Seeds of thoughts and ideas stem from nerves and branches weaving around each other like an unending ball of yarn with no beginning or end. This is life depicted by Raja Azeem Idzham in this intricate work about mankind’s journey in life. The complexity of our minds, our actions, our search for meaning and reason is metaphorically represented by the flora and fauna that Ajim grew up with in Taiping town, Perak.
We are so glad to have Gelumang Falsafah to kick off our first Pick of the Week.
2013
180cmx152cm
Mix media
Raja Azeem Idzham’s poetic literature about Gelumang Falsafah, re-produced here in Malay and translated to English by Xeem Noor
“Selepas tidur yang panjang, aku bangun dari mimpi dunia sempurna. Keluar ku dari kepompong, menjulang ke langit dengan sayap aku terbang. Memerhati semua di bawah, aku turun kembali untuk ku kongsi mimpiku. Kunci- kunci untuk membebas semua yang di sekeliling.
Aku percaya dalam berganding dengan alam, bukan menakluknya. Dan manusia harus merasa sakit dan berkorban untuk mencapai kematangan dan kebijaksanaan. Menjadi seperti ahli falsafah, mengetahui erti tentang sesuatu bukan setakat tahu tentang keberadaannya. Dan harus kita berkongsi tentangnya.
Maka akan kembali beratur-iring lagi. Begelumang seboleh mungkin. Alam sekeliling dan apa yang aku bina. Yang kebiasaan dan yang bertentangan. Perkara yang yang dicinta dan dibenci. Yang hakikat dan yang misteri.
Dalam duniaku yang ‘monotonous’ aku terus mencari jawapan-jawapan dari persoalan yang yang tak kunjung habis. Biar jadi tugu atau artifak. Menjadi peringatan tentang perjalanan.
Akar terus kedalam bumi, daun-daun terus mencapai cahaya. Semua telah ditakdirkan, Hadam seboleh mungkin. Akan terus mencari mutiara-mutiara berharga. Akan terus menanam benih-benih ilmu dan rasa. Hingga hujung nyawa.”
—–
I awake, from a deep long slumber, from a dream-world perfection. I fly, from my broken cocoon, to the high skies. I descend, for I have seen what is below and I have dreams to show; crucial codes to break them all free.
I believe in bonding with nature, not binding. While pain and sacrifice is a human must to gain growth and wisdom. Be a philosopher and go beyond acknowledging existence of something; know the meaning. And this, this is what I share.
So I dive into the mass, as deep as I can burrow. I explore this entanglement. Of nature and built. Of what is common and what contrasts. Of the loved and the despised. Of reality and mystery.
In this monotonous world, we seek the unravelling of endless questions. Let this be a relic, a tribute, a testament to our journey.
Oh roots, dig deeper into earth. Oh leaves, grasp higher into light. All is fated and I keep faith. I keep looking for priceless pearls. I keep sowing seeds of wisdom and taste. I keep on till life leaves.
—–
Gelumang Falsafah was exhibited at Galeri Titikmerah during the time this article was written and published.
ArtQulture 