The faces that make up our beloved country are celebrated in a special photography exhibition,
writes Sulyn Chong
IT is quiet inside the Malaysia Tourism Centre art gallery in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The still silence allows for private contemplation while 61 pairs of eyes look out from their still frames.
A sudden burst of laughter awakens me from my reverie; seated around the coffee table are five seemingly good friends sharing a good joke. Yaman Ibrahim, a photography veteran and the owner of Neo Studios, enjoys pride of place on a single sofa. There he sits akin to a father looking on with pride at his children.
The veteran has behind him vast experience and achievements in the photography arena. That said, he’s more than proud to be sharing space with his fellow photography compatriots, during the month of national pride, in a photography exhibition titled Orang Malaysia: Portrait Of Malaysians 2016.
The exhibition, involving more than 33 photographers, is currently on at the art gallery in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, until Sept 17. Yaman has carefully selected 61 photographs that portray the faces of those who have contributed to the nation in their own special ways.
REASONS TO EXHIBIT
“In conjunction with Independence Day and with Malaysia Day just around the corner, I wanted to show and give thanks to the numerous people who have made Malaysia what it is today. Malaysia is composed of many races, religion, profession, and age. As photographers, all we want is to show our collection of who Malaysians are through our lenses,” explains Yaman.
Each photograph represents an individual who has contributed to the country’s formation, irrespective of how big or small their roles are. “This is the essence of Malaysia. It’s rich with culture, diversity and people of different regions,” reveals Meng Keat, a banker by day, and a photography hobbyist by night. “You have old people and new generations, frontliners like navy officers or fresh faces like the pharmacy students. People from before Merdeka and after Merdeka. Essentially, they’re the people who’ve contributed to our society and it’s the gist of the industries that we may not have known,”
“We’re hoping these photos will educate the audience, no matter if it’s another Malaysian or a foreigner,” confides Salliza Salleh, a business owner and photography enthusiast. “We want the audience to know that there’s more to Malaysia than the typical happy people wearing traditional clothes, on television and magazines.”
PHOTOGRAPHY WALKTHROUGH
The exhibition is roughly divided into two sections. A collection of black and white stills are arranged on the right while on the left and towards the back, are the standard colour prints. All photographs are printed on A2 glossy papers, generously sponsored by Fuji Film. The photographs are also defined by their backdrop. There are a few which were taken in studios under a controlled environment, while others are set in picturesque surroundings of the personality’s home or workplace.
Even though several photographs are set against colourful backdrops, it is the subject that will take your breath away. For example, the picture of the Sabahan ranger in all his tattooed glory, with a spear in hand against a backdrop of uncharted forest.
“Apparently, each flower tattooed on his shoulders signifies a life he has taken and it’s a symbol revered by his clan. This ranger has seen more than we ever have especially during the dark hours of revolution after World War 2,” explains Yaman.
Meanwhile, his own works are featured in the black and white section. “Everyone has a liberty to choose how they want to picture their personality. I prefer black and white because it makes the personality stand out. Colours can sometimes distract from what’s more important but if you know what you’re looking for, colours can actually help enhance,” he says.
The exhibition reminds us that each one of us has a role to play in building a great nation. For every fellow behind every screw and nut that’s making the country work, this exhibition is for you.
1. Title: MUHAMMAD FAKHRUL AKMAL, Graffiti Artist
By Izwan Ismail, Nst Tech Journalist
“This is a photo of Muhammad Fakhrul Akmal a.k.a Mile09, a local graffiti artist. He has been in the graffiti art scene since 2000. In a span of 15 years, he has turned his graffti work from just passion to a profession. In the past, graffiti art was associated with negative elements but today the works of talented individuals such as Fakhrul are being recognised. With spray cans, he has created works for Petronas and Red Bull. Lately, he has started to use tools such as Microsoft Surface Pro 4 to design his artwork before “spraying” them on to walls.”
2. Title: Mohd Zamri, Shepherd
By Salliza Salleh, Business Owner
“I own a goat farm and, as a Malaysian who loves her mutton rendang, I want to show the people who are behind the food on our plate. We always eat and get what we want, but we never stop to think where all the food comes from and the people behind it. You may not know this man in the picture, but he’s the farm manager and he’s the one who has been caring for these goats which are slaughtered so we can be fed.”
3.Title: Datuk Hattan, Singer
By Rafiza Rahman, Government Officer
“This is singer Datuk Hattan. When I capture photos of people, I want the character of the person to be shown. I shot this in his house and chose this shot from the many I have because it’s a shot of him thinking about something while watching TV and not posing for my camera. It’s an impromptu shot, one that shows his character as a person — a deep thinker and one who has gone through many phases in life as well as the industry in which he’s well known. He’s an idol to many Malaysians. He’s someone we can associate with but this shot of him gives you a different perspective of who he truly is. A Malaysian.”
4. Title: Sheena Liam, Model
By Meng Keat, Banker
“My shots are of the young generation who has put Malaysia on the map. This is Sheena Liam, a past winner of Asia’s Next Top Model. I shot this before she won the title and here, she’s seen with a bare face. I want to show her natural side, a face that signifies Malaysia on stage, a fresh face that has a name in our fashion and modelling industry, someone common who has put herself on top despite the odds.”
5. Title: Baljit Singh, Lawyer
Photographer: Salliza Salleh, Business Owner
By Mohd Irman Ismail, Consultant
“My shots are of the various professionals who play a part in contributing to society in their specific capacities. They comprise everyday people such as a civil servant, a lawyer or a firefighter. These people are usually overlooked by us, but they’re the ones who have contributed the most and yet are always under-appreciated.”
6. Title: Noramin, Dj
By Yaman Ibrahim, Professional Photographer
“This picture of DJ Noramin is supposed to help the audience recognise Malaysia’s oldies and bring them a sense of kinship. He was a popular DJ for RMIK (Radio Malaysia Ibu Kota) back in the days and those who had heard his voice back then should be able to connect that sense of nation with his face. For those who don’t know who he is, well, they will learn about the man behind the radio waves of Malaysia in the 1980s.”