studio LDA - Write and share

Write and share.
I have a confession.
I have always been fearful of writing and I have succumbed to this fear for a long time. I write only very slowly and my writing is bad. But the urge to share my opinions and learning has grown much larger than my fear these days. And I decided if I could write sincerely, it’s still worth it if everybody else thinks my writing is rubbish. That’s how hard it is writing for me.

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studio LDA - Flying the national flag

Flying the national flag
Come 31st August 06, “Merdeka”, the Malaysia independent day. A minister reported to have accused the public of not raising the flag for the month of celebration.

Well, I think if the deed is not out of appreciation from the heart, it really make no sense flying the flag.

However, as the minister is so sensitive, he might have already begun to ask himself why. This might be a good gauge for the current pool of votes going to the ruling party. Maybe it got to do with the oil price, the inflation, unemployment… I don’t know.

I think most people kind of mixed up between the concept of country and government. Most, I believe would not have any problem loving this land, the people, the culture, even though they may not agree with the government. As a matter of fact, the more you love this country, probably the more demanding you would be out of the government.

Just to let the whole world know, I love you, Malaysia.

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studio LDA - a crooked bridge

A crooked bridge.

A group of friends happened to talk about the much disputed new causeway bridge connecting Malaysia with Singapore. There were some interesting opinions raised about this bridge. They said if the curve bridge is built;
1. It would be a permanent symbol of disagreement between the two countries.
2. It would be a neat sculpture symbolising the contorted politics.
What do you think?

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studio LDA - living a life

Living a life
We all work so that we can live a life. But you are only given 1 day off every 20 working days, I guess there is very little life out of this living. Unless you love this job so much. Really, live a life, my friend.

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studio LDA - Two short stories about a can of coke

The original script is contained in the coke can.

Two short stories about a can of coke

The first is a memory snapped off a movie I watched long ago: “Not one less” by Zhang Yi Mou. The scene of the can of coke was but a side event. Shot of a group of students and a rather unqualified, made good temporary teacher hesitated if to buy two cans of coke to be shared among ten to twenty students. They did. So everybody had a sip of it. That had in turn reduced the fund they were trying to pool as bus fare for the teacher to go down town to look for a student, whom had been sent by his father to work in a factory, illegally, as he was underage.

The second is a scene of which I have part witness at my father’s provision shop on 19/8/06. My young cousin aged 13 lend a Game-boy machine worth about RM500 , which don’t belong to him, to his friend. His mum urged him not to do it. In frustration of my auntie’s nagging, he conveniently took a can of coke and threw it on his mum, just as convenient as he took this drink whenever he wanted, usually during breakfast at my father’s shop. My auntie later relayed the story to me and my wife. Her eyes were red, almost with tears.

When she was gone, I noticed a dented can of coke on the front counter. I asked my mum if this was the can. “Yes” my mum said. I drank the can of warm coke, sharing it with my mum, and my three year old daughter. My daughter loved it. I didn’t ask my mum. But it taste horrible. I think maybe because it wasn’t chilled.

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New family members

New family members
Proudly present two new family members (puppies).
Milo and Vico with me and my daughter.

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PEPS - public education programmes

Public Education Programme

Forthcoming: In month Sept we shall be starting with our PEPS ( Public Education Programme) :-

PEP 1- SAY WHAT YOU WANT Have you any problem on speaking out your opinions of a painting in an art gallery? Worry about your opinion not educated enough? Silly? Just don't have the gut? ...What ever reasons it may be.. You now have a chance to do so in our web gallery. We will be introducing a free comment section for our virtual gallery. Say what you want, in any name. After all,that's the spirit of art.

PEP 2 - SLIDE VIEWING-WHAT"S ART?We will be organising a slides viewing session: What is art ? For the local community.Venue and time shall be confirmed in Sept.Opened to all.

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"Alright, alright" is not alright !

Mushi-mushi and a bit of historical snapshots

Check out the AV download at http://www.studiolda.com miscellaneous or direct to page.http://www.studiolda.com/event.html

An opinion about Japan prime minister visit to war shrine.


You just have to respect mistakes, however ridiculous they are. So you can learn from it and don’t let it happen again. “Alright, alright .” is just not alright.
“Mushi-mushi” in Cantonese (You could hear the words sound again and again in the song.) which literally means “nothing has happened”, when read in the syntax of Japanese, means “Hello, hello”. Cynical ?

“Beyond”, a former Hong Kong rock band, was once my favourite. Their popularity declined after the death of lead singer, Wang Jia Chi. Jia Chi was indeed talented and a main player, but it doesn’t mean the other team members: Jia Chiang, Guan Jung, Se Ruong, are not as good. In fact the subsequent productions from the band were much more explorative, creative and imagery in approach. I have clipped a little bit of one of the songs compiled in the album “Surprise” produced in year 1997, titled “Alright, alright”, read “Mushi-mushi” in Cantonese. Every bit of the song conjures images of what I saw in a powerful documentary below. I hope you enjoy it.

The movie clipped from “A faithful record of world war two” is a rare historical documentary. It makes a comprehensive review on significant events of the Second World War in 12 cds . It’s a solid educational yet entertaining 24 hours programme produced by World Star AV Int’l Co. (H.K) distributed by MTV production (Mal) S/B.
The album “Surprise” was produced by Rock Records Co. Ltd

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studio LDA - 炸东京 - Bombing Tokyo and others

生活俗语，虽对人不作直接的批评，在无伤大雅之余，用词更贴切和具创意。




（一）炸东京 Bombing Tokyo
很久没有听人把上大号说成炸东京了。小时这话可流行，每天至少听
说一次。经历过二次大战的阿公阿嬷将“上大号”说成去“炸东京”心里觉得更
痛快。
随着日本车、日剧、日本电器充斥了我们的生活，每个人都要
日本货了。这段历史，逐为人淡忘。
日本人是否承认自己的过错或要不要向受害民族道歉。谁还在乎个屁，还炸什么东京。

（二）鸡“温”牛“呵” ──粤语 chicken earning cow spending
“Surat.” 章叔放下手中的虾米，赶忙上前收信。信上贴有英女王侧影的邮票。
肥叔正坐店门外看报纸，随口问道：“明仔有信番啊？”
章叔笑笑点点头，正要将信拆开。
“章叔，你就好命啦！仔是英国留学生，可以享清福喽！帮我称半斤糖来。”来买东西的阿嫂也搭腔一番。
“英镑又升咯，你间杂货铺供明仔英国读书，简直就是“鸡温牛呵”啦！”肥叔直道心中话。
章叔章婶只好相视陪笑，继续鸡“温”的生活。
多年后的今天，爸妈聊起这段对话时，洋溢欣慰的笑容。我这头牛心中除感激外，仍感有愧没能让他们俩老享清福。

（三）湿材 Wet wood
“章嫂！章嫂！”湿材婆婆站在篱笆外叫喊着。
Bobby不断地向她吠叫着。
我赶紧开铁门让她进来，Bobby 还是不停地朝她吠叫着。
我家婆随后就出来招呼她：“吃饱没？我进去房里拿，你坐一会。”
“没有这麽早啦！“她一面回答一面来开椅子坐下等。
一会儿，婆婆手里拿了叠钞票出来，交给湿材婆婆并说道：“你算一算，对不对数？”
两人开始聊了一阵，Bobby还不时走到屋内铁闸向她吠两声。
她离开后，婆婆就跟我说：“你别看湿材婆婆穿着邋遢啊！她可是钱用不完唷！”
家公听到也就笑着和婆婆你一言我一语的说：
“当然啦！不然阿爸也不会按她名叫湿材啦！”
“是啊！要赚她的钱可不容易。”
“她的钱似湿材一样，有得看就无得使。”
哦，原来如此。

Words and pic by Tan Sook Yin

studio LDA: 100令吉的阉鸡 -- A 100 ringgit capon

100令吉的阉鸡

第一次见过如此大的鸡，
养尊处优，重近4公斤，亮丽毛发。
刀光之下，只会喔喔蹲地不起，终为桌上佳肴。

A 100 ringgit capon (castrated rooster)
First time ever seen such a huge rooster.
Living in the grandiosity with shining feathers, weighed almost 4 kg.
Under the light of a knife, it could only squat and cock-a-doodle-doo, and finally becomes a delicacy on dining table.

Note: a rooster would normally costs about 15 ringgit in a wet market.

Picture and writing by Tan Sook Yin

studio LDA : 河堤上一黄叶 - A yellowed leave by the river bank

河堤上一黄叶

河堤栏杆边的石墙缝，长出了一株小树。
细枝上托有寥寥的三片叶，
其中无数缺口组成图的黄色树叶，
长于贫瘠，使它千苍百孔，枯黄瘦弱。
残缺不堪。他虽将凋落逐波而去。
却还是以生命的坚韧留下了美，
我想起了外婆，她的名字叫黄叶。

A yellowed leave by the river bank
By the river bank, a young shoot stamps out from gap of a stone wall.
On this little shoot, there are three pieces of leave, covered with innumerable holes.
Struggling in the barren land, it withers, drying up, almost emaciated.
It tenaciously stands up for life, leaving such beauty.
It reminds me of grandma; incidentally her name is “ Huang Ye”, meaning yellowed leave.


Picture and writing by Tan Sook Yin

studio LDA : He's my papa.

---He’s my papa.

Ever heard this from your son or daughter?
“He is my papa.”
My less than 3 year old daughter often said to her little friends with a little air of arrogance.
While it embarrassed me a little, it makes me even more determined to bring her up well, to give her my life.
I need to look after myself well for my life belongs not only to me.

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studio LDA : Not my cup of tea, but I love it !

---Not my cup of tea, but I love it !

It’s not my cup of tea, but I love it.
Of all the stages in the development of history of arts, I probably love the “art and craft movement” in U.S best. I love it not for its aesthetics, its intellectual capacity, but more for it’s easiness, it’s ability to invite greater participation of all classes from society, it’s wide ranging influences on objects and spaces. I think this is the real era that spread the foundation of art appreciation, and prepared the society for the future art development.

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sudio LDA : “挑战”，致 "Ching Sui"的哀悼

“挑战”，致一位马来西亚艺术家――"Ching Sui"的哀悼

23日5月06年下午，收到汉龙的简讯说：“Ching Sui 昨日下午6：30在古晋去世了。”那天下午，我的心情随着这则讯息一直往下沉。我无法解释为甚麽。由始之终，我和这艺术家属未谋面。
数月前，我在一个为他筹医药基金的展览会里买了他的一幅画。读过一点有关他的介绍，知道他是位和蔼的人，且很会做蛋糕。我对他的认识仅有这些罢。
那天晚上，我没有出席LAM的小组讨论会而提早回家。我想再看他的画―“挑战”。
这幅画就挂在客厅旁的一间储藏室里，我走入屋内打开客厅的灯，储藏室门当时是半开着的，灯光微微地切入室内。近乎没有灯光下的储藏室内，我看到的是一块黑色影画沉重地悬挂在墙壁上。就像我第一次在画展上看到的黑重帆布，被孤立、寂寞地，忧郁地挂在墙壁上。除了沉重的黑色，从远处我无法作出任何的描述。
事实上，他的黑与重，都叫我妻子和我感到无法承受，所以才决定把它挂在置放工具与书籍的储藏室内。室内只用一个60瓦特黄色灯泡,因此我用手电筒来看这幅画。
在手电筒仔细审视下，我发现其背景是两层险峻的悬崖，其画底部是波涛起伏的海景，没有天空。让人感到它没有出口的窒息。在悬崖正上方有一小木棚，我曾也在清水的其他作品中见过这小木棚。我相信这一定是他心深处，所熟悉的地方。可能是他成长的地方？从木棚延伸，有一木材通道直连接到悬崖半高处的休息浮台。



在手电筒的亮光照射下，隐约看到在干燥的平台，并铺盖着五彩缤纷的小碎石。我不明白为甚麽浮台被置放在如此的高度。就算是那年之中涨潮最高的时候，我不认为海水可涨到如此的高度。从平台到起伏不定的海浪，并没有连接的通道。所以我猜想画中游泳的人是从悬崖跳入海中的。
我将手电筒的灯光随着游泳者的姿势看来。突然我才意会到游泳的人从潜入海中，游离那山崖，沉浮在这黑海里，并且没有回头的意思。



朋友，安息吧！也许你正躺在阳光普照的平台上，透过平静波光粼粼清浅的海水、五彩缤纷的小碎石闪烁着。

studio LDA : “他是我爸爸来的。”

“他是我爸爸来的。”

可曾听过你儿子或女儿这麽说过呢？
“他是我爸爸来的。”
我不到三岁的女儿经常会以骄傲的语气对他的小朋友这麽说，听到时，我感到有点不好意思，却同时也让我决定更得好好地栽培她，甚至把我生命的全部给她。
我得好好地照顾自己，因为我的生命不再是属于我一个人的。


look fr studio LDA translated by Sook Yin

studio LDA : 非我所好，却是我的喜爱。

非我所好，却是我的喜爱。(Not my cup of tea, but I like it.)

非我所好，却是我的喜爱，在艺术史的所有发展阶段中，最为我喜爱的莫过于美国的“艺术与工艺运动”(art & craft movement)。让我为之倾心的并不是它的视觉美学或学术上的吸引力，而是它的随和，一种容纳各社会阶层参与，并得到巨大回响的能力。我也很欣赏其对物与空间广泛的影响力。我认为这时代才是真正为美国社会散播艺术欣赏的基础，为将来的美术发展扎根的时代。

look from studio LDA . translated by Sook Yin

studio LDA :交通罚单

“从明日起交通部将总动员上门缉捕未也缴交罚票的人……”又是一则令人心惶惶的新闻。或者你是其中一位尚未缴交罚单的人士，就算你以为你没有收到罚单。明日交警也可能登门拜访。发错传票的案例比比皆是，到时官字两个口，有理说不清。
难道除了有如流氓登门收帐的方式之外，就没有其他的解决方案了吗？最简单的，不交清罚票的人，一概都不能更新路税和保险，如此那些拖欠罚款者不就乖乖就范了吗？
如此上门追交罚款的手法，除了令人厌烦之外，也无疑让人民对执权者的工作效力感到置疑，又或者是某政府单位正急于用钱呢？

淑燕from studio LDA

studio LDA :探索就是海阔天空

自己对距离有一种莫名的感觉。就像欣赏遥远半抽象的山水画。总觉得距离给思想很大的空间和发展的可能性。当距离很近时，这种无际的可能性亦随渐渐消失，虽然是更能捉摸得着，或能接近它的兴奋感，然而感觉少了那种海阔天空。探索就是海阔天空。
撰写：look from studio LDA.

studio LDA : Condolence to Yong Ching Sui

“Challenge” 51cm x 61cm oil on canvas by Ching Sui, a Malaysian artist

(Due to the dark painting, it may be necessary to adjusting contrast of your screen to have a better view of the pictures published in this blog.)

23rd May 06 afternoon, I got a message from Hon Loong read “Ching Sui passed away yesterday 6:30pm in Kuching.” That afternoon, my heart just went down and down with the news. I couldn’t quite explain why. After all, I have not even met the artist. I got a painting at his medical fund raising exhibition few months ago. And I read a little about him and know he was a pleasant guy, and I know he made good cakes. That’s about all. That night, I excused myself from the LAM exam group study session to go home earlier. I wanted to look at his painting “Challenge” again.

The painting hung in the store next to our living area. As the store room door was left ajar, light cut right into the store room when I came into the house switching on the living area wall lamp. The store room was barely lit, and I could see the dark silhouette of the canvas hung heavily on the wall. It looked pretty much like the black heavy canvas I first saw during the exhibition, isolated and lonely on a gloomy dimly lit wall. Other than the heavy blackness, I couldn’t possibly make up anything else from the distance. In fact, it’s so heavy, so dark, neither my wife nor I could bear the weight, so we decided to hang it in this store room, where I keep my working tools and books. The store room used only a 60watt yellow bulb, so I brought in a torch light to view the painting.



The pontoon ( partt picture )

On closer look under the torch light now, I noticed the background was filled by a two tiers steep cliff, with a choppy seascape set at the bottom of the painting. There was no sky in the painting. It felt stifled and there was no way out. Right on the top of the cliff, was a little timber shack. I had seen this shack now and then in Ching Sui’s other paintings. I liked to believe it must be somewhere close to his heart, somewhere he was familiar with. Where he grown up maybe? Extending from the shack, there was a timber gangway connecting all the way to a pontoon rest at mid height of the cliff. The platform was dry and covered with colorful shingles barely visible even under the strong torch light. I could not understand why was the pontoon set at this height. I don’t believe the sea water would reach this height even at the highest tide of the year. There was no connection link way from the pontoon to the rough seascape below. So I imagined the swimmer took a cliff dive to jump into the sea. My torch light moved on and shined on to the swimming figure. It suddenly came to my mind that the swimmer after taking the dive, was swimming away from the cliff, in the choppy black sea. And there would be no return.



The swimmer ( part picture )

My friend, rest well. Maybe you could now rest on a pontoon on a sunny day, where the colorful shingles gleam like corals under calm shallow sparkling sea.

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studio LDA - Dora Maar with cat

"Dora Maar with cat"

So it was auctioned for millions!

I am only willing to pay half of my miserable salary, though; I would still pay half if my salary is a corporate ceo's figure. I think it’s a relative matter. The painting do have certain intriguing and haunting quality.
BUT I certainly won't hang it in my house for I have no affection to the person of this portrait. Besides, it is quite ugly. I mean it is really ugly. I don't think Picasso ever love Dora Marr. She was probably just a tool to his exploration in cubism. Nobody would paint a person he truly loves with such distortion!
The figure with the hat, the cat, and those long sharp nails looked more like a witch to me.

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