NARRATING (back to) THE FUTURE (of electronic art) NOW. (Part 1)

I AM NOW

AWAKENED AND IN PEACE

Take a deep breath, inhale slowly for seven seconds. Focus on your breath.

Hold your breath for four seconds. 

Exhale slowly in seven seconds

The following are few excerpts from my 'ramblings' in REKA 2014 (International Conreference on Creative Media, Design & Technology). The names in brackets are predominantly my own references. No list of references provided, I'm lazy.

I began by mapping out what I like to fancy as a 'shifting-return' notion of time and space, especially in regards to the practice of contemporary art and design. The 'shift' in this regards, refers to...

Collective and active term for an ongoing or recurrent process of change and transformation that entices post-structuralist strategies of deconstructing, dismantling, dislocating, questioning, probing and re-interpretation of the normalized narratives and discourses of modernism, especially in relation to the practices of contemporary art and design in the last forty years.

My interest of course, is in 'Malaysia' and her relation to the larger context of such shift. The 'shift' has been articulated through a confluence of the following discourses:

Einstein’s relativity 

Time-space warp

Quantum physics

Brain and mind studies

Cognitive and Neuroscience

Consciousness

Learning theories

(Capra, Stuart, Davies, Hamerhoff)

(Bloom, Springer, Buzan, Kolb)

Communication and

mass-mediascape

(M. McLuhan, Neil Postman)

 

 as opposed to

New media

Cyberspace-language-culture

Neural network

(Gibson, Nelson, Negroponte, Tapscot,

Castell, Manovich)

The discourse of the ‘future’

(Toffler, Burrus and Naisbitt)

Bahaman Hashim, "Virtual Reality", 1993

 

 The 'shift' above has also been fueled by critical theories especially in relation to language, and how the theories have been deployed as frameworks for cultural studies.

Epistemological shift,

critic of positivist’s

stance, critic of capitalism-

technology-

consumerism

(Hockheimer, Adorno, Zerzan)

Structuralist  &

Visual semiotics

 (Saussure, Pierce)

Post-structuralist – Death of the author

(Barthes), Deconstruction (Derrida)

  

Simulacra

(Baudrillard)

Knowledge and power

(Foucault)

Media imperialism

(Chomsky)

Suhaimi Tohid, "Dalam Seminit" (In A Minute), 1994

Concurrent to the 'shift' above is the word 'return', which in this regards, refers to:

Revisiting, re-discovering, rejuvenating, re-flowering, re-adaptation and revival  of local and regional traditions , cultures and heritages. In cultural studies, it has usually been contextualized as a part of post-colonial reflex through the discourses of decolonization, localization, re-interpretation and for some, indigenization of local knowledge. It also implies rethinking or re-framing of tradition through the language of physics (Zain: 1995), outside the normalized, frozen (or ideologically-narrowed) readings of history and anthropology, especially in the larger context of trans-cultural Asia and Southeast Asian 'roots'.   

 

 Such 'return' has for the past forty years or so, especially since the 1970s, driven the following 'fields' of research, experiments, explorations, publications and activism:

 

Convergence of art and science

New age spiritualism

Emotional & Spiritual intelligences

Contemplative/meditative science

Inner quality of being

The zen of ‘now’ness

Mystical reality

Inner-net

Inner self

Knowing oneself

Mindfulness

(Depak Chopra, Echart Tole,

Rhonda Byrne, Daniel Coleman,

Jon Kabat Zinn, Chade-Meng Tan, 

Ismail Faruqi, Nakula, Syed Muhammad

Naquib Al-Attas, Ismail Zain,

Sulaiman Esa,

Redza Piyadasa)

 Personally (yaa, I'm being bluntly non-objective and highly subjective here), my quantum vibes are more attracted to the above-listed discourses of 'return' (in red fonts). 

I fancy them as non-logical (intuitive) paths to new consciousness, some sort of global awakening, propelled technologically by emerging and increasing confluences of global 'neural networks'.  

The neural networks (social media for example) are currently littered by what I would term as 'toxic discharges'. Toxic discharges are predominantly conditioned thinking-feeling that have formed individual and collective toxic memories. Such discharges can be taken as a kind of 'reflex' that normally takes place in the process of 'awakening' and 'healing'. It is a part of 'healing crisis' in which conditioned and habitual (or hardened) thought-emotion patterns are disintegrating, or in a hip term, deconstructed. Some would refer to it as 'global crises'. It is a phase of transition in collective human consciousness, from lower 3D-bound dimension to a higher trans-dimensional consciousness. Don't ask me how long will this 'healing crisis' of awakening take. I'm not a bomoh, not a fortune-teller nor Nostradamus.   

Such networks emulate quantum inter-connectivity of humans' mental and emotional dimension. I refer to it as neural inner-net. 

Neural inner-net is also connected to the larger enveloping cosmic energy of higher dimension. 

Through the practice of 'mindfulness' beyond the highly-conditioned excessive left-brain thinking pattern, one engages in a trans-humanist (Huxley) inner-connectivity of 'higher consciousness'.

Higher consciousness refers to a constant awareness of one's own mental and emotional states and their inner-connectivity with the 'universal mind', as they transpire in every moment of 'now'.  It is also referred to by several researchers of 'mindfulness' such as Jon Kabat Zinn as being in the present.

Yaa, have to admit, these 'ramblings' are rather mouthful and full of fancy jargon. Sorry, can't help it. Don't worry, you may trash them if you want to. Or you may take a deep inhale and exhale as you read the ramblings.  Trust me, your lower mind may repel them, but your higher mind 'knows'.

I stop here, before resuming in another blog entry. 

Convergence of inner and outer spaces in TC Liew, The Returning (Silent Dialogue) (2010) first exhibited at the Muzium & Galeri Tuanku Fauziah (MGTF) Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in 2010 and recently at MIA Gallery in conjunction with Rear-view Forward event in 2013

I AM NOW

AWAKENED AND IN PEACE

Take a deep breath, inhale slowly for seven seconds. Focus on your breath.

Hold your breath for four seconds. 

Exhale slowly in seven seconds

        

 

STREET LECTURE In GEORGE TOWN

Other than the ubiquitous street art in George Town, Penang, the heritage city will soon be known also for its street (and indoor) impromptu lecture. The following are pictures  of such lectures given by one pakcik at Rozana's Batik, Lebuh Acheh, George Town. Unlike many other hip functions in George Town, this function does not need a festival nor corporate sponsorship to take place. The topic depends on the quantum dynamics between the pakcik, his street co-learners, the street itself and its surrounding ambiance.

One pakcik, with 3 co-learners, 2 of which working for this big federal gomen institution in KL, engaging in a street lecture.

Indoor lecture on higher energy and dimension, with Jackie from San Diego California USA and Luca from Italy.

INTER-STELLA (CHONG)

Countless consultations on Stella's thesis at Rozana's Batik in Lebuh Acheh, Penang.

Stella, after more than 3 years of persistence and perseverance, including having to encounter two deaths (your mother and then my father), plus so many other obstacles and hurdles that life can throw at you, you have prevailed. You have been amongst very few students who had to endure my 'angin', a privilege given to only few brave souls. At times, you had to face my 'wrath', including at our usual consultation site, Kak Ana's Rozana's Batik. Yet, you stayed, and trusted  me, a rock-pencen and long-haired lecturer with questionable emotional intelligence. In fact, I can't recall having many Masters' students (by research) to supervise, except maybe so few (mixed-mode), to a point that the numbers are an embarrassment, and will not able to support my KPIs or any personal job promotion agendas. But I believe in quality, not quantity, in living not just having. Supervising you has given me the opportunity to re-learn, re-new and re-fresh myself. It has also been a test. At one point, I remember checking, correcting and editing your thesis while I was caring for my father in hospital before he passed away. 

Yours has been a challenging journey, with a path 'less taken'. I believe that by now you have understood that the whole journey is not just about having to finish or complete a task, or to 'wear a jubah' and receive a scroll, but much deeper than that. The whole journey was meant to unveil the 'hero' in you, your 'inner-stellar' as well as 'inter-stellar'.

Congratulations for a successful Masters' thesis viva. Congratulation for being nominated as a potential recipient of  best thesis award. See, if you invest in the pursuit of quality, with a strong vision, a courage to take a path less taken, driven by so much humility, sincerity, passion and gratitude, until they become your second nature, what many people take as success will just fall into your lap, without any force, without you having to brag, to shout, to bark, to update status, to twit, to instagram...whatever, to the whole world.

As your humble servant, I am deeply proud and honored.

KARI KAPLA KETAM!

Be warned Kari Kapla Ikan, here comes Mee Kari Kapla Ketam!

(in honor of the best cook in my life, Rozana Mohamed)

Home-cooked to perfection. Available upon special request, only on Friday, or if nature is in the mood to supply fresh and healthy ketam (crab)

THE PAST, THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE

The future, at Rozana's Batik, Lebuh Acheh, Penang, November, 2014.

I may have quoted these lines before from someones or somewhere, yet I forgot. But, whattheheck!

"We borrow from tomorrow or the future, learn from yesterday or the past, so that today can be a present. 

Accept and enjoy our 

PRESENT. 

Its a precious gift that we always take for granted."

"We think about the past and the future NOW, so make sure we make PEACE with our NOW."

My heart goes to all those beautiful participants of recently- organized Kem Starkids at Gertak Sanggul, Balik Pulau, Penang. And all the 'creative team' behind it!

(For a glimpse of similar starkids camp by Orionids, click)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0mLLnPke9Q 

REKA 2014 (INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CREATIVE MEDIA, DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY)

To my surprise, I was invited to present a 'workshop' paper for the above-mentioned conference. As I am currently trying very hard to master the zen of doing 'nothing' (except of course, my Phd research at this 'ripe' age, yaaa, go ahead, u may smile!), I was initially reluctant to oblige. 

As there are more newbies (returning staffs with Phds and the title Dr. in front of their names), I might had become a part of 'history'. An invitation to a new 'returnee' might perhaps be more fitting.  Plus, I don't see myself as a 'crowd-puller'. In fact, I might be a crowd repellent, as attested to my lecture in front of about ten persons (mostly members of the Angkatan Pelukis Kedah - APK) at the Paddy Museum in Kedah last September.  

Nonetheless, I have to note that cikgu Judin and his APK gang were very cordial and generous. Terima kasih cikgu. Have to note also that I am used to 'small' audience when it comes to 'art talk'. Who would want to spend their precious time listening to one separa-pencen artist-academic giving a boring lecture? better watch Maharaja Lawak la bro!.

But then, I have been blessed (some would call it a curse), with a soft heart when it comes to a 'request', 'invitation', or 'favor' from a fellow friend. This time around, its from Dr. Jasni, as well as the conference's committee members who include those from the New Media Design and Technology Program, School of the Arts, USM. 

This year is the 10th. year anniversary of the program, which I had a hand in drafting, designing, preparing, presenting and defending (in front of the JPA committee) way back in 2003/4. I have been 'off the loop' for the past seven years, predominantly due to my duties at the Museum and Gallery Tuanku Fauziah. Yet, my heart is close to the program, including the people who are running it now, Dr. Asyiek, Che' Not and Alias Ibrahim, not to mention its many 'graduates'(students). So, I said yes to Dr. Jasni.

I was asked to give a 'workshop' paper on the future of electronic art. Fuyooo, rather heavy duty stuff, almost forcing me to be a fortune-teller if not a bomoh. The word 'future' can be problematic too, especially if read in a very 3 dimensional, linear, positivist and according to an Euclidian paradigm. Combine that with 'history', especially as entombed by highly disciplinary discourses, more problem. So how!?? 

Problematize the 'future' even more! Mostly by returning back to previous 'predictions' by several key 'futurists' such as Naisbitt, Toffler, Burrus, etc, who used to churn out their 'predictions' about 18 to 20 years ago. Did their predictions came through, still stand and relevant? In fact, their writings were predominantly used as some of the key references in designing 'new programs' in higher institutions of learning back in the early 1990s, including electronic and new media arts. I thought that it was also a good time to recap what have been done for the past 20 years or so, as far as explorations in electronic and new media art is concerned. 

I prepared an interactive paper, consisted mostly of 'self-conducted quiz'. I titled the session 

"NARRATING (back to) THE FUTURE (of electronic art) NOW"

But then, due to the linear orientation of the proscenium stage in the Dewan Budaya hall, I could not run an interactive workshop session. It ended as a paper presentation, with me giving a monologue like a tired politician (Persidangan UMNO was in session then). Luckily, there were more than ten people, even though there were more empty chairs in the hall, compared to those occupied. In the front row, were a bunch of first year new media and technology students, who at times appeared to be rather bewildered by my power-points and ramblings. Pity them, sorry dik! I have the tendency to confuse and defuse easy or lazy assumptions.

Depending on my 'angin', I may share few selected contents of my 'monologue', and perhaps few views on the 'international' conference. 

For the time being, I have to give thanks and extend my gratitude to Dr. Jasni, Assoc. Prof. Omar Bidin (my boss, the Dean), the conference committees, and those who were kind enough to come to my presentation, for the honor and pleasure of sharing my seposen reflections.  

LEILA AND MAJNUN (MUSTAFFA, ACTUALLY)

Last Monday, December 1, 2014, will forever be etched in my mental and emotional database as one of the most precious and special days in my life. It was a beautiful day indeed.

I was kindly invited, or 'given the honor' to be an official witness for a 'nikah' (marriage) between two very special individuals, Leila and Mustaffa, at the Registrar of Muslim Marriage building, Singapore. 

I had been to many marriage ceremonies before, but never as an appointed witness. For the first time in my life, I had my signature on a marriage certificate of a married couple. Proud of course. And ya, I felt 'old', even though I would like to think of myself as a proud brother, rather an 'uncle'.

It was a very simple and private ceremony, attended only by another witness (Mustaffa's ex-boss, mentor and friend, Ahmad Mashadi) and two friends who came to take photos. There was a room, with small elevated plinth and two chairs at one corner, about three rows of chairs (maybe for family members), and a table with two chairs for signing of some documents and the marriage certificate. The 'kadi' came in, very polite and professional, gave his instruction, short sermon and conducted the ceremony in clear and perfect English. Two very dear friends of mine are now officially married, husband and wife. Syukran, and congratulation!   

One of the blessings of life is to be the witness of love and union between a man and a women. To witness such love is to be a part of higher cosmic energy that connects all of us. The connection cuts across all the superficial boundaries that we normally use to hide our own insecurities. The 'connection' cuts across not only race and nationality, but also, in today's age of globalization, across oceans. This is so true in the case of Leila and Mustaffa. 

Mustaffa is from Sri Lanka, while Leila hails from Iran. Mustaffa has been for the past few years based in Singapore, and is currently working as a curator at the National Art Gallery of Singapore (NAGA). Leila used to be a graduate student in USM, Penang, Malaysia, where she received her Masters of Visual Art and Design. She is currently based in Penang. 

I was blessed to be part of their 'synchronicity', or how they first met. They met during a conference that I coordinated at the Museum & Gallery Tuanku Fauziah, USM Penang, under an unofficial banner of University Museums Network, Southeast Asia (UM-NET). Mustaffa was invited to present a paper, while Leila was one of the participants. Two souls , one from Sri Lanka, another from Iran, met at an unsuspecting place, Tuanku Fauziah Museum & Gallery, USM, Penang. That would be one of my best KPI's. Who would guess?  Subhanallah.

I came to know Mustaffa from several visits to NUS Gallery where he used to work as a curator under his boss then, Ahmad Mashadi. We also met several times during UMAC (Universiti Museums and Collections) conferences in Shanghai and Singapore, Curators' Forum in Kuala Lumpur, as well UM-NET (Universiti Museum Network, Southeast Asia) in Manila and Penang. I suspect, Penang has been Mustaffa's 'third home' so-to-speak, for the past few years. True global citizen and migrant professional indeed. I admire his writing flair, his sharp insights, his grasp of difficult as well as current theories and concepts, and mostly, his curatorial works when he was with NUS Museum. His inventive curatorial approach towards 'archival' materials, especially in deploying them together with modern and contemporary art objects as means of instigating new readings of historical 'artifacts', are 'delicious'. 

Leila for me, is one of the best graduate students that the newly offered mixed-mode Masters in Visual Art & Design program, by the School of the Arts, USM, has produced. Her project and written thesis are truly inventive, taking a 'road less taken', especially in regards to converging 'ambiance advertising' with 'public sculpture' and 'social commentary'. I've seen few other projects done by the following masters students, most of which didn't manage to reach the level of 'difficulty' that Leila had set. I am proud to have her as one of my students (actually there were only two students) in my 'Convergence of Art and Technology' 400 level class, which I think is now 'defunct'.

I wished I could make a documentary on such 'cross-cultural' union between these two special individuals. Perhaps I should (and could, insyaAllah). Ceremonies will be organized in Tehran, Mumbai and Sri Lanka, I was told. 

To Mustaffa and Leila, thank you so much for the honor, and for generously sponsoring my flight and accommodation. I have never been given such an honor before, so u should know how deeply-touched I am. Thank you also for the delicious Arab lunch. Sorry for not bringing anything, for I am rather clumsy with schedule, dates and appointment since taking myself off from several 'duties' for the past one year. That's not an excuse anyway. I owe u both a gift, perhaps I may deliver when both of u are in Penang. 

I am forever honored and blessed to be the witness of your union. My prayer for both of you, may both of you have a wonderful life together.