Dean’s Message
“A picture is worth a thousand words”
Usually means ideas that can be conveyed by a single still image, which conveys its meaning more effectively than a mere verbal description. I believe an artwork has that same effect.
When the discussion of the Foundation Exhibition was brough up, I come to realise how far Foundation in Cinematic Arts Program have come. It felt as if it was only yesterday ,I was invited by the Dean (then) to help design the Foundation in Cinematic Arts in MMU Iskandar Puteri campus, Johor, where the program was located.
The opportunity was wonderful . In my mind, I looked at it as a white canvas, ready to help my colleagues paint an artwork that would capture the essence of becoming a good storyteller. That was the idea; to design a Foundation program that emphasises on storytelling and study of Humanities. The purpose of the program was to nurture better filmmakers. It wasn’t easy, but I think we did a pretty good job.
But the Foundation Exhibition however serves a different purpose, other than showcasing good work of the students. This student-curated exhibition gives an overview of how the three core studio classes namely; The Static Image, The Sequential Image and The Moving Image corollate with one another, providing the pillars for the study of Cinematic Arts.
Hopefully, the exhibition gives the opportunities for both audiences and students to investigate the artwork in ways that not only encourages discussion but also would engage and form connections with the local community, and empower students supporting cultural diversity amongst peers.
With that, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ms. Megan Wonowidjoyo who served as the Foundation Program Coordinator since its inception, for the curation of this exhibition. Together with her students, she painstakingly collect, select, catalogue and finally curate the many different entries of work that was part of student’s class assignments.
Being a Visual Artist and Filmmaker herself, she recognises the importance of not only celebrating student’s achievements, but to also give them the opportunity to articulate their ideas and respond to questions and inquiries from other lecturers, students or members of the public. That is the nature of learning. Also, this exhibition wouldn’t have been possible without the involvement of lecturers and administration staff who were involved in teaching the classes in Foundation program. Their passion and dedication to education is a testament of the program.
Finally a heartfelt congratulation to all the students for their passion, hard work and commitment to telling their stories through art. May they continue to perfect their craft and share Malaysian stories with the rest of the world.
Amir Shahlan, Dean of Faculty of Cinematic Arts