Oriental Daily News, October 2, 2014

KUALA LUMPUR – The Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH), Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia (IKRAM) and Tamil Foundation (TF) will be jointly organising A Journey of Pak Samad – a solo art exhibition of Datuk A. Samad Said from October 3 to 5 at KLSCAH as a tribute to the national literature laureate.

Samad Said (82 years old) a famous poet and novelist in the country who has received numerous literature awards including the Southeast Asian Literature Award in 1979, National Literature Award in 1986. He is also the first non-Chinese who won the Lim Lian Geok Spirit Award. Originally trained as a painter, Samad Said was guided by several famous artists, including the renowned Simahat. Later, he opted for the literature paths in poem and novel.

Samad Said is better known as a writer and social activist, he actually learned to paint in 1950’s and by that time it was his main area of focus. Later, his literature works begin to take more of his time. However, Pak Samad still uses painting as a form of self-expression, especially to express something that is indescribable by words. Most of his artworks are inspired by his writings, especially poems. “I can’t quite remember when I did my painting, but I do remember the mood, the feeling and the intention. This is important to me.” Although Pak Samad only paints occasionally, there are still demands for his artworks.

Samad Said expresses himself through his art creation; he is skilful at enlivening his work with the usage lines, dots and shapes. His paintings are focused on certain periods of his life. Most of his paintings are black and white, occasionally painted with massive shades of red to express his angers and worries. Sometimes, poem writing triggers his urge to paint, the painting is considered an extension to his writing; there are times too when he obtain poetry inspiration from his painting.

KLSCAH president Tan Yew Sing said the exhibition will display 93 pieces of Samad Said’s works which include paintings, sketches, manuscripts and more, with prices ranging from RM2, 000 to RM10, 000. His other literary work will also be available at the exhibition in order to raise fund.

The organiser hopes this exhibition will raise money for him in order to help him focus on social activities and literature work without worrying about income.

The opening ceremony of the exhibition will be held at 11am, October 3. Samad Said will be present to recite his poems. He also invited his friend Uthaya Sankar SB, a Tamil writer to jointly officiate the opening ceremony. Members of public could also explore Samad Said’s inner world through his art work and learn about his life experiences.

The art exhibition is free and open for public between 10am to 7pm. Art lovers and civic activists are encouraged to appreciate Samad Said’s unique artworks. Please contact (KLSCAH) or www.klscah.org.my for further more information.

Original Source: 国家文学家沙末赛益个展10月3日开幕