Art: A Universal Language by Amir Amin

Art has always captivated humanity for millennia – from the melodies of a symphony to the intricate and bold brushstrokes on a canvas. Art transcends language, it acts as a universal language of emotion, expression, and introspection. Art knows no bounds; it can be enjoyed by all. That’s the beauty of art. But have you ever wondered what art really is?

Truth be told, there is no one definite definition of what art is. In my humble opinion, art can be anything but not everything. Why did I say so? For me, art can be anything that evokes emotions, sparks thoughts, or challenges perception. However, I also believe the statement ‘art can be anything’ goes a bit too far. Why? Because for something to be considered art, there might be a need for intentionality.

Let’s take cooking, for example. A beautifully plated dish is visually stunning, and the process of putting everything on the plate could be seen as a performance akin to a painter painting on canvas, is it necessarily art? If we accept the notion that ‘anything can be art’, then wouldn’t everyday chores like cooking become art forms?

Here’s where the other half of the statement, ‘…but not everything’ comes in. I believe everyone can be an artist, but to truly create art, there might be a need for intentionality. Back to the example of cooking, if a chef meticulously prepares a dish, can he be called an artist? It depends. A skilled chef might argue their focus on presentation and flavor combinations demonstrates artistic intention, even if the primary goal is to create a delicious meal. On the other hand, someone simply following a recipe without any thought to aesthetics wouldn’t necessarily be creating art.

Roslisham Ismail a.k.a. Ise, Nasi Gunung (Mountain Rice); Langkasuka Cookbook Project, 2012. Photo by Magnus Caleb

One good example that came to mind of how intentionality elevates everyday actions into art is the ‘Nasi Gunung; Langkasuka Cookbook Project’ by the late Roslisham Ismail (Ise). Here, the act of cooking wasn’t just about creating a meal; it was a deliberate performance art piece. Ise invited people to participate in preparing a traditional dish, Nasi Gunung, transforming the act of cooking into a shared experience with a deeper message about cultural preservation. This highlights how intention and the creation of an experience can elevate a practical activity into a powerful form of art.

Art: A Lens to Perception

Art not only shapes our individual perception of the world, but also serves as a powerful tool for cultural expression and social commentary, enriching both our personal lives and society as a whole. Art for me, is an intentional and skillful creation that evokes our emotions, sparks thoughts, or challenges perceptions. This deep appreciation for art stems from my own upbringing. Having lived in an artistic household for the rest of my life, I was surrounded by creativity. My father, an art teacher, always brought my siblings and me to watch him practice the gamelan, while my mother thrived on the stage as an active theatre actor. Now, a married guy, my wife used to be a theatre actor and we always fill our spare time by going to galleries hopping, and now and then, enjoying a theatre play.

Being immersed in this artistic household from a young age undoubtedly shaped my own perspective. A decade ago, I delved even deeper into the Malaysian art scene, wearing many hats – gallery manager, archive manager, art manager, curator, and most importantly, artist myself. Being surrounded by such a vibrant and passionate community continues to shape my understanding and appreciation for art.

Hamir Soib, Al-Fatihah, Acrylic on canvas, 204 cm x 488 cm, 2016

Have you ever stood before a piece of art and felt a connection so deep it transcended words? For me, the artwork in question was Al-Fatihah by Hamir Soib Mohamed. Encountering this monstrous masterpiece (204 cm x 488 cm) while working as the gallery manager at Artcube Gallery (now defunct) was a truly impactful experience. The sheer size was certainly impressive, but it was the message that resonated most deeply. ‘Al-Fatihah’, the opening surah of the Quran, is a cornerstone of our faith, recited at least 17 times throughout the day. Hamir Soib Mohamed’s artwork captured the significance of this surah, sparking a powerful emotional connection within me. This experience exemplifies how art can transcend language and cultural background. It also evokes profound emotions and instills a deeper understanding of the world around us.

Art: A Visual Custodian

Art has always been a visual custodian of our history, offering a window into past societies and their values, beliefs, and experiences. From the simple line drawings found in Lascaux depicting hunting rituals to the hieroglyphs adorning the Egyptian pyramids, art has documented the lives and cultures of civilizations long gone. Ancient Greek sculptures captured the ideals of physical perfection and athleticism, while Renaissance frescoes showcased the religious themes and artistic mastery of their time.

Similarly, art nowadays continues its duty as a visual custodian. Each artwork, from the street to the ones hanging on white cubes, becomes imagery of our times. These artworks capture the social and political climate, technological advancements, and cultural trends of our era. The recent global pandemic, with its unprecedented social and economic disruptions, is undoubtedly a defining moment in human history. During the pandemic fiasco, artists around the world were responding to this event, creating artworks that document the experiences of isolation, the struggles of frontline workers, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Haris Abadi, Wira, Silkscreen on paper, 42 cm x 29.7 cm, 2020

Closer to home, here in Malaysia, the artistic response to the pandemic was equally fascinating. Many artists put the limelight towards the COVID-19 crisis, elevating the virus as their main subject. Artists like Ahmad Fuad Osman, Masnoor Ramli Mahmud,  Haris Abadi, Edroger Rosili, Danial Fuad, and Badrulzaman Abu, explored the themes of coronavirus, isolation, and social distancing. The artworks resonated deeply with me, partially because of the urgency and rawness they portrayed. I felt so strongly about the importance of preserving this artistic response that I even purchased a few pieces. These artworks will undoubtedly find their place not only in personal collections but potentially in Malaysian history textbooks or art textbooks, serving as a permanent reminder of this time.

Art: A Catalyst for Social Change

“Artists have a responsibility to reflect the society they live in, to question norms, challenge injustices, and inspire change.” This sentiment is a common theme throughout history. Artists believe that they are the agents of change and have the power to change. Throughout history, artists have been using their work to challenge the status quo, raise awareness about social injustices, and advocate for social reform.

Banksy's mural at Bethlehem

For instance, Banksy with his powerful street art exemplifies this. His murals often tackle complex political and social issues, triggering the audiences to reevaluate their perspectives on war, poverty, and social inequality.

Ernest Ng, If Malaysia Was Anime: Covidball Z

Fahmi Reza, Kita Semua Penghasut

Closer to home, Ernest Ng’s comic book “If Malaysia Was Anime”, injected a sense of humor and fun at the socio-political situation in Malaysia during the pandemic. Fahmi Reza’s satirical illustrations, with his sharp wit, use humor and satire to make serious topics like political corruption and social issues more accessible to the masses.

Art: An Economic Engine

Southeast Asia is experiencing a cultural renaissance, and at the heart of this movement lies a powerful economic engine: art. While our neighboring countries like Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia have successfully leveraged their artistic heritage to attract tourism and investment, Malaysia possesses immense potential to do the same. Malaysia is not short on talent, even I can name 5 artists that I believe can have a big impact on the Southeast Asia market.

The economic impact of a booming art scene is undeniable. For instance, Singapore’s Art SG attracted over 42,000 visitors who visited 164 established and emerging galleries from 35 countries all over the world. This demonstrates how art fairs can become major tourist attractions. Imagine a similar large-scale event in Malaysia, showcasing the works of established and emerging Malaysian artists alongside international galleries. Yes, we did have such an initiative before – Art Expo Malaysia but make it 10 times bigger or make it nationwide. With such an initiative, it wouldn’t just boost tourism revenue but also (re)establish Malaysia as a hub for artistic exchange, collaboration, and innovation.

Conclusion

Art, in its many forms, transcends all. It serves as a universal language that speaks to us. Be it a captivating melody, a thought-provoking painting, or a powerful performance that evokes emotions, ignites our curiosity, and challenges our perspective on the world.

Art enriches us by fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the world around us. It allows us the chance to make connections with individuals from different cultures, fostering empathy, and to have a sense of shared humanity. Apart from enriching us, the ability of art to act as a visual custodian of history ensures that the stories of our forefathers and we are not forgotten. Art also empowers individuals to become agents of change, sparks critical dialogue, and inspires collective action, especially in the face of social injustices and global challenges.

So, the next time you encounter a piece of art, take a moment to truly appreciate and experience it. Let it speak to you, challenge your preconceived notions, and ignite a spark of creativity within you. Who knows, you might be inspired to create art yourself someday.