'Turpentine', 48x48 inches, Oil on aluminium, 2022 (Sold) As I make these works I can't help but think about light, particles and the way consciousness affects these things on a molecular and atomic level. The 'Double Slit Experiment' has shown us that light behaves and changes its nature from particles to waves - depending on whether we observe them or not. From recent global experiments with plants, it has also been observed that our frequencies, intent, sound waves and thoughts affect the behaviour of living things. That is to say, in my own personal practice; my consciousness affects the work. For example, the type of music I play in the studio : Influences my moods, which in turn, influences the work, and how the oil and mineral spirits - in the beginning - inert substances, wait patiently for an energy source, a murmur, which will determine its course in nature and the unfolding of its purpose. In life too we are inert beings. Awaiting a cause and mobility towards a reason, a purpose and upon a resolution, we return to a state of awaiting. A cycle that repeats and replenishes itself, fulfilling its optimum state of being. Like a dance, a performance. A dream. So the question is, why fight it? This state of flow and being. This thing called life. The work aims to realize and actuate these important states of being, as well as thought processes which exist in nature and in the observable universe. Allowing the materials to become as they wish. Consequences of letting go fully and accepting that what it needs to become, it will so be. For me as an artist, it is a difficult thing to do. I like to work on things. Constantly tinkering. Why is that so? The work aims to discuss this, to ponder this reaction in myself and in all of us. 'Supernova', 48x48 inches, Oil on aluminium, 2022 (Sold) I began making aluminium works at the end of 2019. Constantly evolving the work through experimentation, the results intrigued me. With ‘Particles’, I have let go of the need to have things opaque and allowed the mediums transparency to show through. I wanted to highlight the reflective quality of the aluminium panels, finding a balance between form and suggestion. Instead of working on the floor (like before), for this body of work I made all the works at waist height : 30 inches. At this elevation, I found more control over the striations and in the medium. The balance between momentum and deliberacy are the elements that define the work, yet this mathematical and scientific process (to me), also sums up life and its myriad of choices. As an artist and as a student in the university of life, I am passionate and curious about these topics. With knowledge and understanding, we are able to cultivate and curate our own existences. We have access to a lot of knowledge which isn't taught in schools or in higher learning establishments. The unseen laws and philosophies which have worked for a millennia is available to all who seek it and to test in their own lives through practice, training, faith and belief. For example, earths gravity is such, that an apple falls down instead of up. Consequently, trillions of bacteria and cells work in unison and in harmony to create the human body as we see it. We are the shells in which consciousness resides in.
It's those unseen, immovable yet crucial forces in the universe that informs my work. I hope you enjoy the works and what meaning(s) they bring to your psyche - That we are all moving parts in a larger framework.
0 Comments
I didn’t coin this term. Although some people think I did. Whack Only is a saying which is very Malaysian. To whack, means to hit something bluntly with moderate to heavy handed force. So the saying Whack Only implies ‘to get things done bluntly’.
The basic premise for whacking something has to come from a place of confidence. When you whack only, you have to have some knowledge of what you’re whacking. For example : If you are shooting a video, or creating a piece of artwork, or writing a storyboard or treatment. You already have the necessary experience. Or you can YouTube it. You know about composition, tone, pace, technique, editing, color, musical notes, how to write a good copy etc. So, armed with the knowledge of the craft - just whack only - with the correct intent. When you whack only, you’re getting the task done, based on experience. No amount of excuses should deter you from whacking it. In fact, if you are thinking of doing a task but you’re not sure, or if excuses keep popping up in your mind, that’s when you have to just Whack Only. You can’t simply whack only with no clue of what the result will be. You have to have a plan. Even if the plan is not 100% formulated. Actually, whacking works best when the plan is NOT 100% formulated, but when you have some semblance of an idea. And faith. Whacking only works with when you have total faith in your abilities coupled with the determination to never give up. So what is the result of just whacking it? Simple. The job gets done quick. No excuses. You can always go back and adjust things. It's a forward moving approach. Momentum. Things progress. Shit gets done. You accept that you’re only human. That you’re fallible. That you’ll make mistakes. But you’ll learn from it. You’ll get better. You’ll move on. And you’ll keep whacking it. Surface Tension
A Solo Exhibition at G13 Gallery 6th - 20th March 2021 Artist Statement Surface Tension is a scientific term that is used to calculate the properties of the surface of a liquid that allows it to resist an external force. Without it, the world in which we live would be vastly different, and the works which you see would not be possible. For artist mediums too, surface tension is required to allow paint to adhere to surfaces. I set out to make these works on aluminium at the beginning of 2020. Developing the work through my experimentations with various mediums and surfaces, the results intrigued me. With these recent works, I have let go of the need to have things opaque and allowed the mediums’ transparency to show through. I wanted to highlight the reflective quality of the aluminium panels, finding a balance between form and suggestion. Instead of working on the floor like before, for this body of work, I made all the works at waist height, 29cm. At this elevation, I found myself more in control over the striations and in the medium’s transparency. The balance between force and momentum versus cohesion and deliberation are the elements that define the work, yet this mathematical process (to me), also sums up life and its myriad of choices. Psychologically, we are all inclined to decide based on our experiences and knowledge. That is why (for example) someone living in Germany in the 1930-40s vs. someone who lived at the same time in America - will make different relationship or socio-economic choices. Each person is as much of an amalgamation of his/her upbringing, and their genetic code. But with good habits, proper tools, and knowledge, one can process and/or act out patterns most beneficial to the individual and society at large. As an artist, as a thinking individual, and as a student at the University of Life, I am very passionate and curious about these topics. With knowledge and understanding, we can cultivate and curate our existence. It is imperative that we do it on our own accord and not be led by external forces (for example, the mainstream media). The choice is always in your hands. Nothing grows in the comfort zone. Knowing and accepting the dynamics of our lives allows us to take control of it. To be aware, and not to react without having a purpose. It’s the ease of gathering and accumulating data that has allowed humankind significant progress. We have access to a lot of knowledge - which isn’t taught in schools or higher learning establishments. The unseen laws and philosophies which have worked for a millennium are available to all who seek them and to test in their own lives through practice, training, faith, and belief. For example, the earth’s gravity is such that an apple falls instead of up. Trillions of bacteria and cells work in unison and in harmony to create the human body. We are the shells in which consciousness lives in. It’s those unseen, immovable yet crucial forces in the universe I ask and want you to consider. I hope you enjoy the works and what meaning(s) they bring to your psyche - that we are all moving parts in a larger framework. |
Archives
February 2024
Categories
All
|