Exhibitions Archives - Mudframes PicturesMudframes Pictures

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.

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.

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.

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).

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”.

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.

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.

MISI 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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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).

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.

February 12, 2012

Launch of “Coast to Coast” Photography Exhibition

After many weeks of preparation which culminated with 5 hours of knocking on solid brick walls, the launch and running of my first solo photography exhibition, “Coast to Coast” is finally under way at Leonardo’s Dining Room and Wine Loft in Jalan Bangkung, KL, near Bangsar.

The cocktail reception began at 7pm at the Wine Loft. Though there wasn’t a huge crowd, the small but cosy turn-out kept things warm and manageable. A few guests turned up unexpectedly, and that really made my day.

I realised the resulting mood and feel of the images and the feelings that go with viewing them on the wall differ greatly from the sentiments during which they were taken. The end results may convey a totally different impression from the initial intentions, if any. This is more apparent when a series of pictures with a common theme or connecting element (i.e. boats, motion, water) are placed next to each other.

The potential sale of photographs may not be as high as sculptures or canvas paintings, both of which are a more ‘hands-on” and highly engaging works of art. However, I hope some of my pictures would exert similar visually arresting emotions in the eyes of some viewers, if not all, in this highly subjective nature of appreciation for colours, shapes and scenes.

“Coast to Coast” previews until April 15, 2012. Do hope you enjoy this simple display of my works.

I do welcome sales enquiry of any pictures that capture your delight.

February 6, 2012

“Coast to Coast” Photography Exhibition

I’m in the midst of final preparations for my first solo photography exhibition, titled Coast to Coast which will be held in Leonardo’s Dining Room & Wine Loft, Jalan Bangkung, Bangsar on the 12 February, 2012. It’s a small selection of 22 high quality prints for sale, from my over 100 pictures of all things coastal, though “coastal” here has a pretty loose interpretation, as you may discover soon enough.

Coast to Coast is a collection of pictures depicting where the edge of the land meets water, its geographies and the people who have carved a home out of it for themselves. More importantly, these photographic expressions point to an urgent need to re-examine our relationship with clean water, a fast depleting natural resource.

This huge network of water is an indispensable support structure and sustenance that is often taken for granted. Rapid industrial growth and economic advancement in this modern day leads to major pollution and overfishing which threaten livelihoods of fishermen and food security worldwide. It is with awe that we fail to realize the ocean, being a body of water occupying two-thirds of the world is made for men with no gills, as observed by Ambrose Bierce.

The joy and bewilderment I hold for the beach is simply indescribable. Almost everything about it is refreshing and enlightening. Time spent in its vicinity is made sweeter by fast changing hues in the skies that link budding moods to moments. Thoughts wander, mind unwinds, memories alive.

The sound and sight of rushing waves speak to the soul. The resulting effect is calming, almost sensual. People have long been drawn to this beckoning call of the ocean. The allure and charm of the ocean is likened to that of watching a crackling bon fire, the power of which is both mesmerizing and awe-inspiring. Coastal escapades indeed are a place of healing and joy.

The ocean is where lives and cities are lost, souls are reborn, many a song is written, knowledge gained, and communities of families are raised. From ancient greek mythologies to present day science discoveries of what we know about this complex but beautiful ecosystem, this large habitat is as much a food source as it is, an indicator of our world’s health.

I’ve always been struck by the beauty of coastlines, their sensitive ecosystems and the ways in which man has become a part of it all. These pictures try to capture some of that fascination.

From mangrove swamps to estuaries, lakes, rivers, streams, tributaries and beaches to the wide open ocean, Coast to Coast aims to string together the elements of humanity that inhabit the edge of the biggest habitat on earth. This exhibition offers the viewer a glimpse into the various economic, social and tourism aspects of this vast ecosystem.

The soft launch begins at 5pm till 7pm. Cocktails will be served. While it’s a small photography exhibition, I do hope you would drop by to check out my works and hopefully, we can forge new social and working relationship in this exciting 2012.

Am certainly looking forward to seeing you all there! Come walk with me from Coast to Coast.

“There is indeed, perhaps, no better way to hold communion with the sea than sitting in the sun on the veranda of a fishermen’s cafe”. ~ Joseph W. Beach

July 18, 2011

World Hepatitis Day 2011 Malaysia Campaign in Sunway Pyramid

Finally, after 3 months of photoshoots, intensive planning and furious run arounds; all stretched out on a shoe string budget, the main event for the World Hepatitis Day 2011 Malaysia Campaign has come to fruition in Sunway Pyramid on 16-17 July 2011. The event was held at LG2, Blue Wing from 11am - 5pm.

As the official photographer for this event, there were many activities held from official launch till early evening. KLPac’s Theatre for Young People (T4YP) kicked off with a short but entertaining sketch on hepatitis awareness. There were also band performances and energetic Jazzercise sessions.

The main highlight of this event is of course, free hepatitis screening for the public. The campaign has in store 6,000 FREE blood tests, of which about 850 blood tests were registered in Sunway Pyramid alone.

The remaining hepatitis screenings will be held in various participating hospitals all over the nation up till 30 July 2011. So if you’re still reading this in time, go get your blood test done quickly!

Among the many activities in Sunway Pyramid was a photography exhibition of my works which were already on display in Pelita Hati Gallery’s “Being There” photo exhibition last month. Instead of the entire collection of 22 pictures, there were only 12 pictures exhibited.

Apart from these pictures which would be for sale (a portion of the proceeds goes to World Hepatitis Day funds), I also showcased another 12 pictures (24″ x 36″) of the placard bearers. The number “12″ denotes the shocking statistic that one in 12 people worldwide is living with either chronic hepatitis B or chronic hepatitis C. While this is far higher than the prevalence of HIV or any cancer, awareness is comparatively low and the majority of those infected are unaware that they carry the virus.

Ashley Khoo a.k.a “Summer”, the professional online gamer, dropped by to show her support.

On both days from 3pm – 5pm, there was a “Pledge your support!” photography session, where willing participants can choose a message of their liking (e.g. “C a doctor”, “Know your liver” and “B aware”) before posing for a photo. These photos will be uploaded to World Hepatitis Day’s photo album in Facebook. As a reward, these participants will be entitled to a 12% discount off their next photography session with me worth RM 400. If their pictures are tagged, they will enjoy a 24% discount instead.

Initially the plan was to shoot against a white projector screen as the backdrop. However, I soon found out it was not appropriate as some of the subjects turn up in groups of 3 or more. The backdrop couldn’t fit all of them. As a result, on the second day, I shot all subjects against the side of a “tent” (a make-shift “room” used for liver screening for the public) as the backdrop.

I’m using a simple two lights setup here. One shoot-thru umbrella close to subjects on camera left and a hidden CTO-gelled accent strobe at waist height (pointed upwards), behind the bunting. My settings were 1/200 sec, f/5 @ ISO 100 on full manual for all shots.

This “Pledge your support!” offer which is valid until 31 Dec 2011 includes no less than 30 high quality pictures plus 5 black/white pictures and a CD, all softcopies. 3 print-quality softcopies (selected by yourselves) will be provided for the first 12 customers. As this is a promotional package, there’ll be no hard copy prints provided, though, if you would like one, I can have it arranged for you.

This photo package is well suited for any individual portraiture, family, children, baby or birthday shoots. And oh, by the way, this offer is transferrable. For more information, please contact me.