Shine the Light!

Richard Lau’s Headlight 1 (The Scream)

Richard Lau, Headlights made with fused plastic

Fabian Tan’s Electrolyte Series made from old computer parts and wire lights

We have been busy working on TLS09 (The Light Show 09) over the past few weeks. This is RogueArt’s first exhibition project for the year and we’re really proud to have had a hand in its making.

The idea for TLS09 was conceived in 2008 and it is the brainchild of Carolyn Lau, Farah Azizan and Lisa Foo, well known architects and designers from Kuala Lumpur. Inspired by the idea of upcycling –transforming discarded materials that socially and aesthetically hold little value into objects of greater use and value, TLS09 is a modest project with strong ambition. It brings together a group of TLSers –architects, artists, designers, theatre lighting designers and film director, in an exhibition centered around lights, light-related objects and installations. This show balances the tactile joy of craft and ‘vocational school work’, an appreciation for aesthetics, beauty and wonder with an underlying aim to be ‘greener’ and to think about the way we live and consume.

Carolyn Lau, Nourishment 4, made from milk and juice cartons

Carolyn Lau Nourishment 1 & 2 made with Yakult bottles and Nourishment 3 made from used cat food tins

Farah Azizan, Short 1, Metal oil drum, old soda bottles, mild steel 40W fluorescent ring

What I love most is the unexpected and inspiring ways in which materials and form have been reinterpreted and re-presented. It is a case of less is more as some of the most successful works in this show are motivated by simple and playful imaginations. Each TLSer brings with him/her a unique flavour to this diverse and colourful palette. From the zen zone of re-experiencing space through light to the longing for the nostalgic past, from the repetitive processes of gathering, cutting and assembling at home to hardcore industrial steel welding and plasma cutting, these works reveal a little about the TLSers distinct sensibilities and temperaments, their predilections and interests. They also encourage us to take a little time out to consider the potential and possibilities of the most mundane objects surrounding our everyday lives.

Opening night was choc-a-block on April 16th at the Annexe Gallery, Central Market as guests from theatreland and beyond showed up in droves to catch TLS09’s stellar line up as well as “SEVEN SKINS”, a dance performance choreographed by the formidable Aida Redza, featuring Anne James, Foo Chi Wei, Hailizan Mahmoon (Aida’s mum who graciously performed the Terinai) Shafirul Azmi Suhaimi, Suhaili Micheline Ahmad Kamil, Sukarji Sriman and Aida’s good self with music by Hardesh Singh.

(from left) Sukarji Sriman, Suhaili Micheline and Shafirul during Seven Skins performance in Loh Kok Man’s installation Light/Thought

Anne James interacting with Lisa Foo’s Lancelets, a headgear and selendang made from PET bottles and LEDs

We apologise for our scarce documentation of SEVEN SKINS as our cameras were blocked by the back of audiences’ heads. To make up for it, Nazim Esa has put together a wonderful video documentation of the dance as part of TLS09. Do check it out if you are keen to watch the performance. (AO)

Zainah Anwar and Carolyn Lau

Richard Lau

Bernard Chauly’s Muzium Lampu installation (detail)

Lisa Foo

Farah Azizan

Ahmad Fuad Osman

Carolyn Lau’s kitchen cabinet installation with Hangovers 1-7 on cabinet top and Tin Kosong inside

Bernard Chauly’s Agar-Agar LED glowing object from Muzium Lampu installation

Fabian Tan, Gu-light 4, Abandoned timber pallet, glass marbles, fluorescent lamp

Mah Su Sim’s Assorted Light Sculptures made with recycled PET bottles

Jazmi in front of his Strawmap interactive projection

TLSers are: Bernard Chauly, Carolyn Lau, Fabian Tan, Farah Azizan, Jazmi Izwan Jamal, Lisa Foo, Loh Kok Man, Mah Su Sim, and Richard Lau.

TLS09 runs from April 16 – May 3, 2009 at The Annexe Gallery, Central Market, Kuala Lumpur

The exhibition continues at Galeri Tenaga from May 7 – May 23, 2009

Galeri Tenaga is located on the Ground Floor of Wisma TNB, 19 Jalan Timur, Petaling Jaya. (Opening times:  10am – 5om Mon To Fri, and 10am – 2pm on Sat). Tel: 03-22966364 or 03-22966682 or 03-22966847

This project is made possible with the support of Krishen Jit-ASTRO Fund

With thanks to Galeri Tenaga, GDP Architects and Balai Seni Lukis Negara

Check out more images of TLS09 here and here