WHEN I was in college, one of Malaysia’s prominent artists the late Redza Piyadasa, shared his wisdom on the importance of learning and recognising the local and regional design aesthetics. According to Redza, understanding the symbols in regional art and design is the key to comprehend the rituals, from birth to death.
Redza placed great emphasis on the local and regional design environment as opposed to the much celebrated western design schools and philosophies, especially the Bauhaus and the Post-Modernism. He made his passion as clear and vivid as the colours and images in his works. His works (particularly the Malaysia Series) highlighted the images from the early 1900s, capturing memories of the people in the nation building process, attempting to revisit the familiar question; ‘Who are we?’
His class was entertaining and enriching. Many times he told my classmates off for preferring western design aesthetics. He opened our eyes, Plato’s Allegory of the Cave-style, to what have been right under our noses and the ‘whys’ behind them.
Take for example the ‘bunga telur’, or boiled eggs attached to decorative flowers given out during Malay wedding ceremonies. Redza pointed out that, the egg symbolizes fertility and well wishes that the marriage would result in many offspring. The ‘flower’ represents the ‘tree of life’, an important symbol in the Southeast Asian (and world) culture. The short summer semester we had with Redza was enough to pique our interest in looking at the vibrant local and regional art and design environment.
Redza, one of the ‘building blocks’ of Malaysian art, passed away in 2007.
For my second episode of Rizal’s ASEAN, I spoke with several young Malaysians hoping to create and nurture the art and design industry in Malaysia.
Prototype Gallery at Wisma Central was formed a few years ago to address the shortage of art spaces for young artistes and designers in central Kuala Lumpur. The space was a brainchild of an architecture firm, CityLab Studio, also located at Wisma Central, to revive the ailing space. I interviewed 4 young individuals, full of energy and ideas, on the interaction between the space and the highly commercial environment, their hopes and what they want to get out of Prototype Gallery. I see it as a prototype to what a gallery can be and should be, an open space for new designers to peddle their visions.
As our nation enters its 60th year of independence, President-elect of the International Council of Design, Zachary Ong and I sat down to discuss the need for a national design policy. The government and professional design bodies in Malaysia, Zachary reported, will be looking at formulating the policy in the next few months to properly manage and capitalise on the design economy. I suspect the design policy will finally hold the answer to the burning question I had when I was a design student many, many years ago; ‘What is the Malaysian design identity?’
Catch Rizal’s ASEAN every Saturday, 1.15 pm.
Rizal Zulkapli
Thu May 11 2017
Redza Piyadasa, Two Malay Women, 1985, Mixed media collage Photo from: http://artsalesindex.artinfo.com/auctions/Redza-Piyadasa-5028922/Two-Malay-Women-1985
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.