Xenophobia & An Anthropological Crime
Mainstream press editors at The Star and The Edge/Option who carried news on art collector/critique Dr Jolly Koh had better work harder to reference their articles.
Koh, 65, a Singapore-born former Malaysian who takes advantage of Malaysia's My-Second-Home offers and now resides in Kota Kamuning, Shah Alam, has come back to make a scene out of the art world in his former home-country, Malaysia. He used words like ‘Third World’, ' shoddy kitsch', ‘feudalistic’ and ‘impoverished cultural environment’ when he talked about Malaysian cultural life in his interviews with the local mainstream press.
And Sunday Star (here and here) and The Edge/Option were too willing to print them. This draws a strong reaction from local multimedia artist Victor Chin.
Chin raised the issue of an anthropological crime, and asked whether Malaysia is a place for xenophobia seen from the eyes of an Australian.
Screenshots was made to understand that Chin's letter to StarMag was canned, while his second one to The Edge/Option is pending.
Read Chin's blog -- Mixblood - at vicchin.wordpress.com.
By the way, a web search on Australian painter John Olsen provides interesting readings on Olsen's artshop, which was once many a budding painter's nestling place.
Comments
I think Chin is strecthing the word "xenophobia" here. Critics are critics. They must be opinionated and dared to criticise without restraint. So if you disagree just ignore him. If Koh can be guilty of cultural racism, what makes of the like of Simon Cowell?
Are you serious in thinking that our country and its arts are not "third world" and "feudalistic"? Talking of "kiltch", the undang karang bought by MAS does come to mind, it may not be drawn by Malaysian but it was bought by us, which goes to show our taste in art.
Posted by: Rebel![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.com/nav-commenters.gif)
|
October 11, 2006 09:11 AM
Dear Jeff,
In all honsesty, the focus of the said article is on public artwork, which is mostly of the type installation and sculpture. I suppose mural or painting would be more approapriate to be located indoor, such as lobby area of corporate head offices.
To a certain extent, there IS a dearth or lack of appealing work that stands in public space. I think this depend on who approved such project in the first place. What is their taste? How do they view art?
Personally, I feel that there is a lack of understanding and appreciation of art (and culture) in the general public in Malaysia. And for those who hold public office, this is even truer, however unfortunate it is to Malaysia. To put it mildly, it is pathetic. This is a reflection of the state of Malaysia now. There is a tension between those in authority to control, many things, and those who likes to explore possibility. The net effect is that the authority is in control.
I believe there is a vibrant art movement in our society. There are many groups that attempt to explore the possibility of artistice work. I have been to some of them. The more establish one as put out by Petronas Art Gallery, and the more underground such as RAP and others.
Dr Jolly Koh, being who he is, has a big mouth and Victor Chin has his point about him, but as for the issue of public art, it is tasteless.
Posted by: twotablet![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.com/nav-commenters.gif)
|
October 11, 2006 11:12 AM
VC jump the gun too soon.
Just look at the Mawi thingy, Siti weddings broadcast, 8pm news,etc.
Posted by: moo_t![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.com/nav-commenters.gif)
|
October 11, 2006 05:44 PM