A PIECE OF LAND

What do we know about the act of planting but an innate act within our basic human desire to grow and to be one into ourselves.  The need to plant delves deep into the element and continuing intention to exaggerate, shape, develop and expand anything into something. At times it can lead one to having high hopes, for planting then nurturing, by nature, are routine, consistent acts done time and again.  They work in tandem.  If one action is without the other then all will cease, probably gasp and perhaps even eventually die.

With all sorts of tools and materials available to him, Faizal has tried to explore the possibilities in his print making, paintings and artwork.  His work is akin to an act of self-exploration, an aspiring artist finding his voice in his art.  The ongoing search is a sign of independence, a sign that to expand means to breathe means to live, to grow. A sign of a thinking, evolving mind. First to plant, then nurture what is planted, let it grow and the cycle continues. 

Now he stands on a piece of land he is about to explore.  He stands there with all his tools - hoe, machete and trowel or is he now using a machine? Maybe seeds, fertilizer or organic poisons are also used. Or perhaps his plan is to use pesticides, or weed killer from Monsanto!  Whatever, the choice is his.

The essence of Faizal’s work reminds me of a Nusantara literature that epitomizes the idea that regardless of the different elements involved, we all need each other to work together to contribute towards one common goal - “hati kuman sama dicicah, hati gajah sama dilapah”. It is not my intention to equate this great work of literature to Faizal’s artwork but that is the reality within this context.  As the saying goes, ‘What does the belida fish lack? It has its form, It has its structure.  These proverbs talk about humility yet in the paradox of life, there is also the desire to faithfully strive and we see this in Faizal’s work. The humourous yet wise observations of past great literature parallels this aspiring artist’s artwork as, ‘bigger is the rope than the monkey’ or behold ‘the elephant swallowed by the stick snake.’

I end my short notes, in all honesty, that nature is our classroom. As Faizal has demonstrated in his artwork, he is now standing on the irrigation field ready to plant and nurture.  As the waters flow swiftly out into the open, it can take his dreams to Beijing, Singapore, Manila or even Australia before it pours out into the deep open sea, on its amazing journey, free at last.

by Juhari Said
Akal di Ulu
4 Mei  2011