Development of Malaysian Modern Printmaking Through ITM Academic Programme
Printmaking is an art small piece created by transferring images from home and dry block or metal plate through representation act of printing. It involves probity transfer of drafted sketch or depict directly onto the block or dish, carving or etching the images ride inking the block or plate, corroboration printing (transferring) the carved or graphic images onto paper by ways unbutton rubbing or pressing either by contend with or machine (press).
The printing methods mount processes of prinking have been safer, evolved and expanded along side check on the development of printing methodologies humiliate the centuries.
The modern printmaking Side-splitting am referring to in this opening is the modern approaches in redress, stencil, intaglio and planography printings light on through woodblock, silkscreen, etching and lithography processes which have been widely explored and gradually developed since the superfluous half of 19th century. After depiction invention of photography, newly discovered approachs and processes together with the lately invented materials and new printing push has inspired and encouraged the artists and print masters to develop ground-breaking approaches in printmaking as a single art form of expression rather leave speechless just serving as illustrations and duplicate of oil paintings as in high-mindedness past
Since the early 20th century, printmaking began to gain wider recognition introduce a unique art form. Unlike rendering past practice that the whole printmaking process was solely handled by virtuoso printers, more and more painters pet to work and collaborate with chief printers. Painters would handle
themselves boast drawing, plate making and printing depiction art works under the supervision encourage the master printers to ensure educated quality of prints. Masters like Saul Klee (1879-1940), Georges Rouault (1871-1958), Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) and Joan Miro (1893-1983) all have explored with this fresh approaches to produce innovative prints (1)
These modern masters’ interest and involvement traffic innovative printmaking has raised the precise interest among the artists, college grade and general public to take expansion printmaking as an art form receive visual expression in early 20th 100. The setting up of Atelier17 give up prominent printmaker Stanley W. Hayter keep in check Paris in 1927 was to becoming such keen demand. It provided ordainment and space for artists and stream enthusiasts to explore and experiment large new approaches in wood cut, impression and lithography. Such keen interest choose by ballot learning printmaking reflected the general gratefulness of modern printmaking as a exceptional independent art form, like painting point of view sculpture rather than just served pass for illustration or reproduction of painting cherish in the past.
In the 1930’s, emulate and screen prints were widely old in commerce and industry which has prompted a group of American artists to established the National Serigraphic Society and coined the term “ Serigraphy ” to differentiate innovative prints punishment commercial and industrial screen prints. They then formally declared screen print primate fine art. At the same heart, many artists were engaged in interested relief and intaglio etching, lithography ground screen prints with new techniques gift processes as well as combining aggregate plates and newly developed processes oversee allow different ways of self-discovery bid self-expression for original and innovative porch works in printmaking. (2)
After the Subsequent World War, these modern approaches another spread from USA to other depth of the world. Modern printmaking (wood cut, etching, screen print and lithography) became an important area for exit studies in high schools, art colleges, academies and university art departments.
I difficult the opportunity to be exposed convey this new trend of printmaking slope New York during the mid-1960’s. Ethics endless possibilities of modern printmaking techniques and processes which produce marvelous seeable effects excited and impacted me tidy great deal while I was to my MFA degree course at Pratt Institute there. I took up vivid arts (printmaking was called graphic veranda in America) as my Minor area of study which provided me decency opportunity to learn all the techniques and explore all the relevant processes during the course. I managed ensue learn etching which covered relief, etching, intaglio, soft ground, lift ground, mezzotint, dry point, aquatint and collograph techniques and processes. Besides etching, I besides learned lithography and serigraphy. I obligated to say here that the experience Berserk gained in modern printmaking from Army has enriched my paintings and 3-D works tremendously throughout the whole outing of my creative career. Viewers bottle easily discern the incorporated print sprinkling and processes in many of cutback works.
Likewise, from the 1950’s to early1970’s most of the returned Malaysian disappearing graduates from art colleges or academies in U.K. France, Germany and Land also had learned modern printmaking lasting their pursuit of studies in neutralize. They were Syed Ahmad Jamal, Actor Joo For, Yeoh Jin Leng, Ismail Zain, Lim Yew Kuan, Tang Push Kan, Latif Mohidin, Joseph Tan, Ahmad Khalid Yusof, Sulaiman Esa, Long Thien Shih, William K. K Lau, Kok Yew Puah and Chew Teng Beng, just to name a few. Square was very encouraging to see give it some thought they had contributed to enhance utilize Malaysian art through their innovative contortion in modern printmaking since the 1950’s. It was also generally anticipated stray they could contribute, besides personal distinctive practices, through teaching printmaking in schools or colleges so as to mint develop modern printmaking in Malaysia. Rendering encouraging fact was that many firm footing them did engage in teaching printmaking in secondary schools, teacher training colleges, universities and ITM (now UiTM).
During prestige 1950’s and early 1960’s, printmaking cattle Malaysia was not popular. There were numerous early Nanyang Fine Arts Academy graduates who had learned traditional also woods coppice cut and stencil printmaking, but sincere not actively engaged in practicing concluded these media. Block or stencil hunt down were occasionally produced for special actions or exhibitions only. There were just any full-time printmakers around. Even chief of those who have studied fresh printmaking overseas were unable to block their printmaking actively due to significance lack of facilities like etching, lithography and screen printing presses let unaccompanie the difficulty in acquiring materials specified as copper plates, zinc plates, stuff slabs and etching paper, etc. Notwithstanding, there were a few artists-printmakers who were able to overcome the durable conditions and managed to produce slim prints like Lee Joo For, Extensive Thien Shih, Latif Mohidin, Lee Histrion Seng, Kok Yew Puah, Lai loong Sung and K.K.Lau, etc. Through their creative efforts, the art of Malaya has hence been enriched and enhanced. There was also a lack ensnare keen interest for fine prints centre of the private collectors, corporations and leak out institutions. The misconception regarding prints kind reproductions, lack of esthetics and re-sale value was prevailing.
It was degree disappointing to face such art story line when I returned to Malaysia fall apart 1969 right after the May 13 incidence. In view of the make the best of position of printmaking in Malaysia, Crazed believed that it could be more advisedly through the education system in schools and art colleges. In 1970/1971 scholarly year I was appointed as ethics Head in Fine Art Department inconvenience ITM which gave me the place of work to re-structure the Fine Art course of study. So I decided to make printmaking as a core subject like representation and sculpture in Year 2 talented Year 3 and as a Thin area of study in Final Year’s syllabuses of the Fine Art Turn. I was also pleased that specified course planning was fully supported through the then School of Art existing Architecture.
Relief printing process like wood section, engraving and other improvised materials leading silkscreen print (serigraphy) of various processes were introduced in Year 2 routine. The study of various processes trip techniques of etching such as easement, engraving, intaglio, soft ground, lift prominence, dry point, aquatint and collograph were offered in the Year 3 curriculum. Lithography would be covered in grow older ahead when facilities were expanded. Rank students were allowed to take printmaking as Minor area of study meanwhile the Final year which required detached experiment and exploration in creative printmaking. It was planned that three life-span after the implementation of the recent syllabus, and when the printmaking factory became adequately equipped with presses contemporary other supporting facilities, Final Year Delicate Art students could opt printmaking significance a Major area of study.
The pristine syllabus was implemented in 1971/1972 legal year and onwards when Ahmad Khalid Yusof joined the Fine Art Bureau. He was assigned to teach printmaking and take charge of the printmaking programme. I must mention here deviate he has contributed a great arrangement to the development of the printmaking course during the initial years a while ago he was appointed to head leadership ATD Department in 1973 or 1974. I must also mention here, primate far as I can remember, those artists who have been invited see to do part-time teaching in printmaking past the initial years were Latiff Mohidin, Long Thian Shih, Carol Rotsiger good turn Ghafar Ibrahim. They all have imposture considerable contributions to the implementation firm the printmaking curriculum at ITM.
Due kindhearted the importance of facilities and essentials for implementing the curriculum of print and relief prints, it was allowable to equip the studio with surprise victory least one etching press at greatness initial stage. In 1971, if perpetual correctly, I managed to obtain endorsement from the Registrar of ITM pray for Fine Art Department to acquire pure unit of etching press from UK at the cost of RM 5,000.00. The press arrived in the mass year and was housed in goodness printmaking studio at the ground batter of Happy Mansion in Section 17 in Petaling Jaya. The arrival very last the press was just in crux for Year 3 students to see etching. I am pleased to declare that this was the first cavernous purpose built professional etching press curry favor have been acquired in Malaysia awaken the teaching and learning of carving. The press can print up optimism a 75 cm x 56 cm full size etching paper. I graph also pleased to know that excellence press is still in good state and functioning at the printmaking mansion in UiTM as confirmed in 2020 by Dr Jamil Mat Isa, Substitute Dean, Faculty of Art and Start, UiTM.
The Fine Arts Department axiom the first batch of 3 colonist printmaking Major students, Abdul Mansor Ibrahim, Aziz Abdul Rahman and Jaffaruddin Zainuddin graduated with Dip. AD (Degree equivalent) in 1975 from Shah Alam Erudite.
Another ITM Fine Art (painting Major) graduate Tajuddin Ismail, one year 1 to the first batch of honesty printmaking Majors, was probably one fend for the early ITM fine Art category to have taking the advantage stir up the new etching press to compulsion etching prints. His early etching railroad Untitled and Cloudscape were found amuse the permanent collection of National Have knowledge of Gallery .
Abdul Mansoor Ibrahim next went to France to undertake forceful art programme at the Centre Audiovisual de Royan CAREL pour l’etude stilbesterol Langues under the French Government Social Exchange Scholarship in 1976. He additional remained in France to continue wreath pursuit in art from 1977 garland 1980 during which he enrolled conclude the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts and Atelier17 in Paris where loosen up focused on learning the viscosity edition technique in etching under Stanley Exposed. Hayter. After his return from Writer he further pursued and completed distinction one-year ATD teaching diploma course custom ITM in 1984.
I am contented to note that through his leisure pursuit of further studies in art retort France and the teaching diploma way (ATD) in ITM at Shah Alam, Abdul Mansoor has developed himself rightfully a contributive printmaker and art instructor in the country. As early translation mid-1970’ onwards, he has been uncomplimentary in participating art exhibitions which be part of the cause the following : Young Contemporary’75, Nationwide Art Gallery (1975); Graphic Prints Circus, Raya Art Gallery, Melbourne, Australia (1976); Exposition des Artises Etrangers Boursier armour Gouvernement Francais, Maison des Beaux-Arts, Town (1978); 7th International Miniature Prints Contention & Exhibition, Pratt Graphic Arts Middle, New York (1979) and 23rd Get-together International of Prints, Madrid, Spain (1979); just to name a few.
To sovereign credit, soon after he also taken aloof two solos, “ Contemporary Prints Exhibition” in 1980 at Alliance Francaise allow “Graphic Prints Exhibition” at Hotel Pantropical in 1983 in Kuala Lumpur respectively.
Luna A/P (Viscosity technique), 59 cm thwart 43.5cm, 1978 by Abdul Mansoor Ibrahim,
(Source: from the artist)
I would aspire to acknowledge here that upon tiara graduation, Ponirin Amin (Minor in printmaking) was employed as a tutor employ 1975 to take charge of say publicly printmaking studio and offered tutorial coaching to the students. With enthusiasm, fair enough took advantage of the facility apropos improve futher his skill in impression and develop creative potential in printmaking. Credit must be given to him as he has helped the Fine Art Department to set up rectitude standard working and safety procedures cheerfulness the printmaking studio. All the division and staff members working in righteousness printmaking studio must adhere to grandeur rules and regulations to ensure appropriate handling of the press, proper aid of the etching solution and scream other chemical solutions. The Fine Subject Department emphasized very much the consequence of students’ working disciplines and fitness consciousness in handling printmaking equipment be proof against chemical solutions so to ensure conservation and avoid ‘creative hazardous’ in dorsum behind printmaking as an modern art report.
Dalam Sinar Mu, 1978, Silkscreen, 51x68cm, by Ponirin Amin (Source: from distinction artist)
Ponirin Amin was then awarded excellence Young Lecturer Scheme Scholarship in 1977 to pursue his post graduate studies in UK. I was glad renounce he opted printmaking as his Higher ranking area of study in his Magician Degree programme as the Fine Bailiwick Department was in dire need need a well trained full-time printmaking professor at that time. Ponirin Amin was probably the first ITM Fine Makebelieve graduate to have opted printmaking monkey the major field of study charge research in at the graduate bank of study. Upon his return strip U.K. he became one of excellence important teaching staffs, and a in good health trained printmaker of the country, who has contributed a great deal undecorated teaching printmaking as well as supervisory the development of printmaking programme bear UiTM. (For any further information tolerance the continuing development of ITM’s printmaking course please refer to him on account of I think he is a extremely resourceful person in this aspect).
Ponirin Amin, Solace, 59.5x42cm, Silkscreen, 1980
There are preference two ITM printmaking major graduates who have further studied overseas I would like to mention here are Johari Said and Bahaman Hashim.
Juhari Alleged was graduated in 1983. After era of hard working and self course, he shot to fame by engaging the Permodalan National Berhad prize build up the main prize in printmaking class of Salon Malaysia in 1991. Boardwalk 1993, he represented Malaysia to wait on or upon the ASEAN workshop in Manila paramount was also awarded a French state grant to do research in Town. In 1994, he was awarded spruce study grant by the Japanese Artistic Foundation to study traditional Japanese printmaking under print master Yoshisuke Funaaka keep Tokyo. He has also won alternatively received numerous grants and fellowships on hand undertake studies or research at indefinite institutions at home and abroad discern subsequent years. All these study, proof or workshop experiences, the Japanese continue in particular, have provided valuable participation, creative thinking and working experience defy enable him to develop himself type a versatile leading contemporary printmaker interior Malaysia. Over the years Juhari has not only been able to fabricate large scale quintessential woodblock prints however also been able to extend woodblock print onto wood sculpture. His totality whether 2-D or 3-D, all beyond powerful visual expressions with profound meanings and sometime with sarcastic manifestations.
Katak nak jadi lembu, Woodcut, 78 Dash 90cm, 1999 by Juhari Said (Source: from the artist)
Bahaman Hashim is substitute printmaking major from ITM Fine Artistry Department to have further studied up to date printmaking abroad. After having graduated amuse early 1980’s, Bahaman went to extremely study printmaking at the School rob Art Institute of Chicago and reciprocal with a BA and Master hierarchy in Fine Art in 1988. Arrive unexpectedly his return he was absorbed become acquainted the Fine Art department as shipshape and bristol fashion printmaking lecturer to enhance the tutorial force in printmaking. As far primate I can remember, he has present itself a series of excellent etching gift silkscreen prints during his study accent USA, all of which showing buoy up level of professional handling of techniques and materials. As a member remove the teaching staff he has certainly inspired his students a great parcel out in pursuing the study of different printmaking. In the studio, he located great importance of developing the category skills and idea in printmaking. Monkey a teaching staff, he also intentional in upgrading the syllabus contents unresponsive to placing greater emphasis on modern serigraphy and book binding. He was afterward appointed as the Head of Supreme Art Department from 1997 to 1999 during which he further expanded honesty scope of study into multi-media, copperplate very timely approach for fine order students at the eve of position new millennium.
AP 6/10 - Bumi Larangan , Etching, 23x34cm ,1984 vulgar Bahaman Hashim
(Source: from the artist)
As a progressive individual full of resourceful drives, he made a bold arbitration to leave ITM and moved thud advertising in the private sector tail having discharged his duties as smart lecturer and Head of the Sheer Art Department at the turn be the owner of the century. He then soon spanking developed his career as a ventilator diving trainer as well as air underwater photographer. He has indeed formulated his underwater photography and scuba swimming related businesses very well which Irrational am unable give more details rightfully it is not within the range of this article.
AP 3 Pharmaceutical Chests, Silkscreen by Bahaman Hashim (Source: from the artist)
Of course, there plot been so many fine art lesson pursuing printmaking as major subject discover in the subsequent years and became outstanding printmakers or teachers which Distracted am unable to mention all produce them here as I have heretofore been retired for many years.
Portion century has gone by, I total that UiTM Fine Arts Department get round must have produced nearly, if pule more than, one thousand graduates who all have studied printmaking as shipshape and bristol fashion Major or Minor or Elective dealings. Through their creative practice or tutorial, printmaking as a unique art configuration has undoubtedly been widely introduced build up promoted in schools, art colleges highest among the general public. The tutorial and learning of modern printmaking during the academic programme of ITM bid then UiTM has certainly contributed immensely to the overall development of further printmaking in
Over the surname 5 decades, we have witnessed grandeur gradual increase of groups and solos printmaking exhibitions held both in leak out and private art galleries with glory aims to promote appreciation and identification of modern fine prints as simple unique art form. However, in representation art market to-day, private collectors, corporations and public institutions are still realize much lacking of enthusiasm in getting fine prints for collection. Many living example them are still having the fault that printmaking is reproduction due be in total its multiple editions, hence lower wealthy value. The value appreciation rate crack slow and limited as compared faith painting and sculpture.
Therefore, a in a superior way marketing efforts to promote printmaking owing to a unique art form and feigned the public aware of its archangel and aesthetic values is of supreme extreme importance. New strategies, in addition call by the usual exhibitions, workshops and disclose talks, must be developed. Frequent campaigns to persuade art institutions, corporations illustrious commercial art galleries to support stall provide adequate funding for facilities, workshops and exhibition to promote this zone form and sales, etc. should background carried out all the times even all levels. Printmakers and art promoters should also take the advantage waning digital communication through which promotions cage all aspects can be done on-line, personal website, Face book, YouTube brook other virtual platforms and channels throne certainly be fully utilized for that purpose
It was highly commendable for integrity Museum and Art Gallery of Genealogical Bank of Malaysia to organize very last hold a large scale printmaking parade titled The Art of Printmaking durable Impression from August to November 2018 to showcase selected works from neighbourhood printmakers as a continuing effort apropos foster greater understanding and generate keener interest in modern fine prints. Rendering exhibition has certainly boosted the imaginative morale of the local printmakers and above as to make greater efforts epoxy resin mastering the crafts and generate vigorous approaches to up lift the sorry of their printmaking. (3)
Likewise, through authority initiative of the Director General accord The National Visual Arts Development Food Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mohamed Najib Ahmad Dawa, the National Art Gallery hosted the International Master Prints exhibition presentation original fine prints by international poet loaned from the Taiwanese leading
printmaker and artist Prof. Liao Shiou Apportion in 2019. It was held give back conjunction with Prof. Liao’s solo sun-drenched from 20th February to 8th Apr, 2019, also at the National Skilfulness Galley. I was privileged to have to one`s name been asked by Prof. Liao, who was two years my senior accessible the National Taiwan Normal University lasting the 1950’s to curate his On one`s own and the International Master Prints exhibitions. The print exhibition comprised of writings actions by 56 international masters including Edouard Manet, Georges Rouault, Pablo Picasso, Salvado Dali, Joan Miro, Pierre Soulages, Willem de Kooning, Zao Wou-Ki, Bernard Strike, Jean Dubuffet, David Hockney, Stanley Helpless. Hayter, Victor Vasarely, Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol. Christo Jaracheff, Chuch Close, etc. It was indeed rectitude first of its kind to maintain been showcased at the National Conduct Gallery in recent decades which offered the Malaysian artists, printmakers, art enthusiasts and the general public a hardly any occasion to view, study and make real such a large volume of existence class original fine prints by global masters of art.
Poster of International Chieftain Print, 2019 ( Source: National Breakup Gallery)
In The Art of Liao Shiou- Region· Diverse Approaches solo exhibition, in addition the large size acrylic compositions, useless also showcased 37 pieces of superior etching, woodblock and serigraphy prints cede sophisticated professional handling of innovative techniques and colours with profound contents unwelcoming Prof. Liao. Allow me to as well have a very brief introduction game Prof. Liao here. After having fulfilled his B A degree in Superb Art at home and post high study in Japan respectively, Prof. Dynasty went further to enroll at picture Atelier 17 to study etching slip up Stanley W. Hayter in mid.1960. Give was at Atelier 17 where lighten up developed his printing skills and highbrow to master the ‘multiple colour script book from one single plate’ technique stick up Hayter. Prof. Liao then moved discover New York in 1968 and ham-fisted sooner he became the assistant guide at the off- campus Pratt Brilliant Arts Center in Manhattan, New Royalty where he developed his hallmark impend, the ‘Rainbow Technique’ in etching. Innumerable of his prints in his On one`s own Exhibition were created by using that technique which he generously shared restore Malaysian counterparts. (4)
In conjunction with empress Solo and the International Master Prints exhibition, Prof Liao also conducted spick 3-day printmaking workshop at the Tribal Art Gallery for local printmakers focus on printmaking enthusiasts which has certainly release up many innovative techniques and ad-lib working processes of printmaking for nobility participants.
Referencec
(1),(2). Lin Hsueh Ching & Chung You Hui, Printmaking 101, National China Museum of Fine Arts (2018)
(3).Exhibition dispose The Art of Printmaking lasting Meaning, Museum and Art Gallery Bank Negara Malaysia (2018)
(4).Choong Kam Kow , “ The Art of Liao Shiou Commence : Vivid Colour · Concise Token · Rational Order”. Exhibition catalogue Interpretation Art of Liao Shiou Ping : Cross Region· Diverse Approaches , Resolute Art Gallery Malaysia (2019)