagining that these were the works of regular folks!

The "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.The "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.The "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.The "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.The "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.The "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.The "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.The "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.The "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.The "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.The "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.The "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.The "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.The "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.

The Studio @ KL is truly a place for regular KL-ites who just want to paint – not just for the firmly established globe trotting professional artist. “We firmly believe in the creative side that lies within each one of us. Sometimes people just need a little push to unlock this hidden gem. A lot of our students initially walk in nervous and shy, not believing they have what it takes to create a piece of Art.  We strive to make all our students relax and provide them a warm and conducive environment to paint,” Jennifer Tan, founder of The Studio @ KL says.  It is this outlook that has made The Studio @ KL a resounding success – people picking up a brush and giving it a go. After all, what does one have to lose?

“No Boundary” art exhibition is a testament to the students’ talent. Most are homemakers and young professionals who paint in their spare time. What they have produced is truly incredible and remarkable beyond words.  It is a very prolific showcase as students paint what they wish to as opposed to an imposed or set prescribed program. “These students’ achievement should serve as an encouragement to us all. Banish all self doubt, step up to the palette and enjoy!” Jennifer says.

The very much well received launch event which saw an overwhelming turnout of about a 100 odd guests started at 8.00 pm and ended at 10.30pm. The large crowd of family and friends mingled among themselves, chatting and laughing to good wine and simply delectable finger food, while other visitors glided from one painting to another, quietly admiring the works of art.

Jennifer Tan addressing the guests at the "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.Jennifer Tan addressing the guests at the "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.Jennifer Tan addressing the guests at the "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.Jonny Ishaque addressing the guests at the "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.Jonny Ishaque addressing the guests at the "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.The "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.The "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.

I love drawing, sketching and colouring when I was little. I’ve painted using water colour but have never done so on a canvas. This exhibition has really impacted my view of painting as a highly rewarding art form, both socially and emotionally. It’s a very hands-on approach to articulating your thoughts and creative vision on a blank work space.

The tactile feedback of interaction with a stretched canvas, the smell of freshly mixed acrylic paint and variations of a brush’s pressure points and strokes all contribute to a highly relaxing but engaging session of free-flowing orchestration of a colourful vision-to-creation endeavour. It’s certainly a very therapeutic and intimate attempt at connecting with one’s present, past and the future. The possibilities of a resulting piece are thus endless with such unbridled creative force at play.

Most of these exhibited works are produced based on pictorial references (i.e. painting while referring to a picture). I’m amazed to see the wide range of resulting images produced by the students, from abstract art and people to scenery and a slice of life, or even bizarre representations of a faint memory of a different life experience.

Seen here below are some of the artists with their painting(s).

Artist with her painting at the "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.Artist with her painting at the "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.Artist with her painting at the "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.Artist with her painting at the "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.Artist with her painting at the "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.Artist with her painting at the "No Boundary" art exhibition, by The Studio @ KL at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.

If you are interested in taking up the “Adult Art Class” or doing a one off “Art Jamming” session, or even remotely toying with the wonderful idea of getting your hands dirty with colour, then I strongly suggest that you visit The Studio @ KL to get a good grasp of the various services on offer. You won’t be disappointed, if you keep an open mind that is.

The “No Boundary” art exhibition is currently showing at the Seni Art Gallery, Changkat Duta Kiara, Mont Kiara, KL 50480 from the 16 May 2013 to 29 May 2013.

The Studio @ KL Team at the "No Boundary" art exhibition at Seni Art Gallery, Mont Kiara.

Posted in Arts, Events, Exhibitions · Tagged art gallery, art jamming, artists, arts, events, exhibitions, paintings · Leave a Reply ·
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