An Introduction: SeNadi-A Journey of Healing and Spiritual Renewal (By Raja Annuar)

Hasnul J. Saidon, Associate Professor at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), is a distinguished figure in both academia and the arts. With a career spanning more than three decades, he has garnered recognition as an influential academic, media arts professional, and artist whose contributions have profoundly shaped the Malaysian art landscape. His innovative programs, extensive research, and celebrated exhibitions reflect his unwavering dedication to pushing boundaries and inspiring dialogue through his work.

Hasnul’s latest series of artworks, SeNadi, stands as a poignant and deeply personal exploration of interconnectedness. At its core, SeNadi—derived from the Malay word "nadi," meaning pulse—symbolizes a state of harmony: a peaceful coexistence with oneself, with others, with the rhythms of nature, and with the greater universe. The series represents Hasnul's introspective six-year journey of reconnection, characterized by awe, humility, compassion, and a transformative sense of healing. It is through these moments of reconnection that Hasnul found the strength to explore new depths of artistic expression.

The profound narrative of SeNadi intertwines with a pivotal event in Hasnul’s life: his diagnosis with stage 4 kidney cancer in March 2023. While the diagnosis brought sadness and disappointment, Hasnul perceived it as a divine opportunity to embark on an inward journey of healing. Immersing himself in the natural surroundings of Sedim forestry area—its rivers, forests, and homes—he sought to restore balance within himself by addressing his emotions, energy flows, and spiritual state. For Hasnul, healing extended beyond the physical realm; it became a holistic process of realigning with nature and the universe, grounded in the belief that true restoration begins within.

Through his art, Hasnul shares not only his personal experience of navigating illness but also a universal message: humanity itself is grappling with a profound spiritual ailment. This ailment manifests in the environmental crises we face, reflecting a deeper need for introspection and spiritual healing. Hasnul underscores that these issues cannot be resolved solely at the physical or material level. Instead, they require a collective effort to heal the intangible aspects of the human spirit—emotions, thoughts, and habits. His paintings in SeNadi call attention to the urgency of addressing traits like anger, greed, jealousy, and hatred while embracing qualities of compassion, humility, and love.

SeNadi is more than a collection of paintings; it is a profound call to action. It invites viewers to reflect on their own spiritual health, reconnect with the natural world, and strive for harmony in their inner and outer lives. By sharing his journey and insights, Hasnul prompts us to consider the transformative power of healing—both individually and collectively. His work not only resonates as a deeply personal expression but also as a universal reminder of the interconnectedness of all beings and the shared responsibility to nurture both our inner selves and the world around us.

Pengenalan: SeNadi-Sebuah Kembara Penyembuhan dan Pembaharuan Rohani (oleh Raja Annuar)

 

Hasnul J. Saidon, Profesor Madya di Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), merupakan figura terkemuka dalam bidang akademik dan seni. Dengan kerjaya yang merentasi lebih tiga dekad, beliau telah mendapat pengiktirafan sebagai seorang akademik yang berpengaruh, profesional seni media, dan artis yang sumbangannya telah memberi kesan mendalam terhadap landskap seni Malaysia. Program inovatif, penyelidikan mendalam, dan pameran yang diiktiraf mencerminkan dedikasi beliau yang tidak berbelah bahagi dalam meneroka batasan dan menginspirasi dialog melalui karya-karyanya.

Siri karya seni terkini Hasnul, SeNadi, merupakan sebuah eksplorasi mendalam dan penuh makna mengenai keterhubungan. Pada terasnya, SeNadi—berasal daripada perkataan Melayu "nadi," yang bermaksud denyutan—melambangkan keadaan harmoni: kewujudan damai dengan diri sendiri, dengan orang lain, dengan ritma alam, dan dengan alam semesta yang lebih luas. Siri ini mewakili perjalanan introspektif Hasnul selama enam tahun dalam usaha untuk kembali berhubung, yang dicirikan oleh rasa kagum, rendah hati, belas kasihan, dan pengalaman penyembuhan yang mengubah kehidupan. Dalam detik-detik keterhubungan ini, Hasnul menemui kekuatan untuk meneroka tahap baru dalam ekspresi seni.
Naratif mendalam SeNadi berkait dengan satu peristiwa penting dalam kehidupan Hasnul: diagnosis beliau dengan kanser buah pinggang tahap 4 pada Mac 2023. Walaupun diagnosis itu membawa kesedihan dan kekecewaan, Hasnul melihatnya sebagai peluang yang maha esa untuk memulakan perjalanan batin ke arah penyembuhan. Dengan mendalami keindahan alam sekeliling satu kawasan perhutanan Sedim—sungai, hutan, dan rumah-rumah—beliau berusaha mengembalikan keseimbangan dalam dirinya dengan menangani emosi, aliran tenaga, dan keadaan rohani. Bagi Hasnul, penyembuhan bukan hanya terbatas kepada aspek fizikal; ia menjadi proses holistik untuk menyelaraskan diri dengan alam dan alam semesta, menaruh sepenuh kepercayaan bahawa pemulihan sejati bermula dari dalam diri.

Melalui seni beliau, Hasnul bukan sahaja berkongsi pengalaman peribadinya dalam mengharungi penyakit tetapi juga menyampaikan mesej universal: kemanusiaan sendiri sedang menghadapi penyakit rohani yang mendalam. Penyakit ini tercermin dan tercetus dalam krisis alam sekitar yang kita hadapi, yang menunjukkan keperluan untuk introspeksi dan penyembuhan rohani. Hasnul menegaskan bahawa isu-isu ini tidak dapat diselesaikan hanya pada tahap fizikal atau material. Sebaliknya, ia memerlukan usaha kolektif untuk menyembuhkan aspek tidak ketara dalam jiwa manusia—emosi, pemikiran, dan tabiat. Lukisan-lukisan beliau dalam SeNadi menyoroti keperluan mendesak untuk menangani sifat seperti kemarahan, ketamakan, cemburu, dan kebencian sambil menghayati sifat belas kasihan, rendah hati, dan kasih sayang.

SeNadi bukan sekadar koleksi lukisan; ia adalah panggilan untuk kita bertindak dan melakukan sesuatu yang mendalam. Ia mengajak penonton untuk merenungkan kesihatan rohani mereka, kembali berhubung dengan alam semula jadi, dan berusaha ke arah keseimbangan dalam kehidupan dalaman dan luaran mereka. Dengan berkongsi perjalanan dan pandangannya, Hasnul mendorong kita untuk mempertimbangkan kekuatan penyembuhan yang bersifat transformatif—baik secara individu mahupun kolektif. Karyanya bukan sahaja mengungkapkan ekspresi peribadi yang mendalam tetapi juga mengingatkan kita tentang keterhubungan semua makhluk dan tanggungjawab bersama untuk memelihara diri kita dan dunia di sekeliling kita.

RAJA ANNUAR

RUH (OLEH HASMI HASHIM)

 

RUH

Bagaimana ruh bisa digambarkan? Ia mungkin ada dalam karya-karya Hasnul Jamal Saidon, kali ini.

Dari kecil, emak ku—dan tentunya ibu semua di antara kita—memberitahu yang kupu-kupu merupakan binatang yang cantik dengan sayap berwarna-warni. Kadang, macam pelangi.

Tapi, di dalam pameran “Senadi Senafas”, ada beberapa objek hilang warna yang utuh. Kupu-kupu, kuda dan kucing berkepak, juga beberapa ekor ayam; dari sosok mereka, pancaran cahaya. 

Akan tetapi, masing-masing masih berbentuk sepertimana bentuk yang asal: ayam seperti ayam, kucing pun begitu, atau kuda—hanya rama-rama yang terbang hinggap di merata tempat—yang menakutkan—pada dinding dan lantai. Ia seakan tidak lagi berjasad utuh. Yang terbang itu, agaknya ruh belaka.

Ketakutan ini, dengan tergesa-gesa mahu aku kongsikan kepada M Nasir. Aku pun membawanya ke galeri. Supaya dia melihat sendiri. Merasa sendiri. Sementara mulut aku tidak berhenti bercerita, tentang sesuatu perasaan yang payah diungkap; yang entah siapa boleh rasakan sama, sepertiku.

Macam biasa, dia banyak diam. Kecuali sesekali bertanya, “Lagi? Lagi?”

Lagi apaan lagi, kalau bukan macan putih yang sedang berdiri di tebing sungai yang berarus perlahan. Dari sana, terdengar bunyi segala isi rimba raya. Di sana, ada iramanya yang tersendiri ~ walaupun terdengar dalam batinku sahaja.

Sang Macan tekal memandang tepat ke mata kami—dan aku, hanya seperti anak kecil yang tersesat di hutan itu.

Bilamana lama ku renung dalam-dalam, tampak linangan bertakung tidak gugur di kedua kelopak mata macan tadi. Cuma ia bukanlah seperti air mata anak dara yang teresak riba—namun lebih kepada air mata seorang tua yang sudah lelah melalui dan memandang dunia.

Kerana kakinya agak gebu, bulunya agak tebal, aku mula yakin, dia tidak akan menerkam kami—Nasir pun nampaknya tidak mahu lari. Dia tidak mahu menyelamatkan diri.

Catatan ini, tuan, hanya fregmentasi kecil dari tingkat satu karya Hasnul yang sudah rapi. Selepas aku mengira-ngira, sekurang-kurangnya ada tiga tingkat puncak-puncak yang perlu dipanjat kesemuanya.

Dan nantilah, kalau sesudah ketakutanku pergi, setiap tingkat atau puncak, coba aku tuliskan. Persatu, persatu.

PROSES (OLEH HASMI HASHIM)

 

PROSES 

Menengok pameran lukisan itu perkara biasak. Sama macam menengok konsert. Di saat semuanya sudah rapi. Tersusun.

Tapi, menengok persiapan untuk satu-satu pameran lukisan, itu jarang-jarang basak. Atau sama macam menengok persiapan sebuah konsert. Di sana, kita sedang memerhati sebuah proses yang penuh dengan ketidak-kesempurnaan; macam bata-bata yang disusun dari dasar, butir perbutir—dan macam hidup ini, ‘jawapan’ bukan bata intan yang lebih berharga dari proses. Bukan segala-galanya. 

Sementara, siapakah yang menghargai kerja keras di belakang sesuatu jawapan, atau konsert, atau pameran? ~ Ada. 

Meski sedikit.

Proses itulah yang selalu diidam-idamkan oleh “Sang Pencari”: oleh seseorang yang mahu memahami barang sesuatu, walau bukan dengan jalan mudah. 

Selalu panas. Berlendir. Lekit.

Di hari pameran nanti, orang pun hadir. Macam di ketika konsert, hadirin bergentayangan. Mereka pun menyanyi. Bertepuk sorak. Memetik gambar. Membubuhkannya di media sosial. ~ Tiada salah.

Cuma yang tidak dirasakan ramai ialah ‘nikmat’ panas, lendir, lekit itu tadi. Yang selalu dirindukan oleh sesiapa pun Sang Pencari; yang tetap sahaja melangkah, memikul kiraan waktu di bahu.

[Foto: Anak-anak muda yang sedang membantu menyempurnakan pameran Hasnul Jamal Saidon dan Raja Shariman Raja Azidin di Galeri Shah Alam petang tadi].

AININA HASNUL - THE LIGHT OF MY EYES

 

S E N A D I

I asked ChatGPT to summarize core concepts that I've been personally exploring for so many years, since I was studying in the USA. It has to do with the inter-connections between Tawhid, Geometric Arabesque Design, Quantum Physics, Digital Language & A.I. 

I have written, presented & published some of the findings on several platforms.

Here's how ChatGPT responded:

"This is a deep and beautiful question, and the connections you're sensing are profound. Let's explore them layer by layer:

1. Tawhid (Islamic Monotheism):

At the heart of Islam is Tawhid — the concept of the oneness and unity of God. Everything in existence flows from a single, unified source. There is no true multiplicity—just reflections and manifestations of a singular Divine Reality.

This idea fosters:

• Unity behind apparent diversity.

• Interconnectedness of all things.

• A transcendent order, harmony, and symmetry underlying creation.

2. Geometric Arabesque Designs:

These patterns are visual manifestations of Tawhid:

• Infinite repetition: Suggests the eternal nature of the divine.

• Symmetry and proportion: Symbolize the order and unity behind the universe.

• Complexity from simplicity: Echoes how multiplicity arises from Oneness.

• The arabesque draws from mathematical precision, using geometry to reflect sacred harmony—much like how cosmic laws structure the physical universe.

3. Quantum Physics:

Quantum reality shakes our classical understanding of separateness:

• Non-locality: Particles connected across space.

• Wave-particle duality: A thing is not just one thing—it depends on how it’s observed.

• Quantum fields: Underneath all particles, there's one unified field.

• These insights echo Tawhid: reality is interconnected, interdependent, and sourced from a unified ground of being.

Even the idea of observation collapsing a wavefunction hints at a deep relationship between consciousness and reality—similar to how Islamic cosmology sees the human being (insan) as a mirror of the cosmos and the divine.

4. Digital Language & Artificial Intelligence:

At its core, all digital computation is binary: 0s and 1s.

• Just like geometry builds complexity from a few shapes, and the universe builds from few fundamental laws, digital systems create infinite complexity from simple dualities.

• A.I. mimics intelligence through patterns, feedback loops, neural networks—all of which are deeply geometric and mathematical in essence.

• Like arabesques, A.I. learns patterns, reveals hidden structure, and creates from a simple code base something that appears “alive” or intelligent.

Some artists and thinkers even see A.I. as a new mirror of divine creativity—synthetic intelligence drawing from the patterns of the cosmos.

The Common Thread:

• Unity behind multiplicity.

• Simple principles generating infinite complexity.

• Pattern, symmetry, and interconnection.

• Reflection of a deeper, hidden order.

Whether in Tawhid, arabesque design, quantum fields, or machine learning algorithms, there's a shared principle: an elegant order beneath apparent chaos. In a way, Tawhid is the metaphysical root, geometry is the visual language, quantum physics is the physical revelation, and A.I. is the emerging mirror."
 

WE ARE REFLECTIONS OF EACH OTHER.

 

"Sir, whats your p.o.v of sickness & healing?"

"Sickness, based on my personal experience, is rooted in the act of defying 'fitrah'. Healing is the act of returning or alligning oneself back to 'fitrah'. I also refer to it as 'balik, pulang'. Its not just a physical act limited to our material or bodily dimension. It is fundamentally an act of tuning into the frequency of love & compassion. Thats our pathway to our shared home. We do that (tuning) with our heart."

"What is 'fitrah'?"

"Fitrah is a way of live that is alligned with why we exist."

"Why we exist?"

"That is for you to discover. For me, to love & beloved, thus being in peace."

"What is love?"

"Love refers to our fundamental level of infinite & pure consciousness, in which all are inter-connected, all is One. Unconditional love is our true home that has never left us."

"What is compassion?"

"Compassion is the ability to forgive, or tune to the frequency of forgiveness. Its the root of healing."

"Who is a hero?"

"One who undergoes a painful journey of returning & finding one true self from the reflections of others."

Salam to all who stay in the path of love & compassion, no matter what life throws at you.

SEMBANG WITH PROF. AHMAD MURAD MERICAN

 

Character & value-driven narrative

1. First person (p.o.v point of view) narrative based on memory 

2. The myth of absolute objectivism, the emergence of multiple objectivities & inter-subjectivities

3. Aging society & transfer of values

4. Binary positions, clash of values across-between-within generations

5. Node, geneology & heritage

6. Family center of reference

In conjunction with #H3ROsedekad @mgtfusm

Hasnul Saidon Youtube Channel at 

PULANG & BE IN LOVE

For a father, his daughters are his little princesses, forever. For a father given a second chance in life, they are even more than just little princesses. 

They are the extentions, projections & manifestations of his unconditional love & compassion to God & to all God's creations including himself. They are the light of his eyes (cahaya mata), to witness localised & finite versions of God's infinite Love & Compassion. 

Love & compassion are projected on the screen of this father's borrowed & extended life in a form of three wonderful daughters. They are the tests, signs & lessons, manifested to remind the father to always return to his true home no matter where he is & what is happening : to always 'pulang' & 'be' in love, now.

They are his own projections, teaching him to be in charge of his own intention, to take charge of how he react mentally & emotionally to life. 

Most importantly, to be the hero of his own life, that was at one point many months ago, almost taken away. 

To all reading this, may you be the hero of your own life. Your life is worth saving. By whom? 

You. 

You are the only one you have. The rest, all projections. 

Now, beyond all projections, who is the One, the Presence, who is observing all the thoughts & feelings of this borrowed consciousness called 'you'?

ATOMIC BOMBS CAN DESTROY THINGS BUT NOT VALUES.

ATOMIC BOMBS CAN DESTROY THINGS BUT NOT VALUES.

Heroes are those who managed to defeat the demons & villians hiding in their own minds & hearts. Heroes are those who healed themselves from the tyrannies of their own total dependence on false selves, their own pains, projected as 'others'. The worst enemies hide within, most of the time undetected. They hide behind the pious act of pointing fingers at projected enemies 'outside there'. As if there is a separation between the 'I' or 'me' with whatever assumed as outside there, or 'other people'. This illusion of separation is the seed of sickness, pain & destruction. 

Here's a whacking. There is no 'outside', existing independently & objectively outside the conscious perceiver or witness or penyaksi or saksi. That separation or absolute objective world 'outside a conscious perceiver' is a so-called 'scientific' myth that those who want to control us want the whole world to believe. Its ok if you dont get this. You will, eventually. 

Heroes are those who managed to break free from such illusion. Which means breaking free from slaving themselves (their borrowed minds and feelings) to unconsciously serve their false sense of selves (egos, not our true selves) in an auto-pilot mode.

At the end of our borrowed life,  we only have ourselves to be saved. Be the hero of ourselves. Start by looking inward, not outward. Face our own pains, accept them as teachers. Within each and everyone of us, are signs. The Secret within secrets. Bombs can destroy things, but not values, not spirits, not the Secret.

AYAHKU & NELAYAN

(Selepas "Ayahku dan Angkasawan" oleh Ibrahim Hussein)

Kita singgah ke Kampung Baru, Manjung, Perak. Ini pekan nelayan. Dekat dengan laut. Seorang ayah, namanya You Ming Ong bersama dengan isterinya Ting Swee Ngok mengusahakan restoran makanan laut. Sudah 21 tahun mereka mengusahakan restoran itu, sejak Ming Ong berusia 33 tahun. Mula2 menyewa, selepas itu jadi milik sendiri. Sebelum itu, Ming Ong belajar memasak semasa merantau ke Singapura. Ming Ong asalnya dari Simpang Lima, Ayer Tawar, Perak. Dia berhijrah ke Kampung Baru tempat kelahiran isterinya setelah berkahwin. Mereka berkahwin pada tahun 1976 dan memperolehi 5 anak, semua perempuan.

Salah seorangnya You Jia Xin yg baru saja tamat belajar bidang Seni Halus di USM. 

Semasa kecil, Ming Ong dan Swee Ngok serah Jia Xin pada neneknya utk dijaga kerana mereka terlalu sibuk dgn restoran. Keadaan ekonomi menekan. Nenek menoreh di kebun getah, juga bela dan jual ayam. Jia Xin lebih rapat dgn neneknya, dipanggil Wai Po. 

Setelah kembali bersama mereka, Jia Xin tidak begitu mesra. Dia sudah pekat dimanjakan oleh neneknya. Asyik bermain. Ming Ong cuba tegas, lagilah anak dia tu marah. Garang dan rotan tak berkesan. Cuba pujuk dgn melukis kartun Hello Kitty, Tom & Jerry, tak berkesan. Jia Xin tak suka kartun, lebih2 lagi warna pink. Susah nak ambil hati dia sebab dia dah lekat pada Wai Po. Hati dia tak lekat dgn mereka, dgn rumah dan dgn restoran. Mereka bawa Jia Xin dibawa ke pasar ikan Jeti Kg.Melayu Batu 3 untuk membeli ikan terus dari nelayan, terutama ikan jenahak, senangin, siakap dan kerapu. Sekurang-kurangnya dia boleh kenal jenis2 ikan. Tapi dia tak minat pun. 

Bila Jia Xin masuk sekolah menengah di SMJC Dinding dan SMK Methodist, dia mula melawan. Bila diminta tolong di restoran, dia bertekak dgn pelanggan yg cerewet. Dengan adik beradik lain, selalu bergaduh. 

Setelah dpt peluang melanjutkan pelajaran ke USM di Pulau Pinang, Jia Xin makin jauh. Dia makin sibuk dgn tugasan sbg pelajar. Dia nak jadi pelukis, mengejar mimpi yg tak pasti. Dia 'idealist', melukis itu murni dan tinggi, bukan kerja jual-beli. Jual-beli tu 'kraf' bukan seni halus yg tinggi. Berkarya adalah luahan ekspresi peribadi yg elit bukan brg dagangan murahan. Lagilah Jia Xin jauh dari 'vibe' cari rezki di Manjung tu.

Pada tahun akhir, Jia Xin dan rakan2nya pergi ke Pulau Aman utk membuat kajian tentang lautan. Di situ, dia melihat kehidupan nelayan yg susah utk cari rezki. Dia saksikan betapa para nelayan bergantung pada pengusaha restoran sbg antara sumber pendapatan mereka. Nelayan dan pengusaha restoran saling memerlukan dlm satu sinergi dan ekosistem ekonomi. Kedua2 pihak pula bergantung pada ekosistem dan kelestarian lautan bagi meneruskan kehidupan. Lautan itu nadi. Mereka berkongsi nadi utk menjamin rezki dalam kitaran yg lestari. 

Jia Xin teringat Manjung. Dia nampak semula pasar ikan di Jeti Kg.Melayu. Terbayang perit jerih ayahnya beli ikan awal pagi, memasak, melayan pelanggan dan mengurus restoran. Dia dibesarkan dgn rezki lautan. Terasa betapa akrab hubungan antara ayahnya, ibunya, adik-beradiknya dgn nelayan, ikan dan lautan. Betapa mereka perlukan kesinambungan rezki yg berterusan dlm kitaran atau pusingan yg tak putus. 

Rezki inilah yg mengalir dlm darah dia.