LITTLE, MATTERS

What event is so significant that you think we should featured in Malaysia artwork?

Is is the responsibilities of Malaysia artist to create Malaysia artwork?

What is Malaysia artwork?

I think that sometimes being too obsessed on what or who we are is not a good thing at all. It is because it shrinks the possibilities bubbles, slowly the bubbles will stick closely to our bodies and puff, eventually we thought it is a good thing because we think we know 'ourselves', but to me it is not something that I will be very proud of myself. Perhaps being the 'same' with others means boring and dull to me at some point. That is why I think the 'significant events' mention in the question above should be something not everyone can see or hear. It should be some story that never been told before, not like something repetitive. For example, Malaysia's Independence Day is a day that every Malaysian know and considered 'significant' to almost every Malaysian. That is why many artwork are produced and created based on this event, or inspired by this event. Even years and years passed by, this event still contribute to many Malaysia artwork, or at least the re are drawing competition or colouring competition in primary or secondary schools. I guess it is a way to encourage Malaysia artwork, but not the obvious way. However, I think there are more important and significant events that should be featured in Malaysia artwork, such as some small matters that happened in the citizens everyday life. 

What I meant by small matters are things that may not affect most of the people at the area or country level, but in a family or a person's social circle. I know that in the lecture, I learned that some important Malaysia artworks will become a communicating and teaching tool for our future generations, but I think it is not enough because not only these 'significant' events need to be remembered, the stories of the people are far more significant than many things. Then what are the small matters? A tooth being kept under the pillow because of the toothfairy story that every mother tells their child can be a matter, it can be seen as something ridiculous, or it can be seen as a hope, anticipation, excitement of a child because of this story. It may not convince you that it is a good idea or good example, but what I want to say that small matters still can mean a lot, small matters still can be significant.

We have our own perspective, an event may be significant to you but not him or her. That is why I think we need to develop and understand what is significant to ourselves and others before blindly produce or create something that follows the trend or the 'significant' events mentioned by others or the media. Therefore, it is every Malaysian's responsibilities to define their own 'significant events', not the country's events but events that happens around us in our daily life. Who knows that one day these small matters that do not seem to be some significant events could save the mankind.

A Malaysian artwork is something that can represent Malaysia, and something the Malaysian have context of or understands. Malaysia have more things that just the culture here. However, it is good to support and do our best in helping Malaysia artist and artwork as an encouragement.