A STROLL UPON SUN MOON LAKE
Johan Ishak
Photography
19 December 2014
Photography
19 December 2014
Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan
PENCIPTA / THE CREATOR
at
3:18 AM
PENCIPTA
THE CREATOR
Johan Ishak
Acrylic and Ink on Canvas
90cm X 90cm
25 December 2014
11:59 p.m.
Buanaseni Studio Shah Alam
SOLD
PENCIPTA literally means the "Creator" referring to God. The Muslims have 100 names for God (Asma'ul Husna) but all referring to the one God entity. This (PENCIPTA) 3ft x 3ft Acrylic and Ink on Canvas modernist expression consists of 99 names forming the background of the work and the remaining 1 completing the 100 names form the centre piece character, Allah, the most uttered name being used in a Muslim's daily praying ritual or reciting of the Holy Quran. It is almost impossible to find all 100 names in this piece as they are over-lapping. Nevertheless, the appreciation of the 100 names are usually appreciated by Muslims by memorising, thus an art work such as this is not meant to be read but to be felt subliminally and spiritually by God's will.
AHAD / ONE
at
3:15 AM
AHAD
ONE
Johan Ishak
Acrylic and Ink on Canvas
90cm X 90cm
25 December 2014
11:59 p.m.
Buanaseni Studio Shah Alam
SOLD
AHAD literally means "One" referring to God. The Muslims have 100 names for God (Asma'ul Husna) but all referring to the one God entity. This (AHAD) 3ft x 3ft Acrylic and Ink on Canvas modernist expression consists of 99 names forming the background of the work and the remaining 1 completing the 100 names form the centre piece character, Allah, the most uttered name being used in a Muslim's daily praying ritual or reciting of the Holy Quran. It is almost impossible to find all 100 names in this piece as they are over-lapping. Nevertheless, the appreciation of the 100 names are usually appreciated by Muslims by memorising, thus an art work such as this is not meant to be read but to be felt subliminally and spiritually by God's will.
ESA / ONE
at
3:11 AM
ESA
ONE
Johan Ishak
Acrylic and Ink on Canvas
90cm X 90cm
25 December 2014
11:59 p.m.
Buanaseni Studio Shah Alam
SOLD
ESA literally means "One" referring to God. The Muslims have 100 names for God (Asma'ul Husna) but all referring to the one God entity. This (ESA) 3ft x 3ft Acrylic and Ink on Canvas modernist expression consists of 99 names forming the background of the work and the remaining 1 completing the 100 names form the centre piece character, Allah, the most uttered name being used in a Muslim's daily praying ritual or reciting of the Holy Quran. It is almost impossible to find all 100 names in this piece as they are over-lapping. Nevertheless, the appreciation of the 100 names are usually appreciated by Muslims by memorising, thus an art work such as this is not meant to be read but to be felt subliminally and spiritually by God's will.
ALLAH AND MUHAMMAD (COPPER ON GREY)
at
3:02 AM
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ALLAH AND MUHAMMAD
(COPPER ON GREY)
(COPPER ON GREY)
Johan Ishak
Acrylic and Ink on Canvas
(Diptic) 2 X 40cm x 40cm
(Diptic) 2 X 40cm x 40cm
24 December 2014
11:59 p.m.
Buanaseni Studio Shah Alam
www.buanaseni.blogspot.com
www.buanaseni.blogspot.com
SOLD
REDEMPTION
Friday, December 12, 2014
at
12:37 AM
REDEMPTION
Johari Ishak
Acrylic on Canvas
40cm x 50cm
2014
Buanaseni Studio Shah Alam
40cm x 50cm
2014
Buanaseni Studio Shah Alam
SOLD
ALLAH AND MUHAMMAD (WHITE ON BLUE)
at
12:34 AM
ALLAH AND MUHAMMAD
(WHITE ON BLUE)
(WHITE ON BLUE)
Johari Ishak
Acrylic on Canvas
(Diptic) 2 X 50cm x 40cm
2014
Buanaseni Studio Shah Alam
(Diptic) 2 X 50cm x 40cm
2014
Buanaseni Studio Shah Alam
SOLD
WE FIGHT FOR NOTHING
Thursday, December 11, 2014
at
10:28 PM
WE FIGHT FOR NOTHING
Shafiq Nordin
Finalist for Malaysia Emerging Artists Awards (MEAA) 2014
Acrylic on Jute via Lino
185cm x 230cm
Acquired on 9 December 2014
185cm x 230cm
Acquired on 9 December 2014
REDEMPTION 17?
at
10:20 PM
REDEMPTION 17?
Johan Ishak
Acrylic, Ink, Spray Paint and MAS Boeing 777 Model on Wood
57cm x 97cm
11 December 2014
3:13 a.m.
Buanaseni Studio Shah Alam
57cm x 97cm
11 December 2014
3:13 a.m.
Buanaseni Studio Shah Alam
While we were still dumbstruck by the MH 370 tragedy, God Almighty leaves no room for reconciliation. No redemption was ever met with a closure for MH 370, and now, we are in the state of despair yet again. MH 17 was certain,... a certain lost. Nevertheless, the question of redemption still lingers. Who do we blame? Do we blame the Russians? Do we blame the Ukranians? Do we blame the Americans? Or,... Do we absorb the blame like we always do? Such is life that in the end we are best not relying on others but ourselves. Whichever way we go, the question of redemption still exists.REDEMPTION 370?
at
10:06 PM
REDEMPTION 370?
Johan Ishak
Mixed Media: Acrylic, Ink, Oil and MAS Boeing 777 Model on Canvas
60cm x 90cm
11 December 2014
1:13 a.m.
Buanaseni Studio Shah Alam
60cm x 90cm
11 December 2014
1:13 a.m.
Buanaseni Studio Shah Alam
We we struck by the tragedy of MH 370. A lost was not enough, as we were also overwhelmed by confusion, uncertainty, anger and full of questions? Where did MH 370 ended up? In our remembrance of this lost, we are forever haunted by the urge to redeem this melancholic state of mind. How do we redeem? Where should we seek for answers. The Chinese are staring at us. The Americans are pushing us around like headless chicken. Of course we were lucky that numerous nations joined in for the search, but what good was the effort when all we end up getting is back to the question we initially sought to answer. SATU / ONE
Saturday, December 6, 2014
at
12:56 AM
SATU
ONE
Johan Ishak
Acrylic on Canvas
150cm X 150cm
3 December 2014
11:14 p.m.
Buanaseni Studio Shah Alam
SOLD
SATU literally means "One" referring to God. The Muslims have 100 names for God (Asma'ul Husna) but all referring to the one God entity. This (SATU) 5ft x 5ft Acrylic on Canvas modernist expression consists of 97 names forming the background of the work and the remaining 3 completing the 100 names form the black centre piece characters: Allah, Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim, 3 of the most popular names being used in a Muslim's daily praying ritual or reciting of the Holy Quran. It is almost impossible to find all 100 names in this piece as they are over-lapping. Nevertheless, the appreciation of the 100 names are usually appreciated by Muslims by memorising, thus an art work such as this is not meant to be read but to be felt subliminally and spiritually by God's will.
DABBA WALA MUMBAI SINCE 1890
Sunday, November 30, 2014
at
7:15 PM
DABBA WALA MUMBAI SINCE 1890
Johan Ishak
Pencil on Paper
10cm X 10cm
SOLD
... THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE
at
6:02 PM
... THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE
Johan Ishak
Ink on Paper
15cm X 15cm
SOLD
MY PICK ON TOP 10 BEST MUSIC ALBUMS
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
at
7:30 PM
have always been fascinated with music. Recently, I googled "music" and explored various knowledge sites. It seems that the word "music" came from the word "Muses" that means the daughters of Zues who are advocates of knowledge such as Literature, Geography, Mathematics and, of course, Music. Personally, my passion does include Music. Only yesterday I had a jamming session with a famous local composer, Ahmad Izham Omar. We played some Blues and Rock and Roll alongside the band members of D'Kechewas (Azhar, Iesta, Kamal and Eddy). Our favourite genres may differ but once the band members click together, they produce magic... music magic. As an extension to my love for music, yesterday (also), I bought a brand new electric guitar - an Ibanez SA Series - in dark sexy red. I call her Scarlet Ibanez. Scarlet will share jamming studio with my other acquisitions, Sabrina Gibson and Frieda Fender. These 3 females are the only females that my wife will not be jealous of :)
So, given this passion, I thought I might as well end 2014 with a blog post that is less technical, more cultured, no politics and explores the right side of the brain (mine) that sheldom gets attention. Hence, I would like to share with you my pick on the Top 10 Best Music Albums... the kind where you will like all the songs and not skip tracks. Of course these are biased towards my kind of genre, which is rock. The Top 10s, in no particular order, are:
1. ... and Justice for All - Metallica: Metallica has always been my favourite band. There is no wonder why I start the list with Metallica. To be honest, my favourite album from Metallica is Master of Puppets because of a few songs, namely, Master of Puppets, Orion and Welcome Home (Sanitarium). However, I do skip some songs when I play the album. ... and Justice for All on the other hand, gives me a fuller appreciation of an album. I can just let it play from track 1 till the end. I think this is because, by far, this album showcases the best of musical performance of all the individual musicians in the band. The infamous bass drum beats by Ulrich and the mind blowing chords arrangement by Hetfield just set the benchmark for Heavy Metal. This album was also the debut for their bassist, Newstead.
2. Appetite for Destruction - Guns n' Roses: I grew up in the late 80's and early 90's where Rock and Roll was still strong. At that time hip hop was creeping into the mainstream pop culture and rock was diminishing. The only surviving Rock and Roll bands at that time were Rolling Stones, Aerosmith and Guns n' Roses. This album showcases magnificent Rock and Roll with Slash shocking the world with his awesome Blues scaled solos on the Gibson Les Paul and a music wizard touch for Rock and Roll by Izzy Stradlin, it just makes it a complete shout when Axl clads those songs with his lyrics.
3. Come Hell of High Water - Deep Purple: What can I say? All 80's and 90's rock bands must have had their references from their predecessors. Deep Purple goes deep into influencing many rockers. Not so much of Rock and Roll but what they represented was the epitome evolution into Heavy Metal. The mastermind, guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, is a genius. While other guitarist were still exploring the usual Blues scaled Pentatonic on Minor to suit the Rock genre, he was already on an adventure to go beyond those scales and combining other patterns inclusive of arpeggios at a tremendous speed. I salute Blackmore. True enough, when I had my guitar lessons, Deep Purple's solos are some of the toughest to follow. This album is a live recording of a decent selection of their songs.
4. Celebration Day - Led Zeppelin: Enjoying Deep Purple was intense. It gets too technical. When you wanna get out of that zone and just wanna be relaxed, Led Zeppelin offers a soothing easy Blues Rock and Roll feel. It feels good when you can play along the guitar solos with Jimmy Page as his was the usual template. What makes them cool is the grove in each song. It is the kind of Rock that does not demand head banging but a hippie dance.. whatever that means. That is the sort of happiness that Robert Plant can offer to his listeners. Celebration Day is a live recording of a reunion concert of the band members (the dead drummer, Bonham, was replaced by his son). At an old age, they can still perform a mind blowing Rock and Roll saga.
5. The Pulse - Pink Floyd: At one point, I had enough of Heavy Metals and Rock and Rolls. I wanted an alternative source of music appreciation. At that time, alternative meant the Grunge bands like Nirvana. However, I chose to look back. When everyone was hypnotised by Rock and Roll, Pink Floyd was already branching into alternative realm just like how Salvador Dali went into surrealism when other painters were on their tracks for modernist expressionism. This is also a recording of a live concert that has songs from across all of their albums. Floyd's fresh outlook into music brings you to a fantasy journey. You need not move your body to appreciate it. Your mind does all the work. Truly magnificent. Kudos to their main movers Roger Walters and Dave Gilmore.
6. Rubber Soul - The Beatles: Having Izham Omar as my mentor in music cannot depart me away from his favourite band, the Beatles. Their genre may not be within my likings but the relevance of what they contributed to the mushrooming of rock bands across the globe is just phenomenon. Some appreciation are acquired taste. Some required a bit of convincing before you can say, "Ahhh,.. I get it!" So I decided to buy all the albums by the Beatles. My first impression was, wow, Pink Floyd was not the only experimental alternative band of their time, the Beatles was the epitome unprecedented trend changer. You cannot imagine how they can be ahead of their time. Given my taste in genre, I have decided to choose a darker, less fun fair type melodic numbers. Hence Rubber Soul.
7. Ten - Pearl Jam: In the late 90's, many alternative (Grunge) bands emerged. These are the usual 4-chords per song type music with distortions to hide technicalities and sometimes, the bloody guitarists went against the normal convention for guitar string tunning of E-A-D-G-B-E. In that ocean of alternative bands, Pearl Jam made their way up by combining both Grunge and Rock and Roll feel. This way, they captured both youth and matured audiences. It was quite delightful for me to have known about them as they provided a bridge between the old wave (Rock and Roll) and the new (Grunge). So far, Eddie Vedder is my favourite Rock vocalist because his voice offers the depth for songs that comes from a wide spectrum of genre.
8. Live in UK - Helloween: Exploring rock uncovers many sub-genres. You have Rock and Roll for a start. Then Heavy Metal, Black Metal, Grunge Alternative, and there was Speed Metal. Having the melody and the groves were not the only attributes that give you the adrenalin rush. Speed is the new substance for youngsters. Helloween is speed like no other. Their songs are so damn fast and with that crunchy "distortion"ed guitar riffs coupled with their shrieking-voiced vocalist, you are set to fuel your momentum especially when running a marathon. Live in UK is a live recording of a selection of songs from their albums. The reaction of the crowd in that concert, as apparent from the recording, is just overwhelming. People sang along to numbers such as Dr Stein and Future World.
9. Blood Sugar Sex Magic - Red Hot Chilli Peppers: In my quest to diversify my music appreciation (instead of remaining in the myopic world of Rock), Funk was a good chapter to push me to the boundaries but not too far. It was a rewarding journey. I used to practise my drumming to Red Hot Chilli Pepper's songs because their colourful Funk breaks the monotonous structure that Rock had traditionally embedded. Thanks to the drummer, Chad Smith, Red Hot Chilli Peppers managed to secure its position as the leading Funk band. Over its life this band produced many good albums but none ever surpassed the popularity of this album. Every song in this album tells a different musical story but yet all portraying that unique selling proposition of a new age Funk advocate.
10. Son gs of Innocence - U2: U2 is an Irish band that accumulated fan base big enough to challenge Madonna or even Michael Jackson in the 90's. The albums that made them famous were Joshua Tree and, subsequently, Achtung Baby. For me, notwithstanding that my favourite U2 songs are from these 2 albums, I still find myself skipping one or two songs when playing them. This year, 2014, they released their new album, Son gs of Innocence. The album showcases fresh new sounds but yet, unmistakenably U2 predominantly as a result of Bono's voice, that familiar drum beats by Muller and Adam's heartfelt bass lines. The Edge, the guitarist/keyboardist, on the other hand, has matured in song writing producing the most melodic albums I have ever heard. Kudos.
There you go! You may agree or not agree with my pick but hey, it's my post and this is who I am..... a rocker!! Have a pleasant year end holidays and see you in 2015!
PUNCAK AHRAM / ZENITH
Thursday, November 13, 2014
at
2:25 AM
PUNCAK AHRAM
ZENITH
Johan Ishak
Acrylic and Ink on Canvas
90cm X 90cm
11 November 2014
11:14 p.m.
Buanaseni Studio Shah Alam
SOLD
PUNCAK AHRAM literally means the "Zenith of a Pyramid". There are no pyramids in this work. Rather, zenith here represents a subliminal state of mind that this piece represents. It is the peace of mind associated with enlightenment achieveable via methods such as Yoga and other forms of spiritual contemplations. To achieve that feel (of subliminal enlightenment), a departure from contemporary genre is warranted resulting in a Modernist Abstract Expressionism approach with a hint of Pop Art to contemporarise it back.
ASIMILASI / ASSIMILATION
Thursday, November 6, 2014
at
4:25 AM
ASIMILASI
ASSIMILATION
Johan Ishak
Acrylic and Ink on Canvas
90cm X 90cm
6 November 2014
2:00 a.m.
Buanaseni Studio Shah Alam
SOLD
ASIMILASI is about assimilation of the diverse ethnic groups in Malaysia establishing a one nation identity, i.e. 1Malaysia. This process has been in progress since the 1800's when the colonial master, the British Empire, brought in Chinese for mining activities and Indians for agriculture. The assimilation has, to some extent, achieved harmonisation given that the different ethnic groups have co-existed for more than 2 centuries. Each element represents an ethnic group: Lantern for Chinese; Peacock for Indian; Keris (the Dagger) for Malay and the backdrop motives for the Indigeneous. One statement that is relevant for all of these ethnic groups to consider would be those Chinese characters on the lantern that say, "Loyalty to the Nation."
The image on the left is a study piece for the real work above. The study piece consists of pencil and marker sketches done way back in 1992 for my school magazine, Perintis. Then I added a digital montage work of images from the internet, namely the peacock and the lantern. As you may notice, the real work does not follow the study exactly. I have decided to enlarge the peacock, enhance the lanterns with golden icons (Peacock, Dragon, Ocean and Plants), chose a totally different Keris head with self created design elaboration; and, changed from a typical Malay motive design to that of Borneo. 
BUMI YANG BERDARAH
Monday, September 22, 2014
at
10:34 PM
BUMI YANG BERDARAH
Azrin Mohd
Mixed Media – 3D and digital printing, bitumen, acrylic, plastics on Canvas
115cm x 218cm x 10cm (Diptych)
Acquired on 1 October 2014
115cm x 218cm x 10cm (Diptych)
Acquired on 1 October 2014
Review for this piece that was showcased at
Great Malaysian Contemporary Art 2014 of
Art Expo 2014 at Matrade
Great Malaysian Contemporary Art 2014 of
Art Expo 2014 at Matrade
by Zena Khan
"Bumi yang Berdarah" is a 2014 mixed media assemblage by up-and-coming artist Azrin Mohd. This three-dimensional diptych was created as a reaction to recent events in the Gaza Strip, and what the artist perceives to be a lack of reaction from international governing bodies and world superpower nations to the ongoing crisis.
On July 8th 2014, Israel launched Operation Protective Edge in the Gaza Strip, a coastal strip of land bordering the Mediterranean, Egypt and Israel. Israel controls Gaza’s airspace and territorial waters thus having the ability to restrict the movement of people and goods into Gaza. The import of construction material such as steel, cement and bricks has been barred due to the ability to manufacture weapons from these materials. Israel is considered an occupying power in Gaza, where they regularly launch military operations. Operation Protective Edge is the deadliest military operation to have taken place in Gaza since the 2008-2009 Gaza War, and has resulted in the death of hundreds of Palestinians, mostly civilians. The Israeli Defence Force justify their bombing of civilian- populated areas with claims that Hamas hides in these spaces, a pattern that is repeated every time the occupying force launches a campaign in Gaza. Due to the ban on importing construction material, rebuilding bombed buildings is close to impossible, and Gaza is left with the permanent appearance of being ravaged by war. The background of each panel in "Bumi yang Berdarah" shows the literal devastation caused by bombing a city, and its inability to rebuild and move forward. Azrin digitally prints scenes of the landscape of Gaza, littered with shells of bombed-out buildings and rubble. There has been notable silence from several high-profile international media outlets, such as the BBC, CNN and Fox News, on the effects of Operation Protective Edge on the Palestinians. Noticing this silence, Azrin attempts to use his work to explore the immediate and long-lasting visual dimensions of this strike, which appear to be absent from a large majority of official current accounts of events.
Across the top of each panel, Azrin has added a carnival-like bunting, whose festive associations are at odds with the connotations of destruction and despair cast by the background print. Matching these are the carousel horses floating across the center of "Bumi yang Berdarah". Azrin prints his horses three-dimensionally, a new technique he began experimenting with in 2014, as seen in his set of works "Bila Pandangan Mata Hati Tertutup #1-#4". Historically, horses have regularly been used in warfare; Azrin makes this connotation by painting his horse in colours suggestive of a military animal. The horses seem to be suspended in an up and down movement, suggestive of the actual movement of carousels. In this way, Azrin speaks to the unending cycle of violence in the Middle East, likening it to a game controlled by a single source. This allegory raises the question: which power is the source constantly fuelling this unrest, and for what reasons? By raising this discourse, Azrin encourages his audience not only to broaden their knowledge on the Gaza situation, but also to analyze information from news sources or international governing bodies before drawing conclusions.
Azrin is known for composing his three-dimensional assemblages in the form of dioramas, and uses this format again here in "Bumi yang Berdarah". He encases the work with a Perspex sheet overlaid with digital prints of objects associated with war. Images of weapons, aircraft and skulls provide strong associations with combat and act as palpable visual markers of cause and effect.
The term “war horse” is used to refer to soldiers or politicians who have fought several campaigns, and is an apt description for a work that speaks about an ongoing crisis. Although Azrin usually focuses on Malaysian issues, this time he was struck by what he deems a lack of sensitivity demonstrated towards civilians caught in the crossfire in Gaza. He comments on the expectation for world superpowers and governing bodies, particularly the United Nations and NATO, to stand up for the rights of civilians in accordance with their official charters. "Bumi yang Berdarah" is a personal analysis of Middle East conflict, and an attempt by the artist to resolve his own understandings of the reactions he sees. As a contemporary artist, he views his responsibility in disseminating information and encouraging discourse, and by hand-fabricating all the elements within this striking and thought-provoking assemblage, this has allowed him to tailor his message with a specificity that allows it to resonate within his audience long after viewing "Bumi yang Berdarah".
~~~~~
NAGA NERAKA
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
at
1:21 AM
NAGA NERAKA
Johan Ishak
Ink on Paper
10cm X 10cm
28 August 2014
3:00 p.m.
Majestic Hotel KL
Given as a gift to Prof. Razak Mohaideen
www.buanaseni.blogspot.com
3:00 p.m.
Majestic Hotel KL
Given as a gift to Prof. Razak Mohaideen
www.buanaseni.blogspot.com
BEAR & BULL
at
1:20 AM
BEAR & BULL
Johan Ishak
Ink on Paper
10cm X 10cm
28 August 2014
3:30 p.m.
Majestic Hotel KL
Given as a gift to Dato' Dr Zaha Rina Zahari
www.buanaseni.blogspot.com
3:30 p.m.
Majestic Hotel KL
Given as a gift to Dato' Dr Zaha Rina Zahari
www.buanaseni.blogspot.com
EID-FITHR BAITUL-ZUHAYR (HOUSE OF BLOSSOMS ON EID)
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
at
1:35 PM
EID-FITHR BAITUL-ZUHAYR
(HOUSE OF BLOSSOMS ON EID)
(HOUSE OF BLOSSOMS ON EID)
Johan Ishak
Photography
28 July 2014 / 1 Syawal 1435
Photography
28 July 2014 / 1 Syawal 1435
Shah Alam
CANDID RAYA
at
1:25 PM
CANDID RAYA
Unknown
Photography
Direction: Candid
Model: Johan, Roslina, Daniel and Ian
Photography
Direction: Candid
Model: Johan, Roslina, Daniel and Ian
28 July 2014 / 1 Syawal 1435
Shah Alam
NUSANTARA NUISANCE
at
1:21 PM
NUSANTARA NUISANCE
Lina Shaik
Photography
Direction: Johan Ishak
Model: Johan, Daniel and Ian
Photography
Direction: Johan Ishak
Model: Johan, Daniel and Ian
3 August 2014
Shah Alam
THE RAYA POST
at
1:18 PM
THE RAYA POST
Shafiq Shaik
Photography
Direction: Johan Ishak
Model: Johan, Roslina and Daniel
Photography
Direction: Johan Ishak
Model: Johan, Roslina and Daniel
28 July 2014 / 1 Syawal 1435
Semenyeh
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