Ibrahim Hussein

Malaysia

Cultural commentary –

Traditions and heritage

Ibrahim Hussein

• 1936 – 2009• Born in the village of Sungai Limau in the Yan district

of Kedah• Studied at NAFA in SG• Later studied in London

Ibrahim Hussein – My Father and the Astronaut, 1970, Acrylic on canvas

• Aldrin: That's a good (last) step.• Armstrong: Yeah. About a 3-footer. (Pause)• [Buzz jumps back down to the footpad.]• Aldrin: Beautiful view!• Armstrong: Isn't that something! Magnificent sight out

here.• Aldrin: Magnificent desolation. (Long Pause)

• http://www.hq.nasa.gov/alsj/a11/a11.step.html

Remarks by George MuellerAssociate Administrator for Office of Manned Space Flight, NASA Headquarters (1963-1969)Following Apollo 11's Splashdown

We now stand at what is undoubtedly the greatest decision point in the history of this planet. Four billion years ago the earth was formed. Four hundred million years ago life moved to the land. Four million years ago man appeared on earth. One hundred years ago the technological revolution that led to this day began. All of these events were important, yet in none of them did man make a conscious decision that would change the future of all mankind. We have that opportunity and that challenge today.

There remains for mankind the task of deciding the next step. Will we press forward to explore the other planets or will we deny the opportunity of the future? To me the choice is clear. We must take the next step. Should we hesitate to exploit the first step? Should we withdraw in fear from the next step? Or should we substitute temporary material welfare for spiritual adventure and long-term accomplishment? Then will man fall back from his destiny. The mighty surge of his achievement will be lost and the confines of this planet will destroy it.

This is the time for a decision. This is the time for rededication to the spirit of our forefathers. A time for all men to move forward and together. The organization that brought men to the moon stands ready for the next step. The knowledge possessed by men is sufficient, the resources are adequate for the task of carrying out this next step. The will of the people of this nation and of the world will determine whether mankind will make the great leap to the planets.

In this moment of man's greatest achievement it is timely to dedicate ourselves to the unfinished work so nobly begotten by three of us. To resolve that this nation, under God, will join with all men in the pursuit of the destiny of mankind will lead to the way of the planets.

http://www.alternatewars.com/SpaceRace/Speeches/Mueller_A11_Remarks.htm

Ibrahim HusseinMy Father and the Astronaut1970Acrylic on canvas

What is in the picture?

• Picture is divided in half • Elderly man on left (presumably father), astronaut on right

• Old man clad only in sarong• Has tanned skin

• Astronaut shown with various objects like camera, dollar bill, and other gadgets• In his visor is reflection of landscape with palm trees (Malaysian?)

• Rather flat purple-brown background• Various words, numbers, and phrases in picture

Ibrahim HusseinMy Father and the Astronaut1970Acrylic on canvas

Visual analysis.

Can think of line, shape, value, colour, pattern, texture, space, balance, dominance, rhythm, contrast.

• Some parts of the painting are blurred and hazy• Smudging and fading-out effect• e.g. old man’s face, astronaut’s right (our left) arm

• The old man seems to be starting to recede into the background• Colours used for old man are close to background colours, accentuating this effect

• The astronaut is generally more in-focus than the old man• Bright colours and bluish tones make him pop more

Ibrahim HusseinMy Father and the Astronaut1970Acrylic on canvas

What is this picture talking about? How does the way the artist made this work express the meaning?

• Life of the common man vs the life of the astronaut• Daily activities of a farmer vs the grandeur of space exploration• A single person vs mankind as a whole• Tradition vs technology• Simple lifestyle vs glamorous rich life

• Which is more important?• Must the advancement of one always be to the detriment of the other?• What does the reflection in the astronaut’s visor mean?

Steps

• Description• Analysis• Interpretation• Judgment/evaluation – Is what the artist did effective?

JUDGMENT (EVALUATION)

• How effectively has the artist used materials in this painting?• What do you think of this artwork?• Is the artwork original? Creative?• Does it have value in our society?

“My main medium is one that I have created called ‘printage’, which is a mixture of printing and collage. I guess I am influenced by my immediate surroundings and environment and that I use these to create a story. The idea of printage came from the time that I was living in New York City when I was surrounded by huge billboards and bright vibrant colours. Whereas since I have been in Langkawi, I have started working in timber and rock as these are my immediate natural surroundings. My approach to art is very spontaneous, it just comes!”

"Art is the most important and unifying force that there is – and that it is a celebration of life that can help nations, races and religions come together as one."

Ibrahim HusseinMay 13th

1969

For more info:http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1309&dat=19860313&id=ENRHAAAAIBAJ&sjid=zY0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=6876,3253307