Life's Replays

Obsession with Playing God

2007-01-25T16:52:00.001+08:00

While lazing around at my mom’s place last two weekends back due to that botched weekend plans - I accidentally stumbled upon a pile of PS (Playstation) games in my bro’s room (yeah, I do that sometimes… nosing around my bro’s pad sometimes :D). While flipping through it absent mindedly, I found to my delight, the love of my life staring right back at me. Yay! *jumps up and down with joy*
What am I rambling about??

…. I was talking about The Sims i.e. the hottest life simulation game released in the year 2000 . I was pretty caught up with it when it was first released and I was fortunate enough to own a PC at that particular period of time (bought it using my hard earned bonus – my first very own PC. Can’t even remember if it was a Pentium or some lower version).

I was so crazed with this game that I would trawl the net for hours just to look for stuffs to download for my Sims – and I could only do it on my bro’s PC back at mom’s place as I don’t have an internet connection at my place . I took the pain of downloading tons & tons of fashionable attires to play dress up with my Sims, large ~~houses~~ mansions for my them to live in style and comfort, multitude of furniture and other little items to décor and furnish my mansions.

What is alarming is that… I did all this only via a dial-up connection! Epp! Yes, this was the extent of my obsession, I confessed . Moreover, it was a real pain to transfer all that downloaded stuffs from my bro’s PC to mine – had to do it using floppies too. Bummer . With its (floppy disks) mere 1.44MB space, I ended up with stacks of em' even though the files are normally zipped up before the transfer. What to do, there aren’t any CD burners back then. Even if there is, which I doubt so, it would be freaking expensive to own one. Heh, even the flash drive is still unheard of back then.

So, what’s the main draw of this game? Let’s just say I love being a control freak… well, for gameplay at least. I love the fact that I could manipulate my Sims anyhow I want . I can refrain them from taking a leak and let them pee-pee in their pants, I can starve them to death if I want, just to lure the Death out to collect their souls or even flirt with other’s partner and kissing them just to get into a cat fight with the jealous partner. In short, do things we can’t or wouldn’t do in real life! How quaint is that .

Now back to the game I found in bro’s stash, it was called The Urbz: Sims in the City – it’s a video game for the PlayStation 2 platform therefore, there aren’t any downloading attractions unlike its PC platform counterpart. Whew, I am safe.

The gameplay was not as smooth as it was on a PC, as it was not easy to maneuver around this game using a joystick. Ha-ha, so much for joy. I felt so disorientated at the beginning, which almost got me to abandon ship. Well, almost but not quite, yet *grin*. Man aged to master it after a few rounds – letting the geek in me take control and iron out the trouble areas. Hence, here I am, engine all fired up and ready to GO! *eyes glazes over staring intently at the screen*

All in all, playing Sims on PS2 was as just as addictive as on a PC... although this time I don’t get to load external stuffs into the game inventory. Hehehehe… already downloaded the cheat codes and walkthroughs (yeap, I play with cheats. I am a cheater *evil grin*) to ace this game. It’s a pity there’s no money cheat code for this game – I’ll have to earn it the honest and hard way... work for it. Oh well…

Special Performance by Tianjin Cathay Future Children’s Art Troupe

2007-01-19T17:17:00.000+08:00

Date : January 27th (Sat) & 28th (Sun) 2007
Time : 8.00pm (please be seated by 7.45pm)

Venue :
27th (Sat) - 4th Floor Auditorium, Wisma Kebudayaan SGM, Jln. Bukit Bintang
28th (Sun) - IPA, SGM Culture Center, Cheras

Admission : For those who are interested, kindly contact 03-9075 6876 for further details. Thank you. (No admission for children under 7 years old)

Profile of Tianjin Cathay Future Children’s Art Troupe:

The Tianjin Cathay Future Children’s Art Troupe, founded in 1995, is the biggest children art troupe with the most members. The Children’s art troupe, with a total of 600 young artistes ranging from the ages of 4 to 7 years, comprises of 10 groups, which are junior orchestra, infant art enlightenment, children choir, dance, gymnastics, ballet, painting, drama, traditional and western musical instrument, etc.

Shouldering the great responsibility of the country, the Children’s Art Troupe has traveled abroad and staged its performance in more than 53 countries and areas, and received audience with 16 Heads of the Countries.

Since its formation, the Children’s art troupe has nurtured more than 3,000 young artistes, who have received many awards like the highest award – ‘gold award’ - from the Chinese Government, special award of Chinese junior karaoke singing competition, No. 1 award, gold and silver awards for the performance of national drama, gold award for National Young Artistes competition, etc. In 2004 it was awarded the title of “National advanced non-governmental organisation”. The art troupe is progressing with her magnificent, ever-advancing and comprehensive-quality-raising oriented spirit towards new heights!

The Children’s art troupe comes to Malaysia mainly to perform at SGM culture centres, two nights in Kuala Lumpur and one night in Johore. The little performers range between the ages of 9 to 12 years. The rich programme includes traditional dance, latin dance, solo musical performance, soloist, etc. We extend our appreciation to the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries for their recommendation and assistance to make this performance a reality in Malaysia. We welcome your enthusiastic support and bring along your children to enjoy the show. This will also provide a platform to arouse the children’s interest in art and culture in their young age.

NOTE:
This write-up was extracted from Soka Gakkai Publicity Group memorandum for the month of Jan 2007. For more information, you may refer to http://www.sgm.org.my/events.htm

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Location Address:

Venue # 1
Wisma Kebudayaan Soka Gakkai Malaysia (WKSGM)
243, Jalan Bukit Bintang
55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Website: www.sgm.org.my

Venue # 2
Soka Gakkai Malaysia
Lot 960, KM14
Jln Cheras, 43200 Batu 9
Cheras, Selangor
Email : sgmcentre@sgm.org.my

This article is also posted at my Life's Replays MULTIPLY (Multiply)

Family of Art - Xu Min·Man Ke·Wen Hou Father & Daughter Exhibition

2007-01-18T17:14:00.000+08:00

Date : January 21th (Sun) & 28th (Sun) 2007
Time : 11.00am - 6.00pm
Venue : Ground Floor, Exhibition Hall, Wisma Kebudayaan SGM, Jln. Bukit Bintang (MALAYSIA)
Admission : Open to Public (FOC / No charges)

INTRODUCTION:

The joint exhibition of the family of Xu comes from Xiamen, China. The ink painting exhibits consist of freehand brushwork and fine brush paintings.

Prof. Xu is currently the professor of the Arts and Design College of Fuzhou University and member of China Artists Association. He is a prolific and assiduous artist. During the long process of practice, he combines his artistic creation with his idealistic noble mission, thus resulting in vivid and lively creation. His works focus on its connotation, mostly representing his deep attachment towards his homeland. His style is solemn, using the traditional Chinese art structure to make changes. He is skilled in manipulating the brush, ink, colour and wash. His representation is rich and full of contemporary artistic feeling. Prof. Xu’s name is recorded in the Chinese List of Artists and List of World Renowned People. In the year 2002, Prof. Xu received the “Chinese Contemporary Outstanding People Award” from the Committee of Artistes of the Chinese Humanistic Department.

As for Man Ke and Xu Min, who come from a painter’s family, under the great influence by their father, they are naturally nurtured to step into the art circle and started to advance in their journey. Man Ke is skilled in flowers and birds brush paintings, whereas Xu Min developed a passion for landscape brush paintings. Their art works are selected into the Asian Female Artists Exhibition and National Brush Paintings Art Exhibition. They also received many awards and are considered up-coming talented artists in China.

NOTE: This write-up was extracted from Soka Gakkai Publicity Group memorandum for the month of Jan 2007. For more information, you may refer to http://www.sgm.org.my/events.htm

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Location Address:
Wisma Kebudayaan Soka Gakkai Malaysia (WKSGM)
243, Jalan Bukit Bintang
55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: 03-2141 2003 Fax: 03-2142 3932
Website: www.sgm.org.my

This is the MAP.

This article is also posted at my MULTIPLY SITE (Life's Replays)

A Splendid Saturday Up Ahead!

2007-01-12T11:48:00.000+08:00

Tomorrow, yours truly is going to the Deng Nai Rong Oil Painting Exhibition (邓乃荣油画展) at WKSGM, Jalan Bukit Bintang, KL with my mom and sister in tow. I am so looking forward to it now… it would a splendid day indeed. I sincerely hope my mom and sis would be equally impressed by the beautiful artworks of this famous artist… just like I do.

Some of Prof. Deng Nai Rong's oil paintings

My hubby dearest has graciously offered to baby-sit our boy - Aren’t he just sweet. Hence, we trio can truly enjoy this exhibition/outing to the fullest. Yay!

What’s sweeter still is that, my hubby has also suggested for another trip to the lake garden (10 mins drive from our home) for kite flying again! Whoopi! Looks like tomorrow is indeed going to be a fabulous day with two enjoyable activities all lined up *wink*.

This time around... we are going to test fly a HUGE Rainbow Ship which I had bought for my brother as a souvenir during my ClubMed Bali trip about 8 years ago – it has been collecting dust on top of my brother’s wardrobe cupboard since. Nope! he didn’t even try to set it up for a look at it – Sigh... how disappointing. Humph!.

Mom suggested since my bro wasn’t going to be playing with it… ever - we shouldn’t let it go to waste. Hubby was all excited about that kite yesterday evening, he promptly assembled it, and we all marveled at its beauty and at the same time doubting whether it could really take flight. LOL - it does looked somewhat clumsy though it’s beautiful (will see if I could manage to take a pix of it and post it here for all ok).

So lets see if I came back from these activities enriched and all fired up with excitement, will we. If time and mood permits, I would even think of writing about it :D

Tu-ta-looo! Till then ;)

This article is also posted at my MULTIPLY SITE (Life's Replays)

“ANIKE” – a play by Wong Phui Nam ( “阿尼克”戏剧 )

2007-01-09T12:15:00.000+08:00

Date : January 20th (Sat) & 21st (Sun) 2007
Time : 20/1 : 8.00pm (please be seated by 7.30pm), 21/1 : 2.30pm (please be seated by 2.00pm)
Venue : 4th Floor Auditorium, Wisma Kebudayaan SGM, Jln. Bukit Bintang (MALAYSIA)
Admission : For those who are interested, kindly contact 03-9075 6876 (No admission for children under 7 years old)

INTRODUCTION:

Composed by Wong Phui Nam, one of Malaysia's most distinguished poets, 'Anike' - historical in backdrop yet ageless in relevance - joins the world of great literatures with its rich evocative language and its exotic close-to-home setting within a distinctive South-east Asian milieu.

‘Anike’ is a unique Asian version of the play ‘Antigone’ of ancient Greek playwright Sophocles. Flowing and lyrical, it presents a drama of duty and of fear; of love in the face of coercion, of defiance in the face of tyranny, of blindness amid the cloud of power.

Wong's passionate and poetic composition of 'Anike' is the latest in a line of inspired adaptations of the classic tragedy of 'Antigone' which was first produced in 441 BC. From the famous Nazi-era rendering by French writer Jean Anouilh to versions influenced by communism or modern-day apartheid rule, this tale of a mere individual’s defiance against powerful despot rule has appealed for centuries for its humanity and timelessness.

Wong Phui Nam is one of South-east Asia's most eminent poets in the English language. He is one of the first writers to be featured in the UK for reviews on Malaysian-Singaporean literature, Wong has published at least 4 volumes of poetry, many of which are used in academic texts at schools and universities.

His poems have been discussed at the Cardiff Commonwealth Poetry Conference and during the First Commonwealth Festival of the Arts in 1965 in London. In 1988, all his poetry were translated into French and published by the Université de Lille-III. His works were also critiqued in 'Journal of Commonwealth Literature' and in 'Asia: A Handbook' published in London.

'Anike' is Wong Phui Nam's first play.

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Chinese version of the above write-up (Translation in Chinese Language):-

“阿尼克”戏剧

日期：1月20日（六）和21日（日）

时间：20日：晚上8时（请于30分前入座）

21日：下午2时30分

地点：SGM综合文化中心4楼视听会堂

入场券：成人券：30令吉换取一张入场券

学生券：15令吉换取一张入场券（必须提供学生证）

媒介语：英语

“阿尼克”是由本地著名诗人Wong Phui Nam制作的第一部戏剧。此戏剧是借鉴《安提戈涅》戏剧，古希腊三大悲剧家之一索福克勒斯的巨作，是世界戏剧史上的悲剧代表作。戏剧内容充满了人性美丑的流露，也是一部以人性为本和与权力对抗的经典戏剧。

剧情内容是根据亚洲的社会环境而编写，可谓是亚洲版的《安提戈涅》。

Wong Phui Nam是东南亚受人尊崇的英文诗人。他的许多著作都被学校和大学作为教课书，同时也是被英国挑选为研究马新英文文学的其中一位对象。

NOTE: This write-up was extracted from Soka Gakkai Publicity Group memorandum for the month of Jan 2007. For more information, you may refer to http://www.sgm.org.my/events.htm

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Location Address:
Wisma Kebudayaan Soka Gakkai Malaysia (WKSGM)
243, Jalan Bukit Bintang
55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: 03-2141 2003 Fax: 03-2142 3932
Website: www.sgm.org.my

This is the MAP.

This article is also posted at my MULTIPLY SITE (Life's Replays)

Are you interested to learn more of the play 'Antigone' of ancient Greek playwright Sophocles? Click here for the playwright/story of 'Antigone'.

If you want to study about the works of Sophocles the playwright, here's a good study guide on all his plays. There's a good piece/article on 'Antigone' there too - where you get to know all the ins and outs of this famous play.

How about exploring the background of the composer (Mr. Wong Phui Nam) of this play 'Anike' that I am introducing here. Here are some sites I found featuring him:-

Introduction on 'Anike' (Book)
The conflict between subject and king is told in Malay history in Jebat's usurpation of the Melaka Sultan's palace. This is purportedly to be an act to right the injustice done to Tuah by the Sultan in ordering his execution on mere suspicion that he was dallying with the ladies-in-waiting in the palace. As is told in Hikayat Hang Tuah, the Sultan, on being told that Tuah has not been put to death as ordered, summons Tuah to the palace and orders him to kill Jebat on his behalf. This Tuah does out of unquestioning loyalty to his ruler. A parallel between this story and Antigone (by Sophocles in 5th century BCE Athens - a classic expression of conflict between established authority) may be drawn by having an invented sister of Jebat's defy the Sultan by retrieving for burial her dead brother's body left to rot hanging from a tree at the city's main gate on the Sultan's order. This is what Wong Phui Nam has done in Anike.

(Extracted from Silverfish Books @ http://www.silverfishbooks.com/archiveBooks/2006_09_01_archiveBooks.html)

An Evening of China Folk Song (中国艺术民歌之夜)

2007-01-09T11:09:00.000+08:00

Date : January 13, 2007 (Saturday)
Time : 8.00pm (please be seated by 7.30pm)
Venue : 4th Floor Auditorium, Wisma Kebudayaan SGM, Jln. Bukit Bintang (MALAYSIA)
Admission : For those who are interested, kindly contact 03-9075 6876 (No admission for children under 7 years old)

INTRODUCTION:

5 well known folk song singers from China will be performing at Wisma Kebudayaan SGM on Jan 13 (Sat). They are Yu Bo Qian (Baritone Bass singer), Tian Yi Ge (Soprano), Lei Gui Rong (Master in vocal music, special employed by Singapore Oriental Art Culture Center as Vocal Instructor), Geng Zhe (Baritone, opera singer), Wang Hong Bo (special employed by Singapore Oriental Art Culture Center as Oversea Artistic Director and also employed by Singapore Composer Association as Oversea Artistic Advisor) and lastly the pianist Chen Yu.

They are all outstanding folk singers in China and their recent performance in Singapore was very well received. Please come and enjoy the show and not to miss such rare performance in Malaysia.

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Chinese version of the above write-up (Translation in Chinese Language):-

中国艺术民歌之夜

日期：1月13日（六）

时间：晚上8时（请于30分前入座）

地点：SGM综合文化中心4楼视听会堂

入场券：成人券：40令吉换取一张入场券

学生券：20令吉换取一张入场券（必须提供学生证）

5位来自中国的著名声乐歌唱家，将于1月13日莅临综合文化中心举行演唱会。当中有年轻独唱家，于渤千（男中低音）、田一歌（女高音，民族唱法）、雷桂榕（声乐硕士，民族唱法，目前被新加坡东艺文化中心特聘为声乐指导）、耿哲（男中音，歌剧演唱家）、王洪波（目前被新加坡东艺文化中心礼聘为海外艺术总监和被新加坡作曲家协会礼聘为海外艺术顾问）和陈钰（钢琴伴奏）。

以上几位皆是中国新一代的优秀歌唱家，于今年10月在新加坡的演出更深获好评，此次莅马也将以美妙的歌声为大家献唱。

NOTE:
This write-up was extracted from Soka Gakkai Publicity Group memorandum for the month of Jan 2007. For more information, you may refer to http://www.sgm.org.my/events.htm

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Location Address:
Wisma Kebudayaan Soka Gakkai Malaysia (WKSGM)
243, Jalan Bukit Bintang
55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: 03-2141 2003 Fax: 03-2142 3932
Website: www.sgm.org.my

This is the MAP.

This article is also posted at my MULTIPLY SITE (Life's Replays)

Interested to learn more about Chinese Folk Songs? You may do so at this informative site - China.Org.cn

How about a sample of some Chinese Folk Songs? Here's a fantastic site with loads of it ;) Happy listening!

Kite Flying Expedition on a Sunday

2007-01-08T17:53:00.000+08:00

Yesterday was an enjoyable evening.

At first, it was an usual mundane Sunday… with the routine cleaning up, washing, drying, babysitting my boy, ~~shouting~~ reprimanding my boy for his strings of endless mischief and me lazing around watching Korean Drama later on – marathon like :P …. hope I didn’t overheat the DVD player. LOL. What to do… I am a sucker for K-Dramas (only selective titles, mind you).

So here I thought… sigh… :( another boring weekend for me and my boy. While I was still lamenting silently, my hubby got up from his beauty afternoon sleep (one that runs from afternoon till evening) and came straight at me... and asked if I am gamed for a cruise outside. Boy-oh-boy! I practically jumped up from my lazy chair and gave him an affirmative ‘Yes my dear’ – a little too overly enthusiasticaly that he teased me for it. Tee hee hee…
He then drove the 3 of us to a nearby park where we could see from afar even before reaching it, multitude of colorful kites covering the sky above the park. My boy was so excited by the sight that he kept on pointing at the sky in awe.

Upon disembarking from the car, we went directly to a kite vendor at the side walk, and purchase a Doraemon Kite (it was my son’s choice not mine) – it was quite huge and it looked kinda weird too, in my opinion that is. Well, what he wants is what he gets… well, most of the time. *Evil thoughts* Unless... his father wasn’t around, then I get to bully him a bit. Muahaahaahahaa… We can’t let him win everytime right. Kikikiki… I guess this explains where that mischievous gene comes from. LOL.

Ok, back to the story… so, try as we might, running around like a mad dog (with tongue hanging out… almost. And oh, my hubby did most of the initial runnings) to get that clumsy kite off the ground, but it didn’t really manage to stay up high enough or worst still… long enough. To add to the frustration, our boy kept wailing and throwing tantrums to get his hands on the kite – before we could even get it flying properly like a kite should before handing it over to him. Sigh… in the end, we ended up with a bunch of tangled-up thread ball with the kite still on the ground.

I have to salute my hubby for his never say die attitude in this frustrating endeavor. He didn’t give up, instead he asked me to purchase another simpler design smaller kite. So, of I go like a dutiful wife… and purchased a rainbow colored triangle kite – much smaller and lighter than that first clumsy thing.

Feeling somewhat needing to prove my worth, I ran and ran and ran with this new kite with all my might without caring if I would look like a silly woman pretending to be a some silly kid. I ran with my most ungraceful gait and got the kite up in seconds. Ahhh… it was all well worth it – the humiliation and silliness. It wasn’t an easy task - with me wearing a slipper you know – for fear I might just accidentally kick one into the air. That would be priceless… Ahahahaaa

Just when I started feeling I am the master-of-this-universe and on-top-of-this-world... that damn kite started to loose its air-borne ability and came crashing down to mother earth again. Sheeshhh… However, I did have it up in the sky for a moment longer than the previous kite – this was my only consolation.

After all the failed attempts we decided to take a breather at the children’s playground… where my son have boundless of fun – with me running around trying to follow him closely and protectively like a mother hen - ahem… I guess I am right here i.e. I am a mother hen - Cluck! cluck! cluck! Hehee. Woah! It was actually more tiring this way… help! I am parched.
We decided to have another go at the kite later on and managed to get it up and make it stay for sometime this round – at my hubby’s earnest effort. Yay!

In conclusion, what’s my take on kite flying?
It was LOADS OF FRUSTRATION + OODLES OF FUN + PLENTY OF EXERCISE = ONE HAPPY FAMILY OUTING. Horray!

Later, I blatantly hinted to my hubby that we (as in my boy and me) enjoyed it very much and hoped to come again… more frequently - Citing good exercise and precious parent-and-child bonding opportunities as an excuse :P

P/S: I now suffer from sore legs from all the running - up and down the slope - pretending to be a Super-Cool-Mom :(

Deng Nai Rong Oil Painting Exhibition (邓乃荣油画展)

2007-01-05T12:03:00.000+08:00

Opening Date: Jan 7,2007 (Sun)
Opening Time: 11.00am

Date : Jan 7 (Sun) to 14 (Sun) 2007
Time : 11.00am – 6.00pm
Venue : Ground floor Exhibition Hall, Wisma Kebudayaan SGM, Jln. Bukit Bintang (MALAYSIA)
Admission : FOC - Open to public (all are welcome to attend)

INTRODUCTION:

Prof. Deng Nai Rong, who was born in Tianjin, China, is entering into his advance age of 74. At the tender age of sixteen, he had voluntarily joined the Chinese People’s Liberation Army in actualizing his noble dream to emancipate and reform China. His decision was the beginning of his artistic life. His talent in arts was discovered in the Army by his superior, who had sent him for further study. He was greatly influenced by the style and thoughts of Russian arts. This had helped him to establish a stable foundation in art and painting.

He had experienced bitterness, toilsome, success and failure during his 26 years of military life. Every little bit of these encounters had given him a rich experience in life, and had directly influenced his style in creativity. Being an army officer, it is a prerequisite to serve the society and people. As such, during this period, the themes of his creative artworks were mainly focusing on revolutionary, historical and propaganda paintings. After he left the Army, his focus was on landscape, figure and still life paintings.

After experiencing a life of ups and downs, Prof Deng sighed nostalgically and said, “Life is a journey full of continuous battle, frustration and suffering. Every minute and second, we are struggling with our own self, our thoughts and various unfavourable factors and try to live in this difficult circumstance”. However, his paintings shine with happiness and the beauty of humanism. In his later works, his styles are more simplified and straight forward without any magnificent superficial techniques. It is easy for the viewers to resonance with joy from the theme of the subject matter. Just like his painting of children who wear smiles in their faces, bringing limitless hope and life force to the viewers. This is the essence of art.

Prof. Deng visited Malaysia many times and has established a close link with friends in Malaysia. In 2001 he experienced the rural life of Trengganu when he was invited by Yayasan Seni Berdaftar to stay there for three months as a guest artist. He was the first artist from China being invited to Malaysia. Prof. Deng has contributed immensely towards the cultural exchange and friendship between the peoples of Malaysia and China.

In conjunction with this exhibition, there will be an art talk by Prof Deng, details as followed:

Art talk: Art and Life

Date : January 9 (Tue)
Time : 8.00pm
Venue : 11th Floor, Wisma Kebudayaan SGM
Medium : Mandarin
Speaker : Prof. Deng Nai Rong

NOTE: This write-up was extracted from Soka Gakkai Publicity Group memorandum for the month of Jan 2007.
For more information, you may refer to http://www.sgm.org.my/events.htm

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Chinese version of the above write-up (Translation in Chinese Language):-

邓乃荣油画展

日期 : 1月7日（日）至14日（日）开幕日期：1月7日（日）
时间 : 上午11时至下午6时开幕时间：上午11时
地点 : SGM综合文化中心展览厅

配合此项展览，邓教授将为我们主讲一场讲座，详情如下：

讲座主题：漫谈艺术与人生
日期：1月9日（星期二）
时间：晚上8时
地点：SGM综合文化中心11楼国际会议厅
媒介语：华语
主讲人：邓乃荣教授

邓乃荣教授简介

邓乃荣教授出生于中国天津市，今年已迈入74岁高龄。自幼酷爱绘画。16岁那年，他为实现解放和改造中国命运的伟大理想，自愿参加了中国人民解放军。这个抉择，是他的艺术人生的重要起点。在部队里，他的艺术才华被高层发现而因此获得栽培。他多次被送去学习美术创作，当中对他影响最大的是苏联美术创作的技巧与思想。因此，为他建立了稳固的美术基础。

邓教授26年的从军生活，让他经历了无数的辛酸与得失，这一切生活点滴也为他塑造了丰富的人生经验，也直接影响他的艺术创作风格。早期由于身处军队，艺术创作都是为了服务社会、服务民众的需求，所以这时期的艺术创作较多属于主题性的革命画、历史画和宣传画创作。离开部队后，他终于开始了属于自己的艺术创作——风景画、人物画、静物画。

历经坎坷一生的邓教授曾感慨地说：“人生是一个不断拼搏，不断经受挫折，不断受难的旅程。分分秒秒都在与自己、自己的思想及各种不利的因素斗争，然后在这艰苦的环境求得生存。” 但他的创作却一直闪烁着欢乐和充满人性美。后期的画风更是朴实简约，直接和简单，没有表面技巧的华丽。让观者易从人物主题直接感受那份喜悦，而达到共呜，就如他的人物作品中的孩子们脸上绽放的笑容永远带给人无限的希望与生命力，这也就是艺术的本质。

邓教授也曾多次莅马，与马来西亚结下了深厚的情缘。邓教授曾于2001年获得我国艺术基金会的盛情邀请到登嘉楼体验生活、写生、创作3个月，也是首位被邀请到马来西亚创作的中国画家。邓教授为马中人民友谊和艺术家之间的交流也做了有益的贡献。

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Location Address:
Wisma Kebudayaan Soka Gakkai Malaysia (WKSGM)
243, Jalan Bukit Bintang
55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: 03-2141 2003 Fax: 03-2142 3932
Website: www.sgm.org.my

This is the MAP.

This article is also posted at my MULTIPLY SITE (Life's Replays)

Mirror Site for my Multiply (Life's Replays)

2006-12-13T12:51:00.000+08:00

Decided to create an account with Blogspot as a mirror site for my Multiply postings.

The Star Paper's article on Javanese in Dynamic Dance Performance – In support of SGM Fund ( 爪哇传统舞蹈表演—筹募创价文教基金 )

2006-09-26T14:56:00.000+08:00

Please refer to my previous entry on this event in my Calendar for more info.

Just to share with all on an article found on today's The Star newspaper on the above event mentioned.

Hoped those who had the chance to attend it finds it fascinating and entertaining. Please feel free to drop me a note on your experience and findings.

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The Star Online > Central

Tuesday September 26, 2006

Glimpse of East Javanese gaiety

By ESTHER CHANDRAN
Photo by IBRAHIM MOHTAR

estherc@thestar.com.my

THE day-to-day life of the rural community in East Java was presented in dance form at the Wisma Kebudayaan SGM in Kuala Lumpur recently.

The “Javanese in Dynamic’’ performance by the Delima Dance Troupe showcased the simplicity of East Javanese folks’ lifestyle through a well-choreographed contemporary dance routine.

The performance was led by troupe chairperson Marda Prabowo and directors Riri Bambang and Aya Sofia.

Marda said although villagers in the remote parts of East Java led impoverished lives, life was something to rejoice about as they sang, danced, joked and laughed, making the best of what life had to offer.

Delima Dance Troupe dancers depicting the simple but happy life of East Javanese folk via dance movements.

The performance, she said, was a chance to introduce to the world the East Javanese cultural heritage so that the audience could respect and appreciate their way of life.

The show opened with the ritual activity of village folks with a total of 20 dancers performing dances called - Kentongan 1, Jejer Gandrung and Kentongan 2.

Marda said Delima was established two years ago with the aim of preserving Javanese dance heritage by imparting to the young a variety of Javanese dances.

“We have teenagers as well as young adults below 30 in our dance troupe and they are serious about learning the dances as they too realise the importance of preserving our rich cultural heritage,” said Marda.

The event, presented by Soka Gakkai Malaysia, was attended by 350 people including Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia Dr KPH Rusdihardjo S.H. and Federation of National Writers Association of Malaysia Tan Sri Prof Emeritus Datuk Pendita Ismail Hussein.

Also present were representatives from the Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry, Shah Alam City Council (MBSA), Rukun Tetangga Taman Kelang Jaya, Malaysian Interfaith Network and embassies of Finland, Venezuela and Switzerland.

Lasse Kempas: Four Seasons Exhibition (四季展 )

2006-09-07T16:00:00.000+08:00

Hi, I am now posting a few pix for viewing pleasure .

If you want to know more about this event, please go to this link.

Brief Intro on this Art Exhibition:

For your info, this exhibition is jointly organised by The Embassy of Finland & Soka Gakkai Malaysia and it is on a tour in Southeast Asia, also going through Singapore and Jakarta.

The exhibition, "Lasse Kempas - Four Seasons", offers viewers a glimpse of the particular features of nature in the North with the division of the year into four distinct seasons, each with its own character.

The artist has captured the beauty of the northern nature changes of seasons in his unique abstract form which are visually stimulating and captivating.

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Date : Sept 24 (Sun) to Oct 1 (Sun)
Time : 11.00am – 6.00pm
Venue : Exhibition Hall, Wisma Kebudayaan SGM
Admission : Free-of-Charge (FOC)
Organiser : The Embassy of Finland & Soka Gakkai Malaysia

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Chen Jia Shang Acrylic Art Exhibition ( 陈甲上压克力展 )

2006-09-07T13:57:00.001+08:00

Just to post a few pictures on this exhibition to interest you

I have posted about this event before in my calendar earlier - please go to this link for more info.

Brief intro on this Art Exhibition

This exhibition showcases the esteemed work of an artist from Tainan, Mr. Chen Jia Shang. His artwork is mostly inspired by his childhood life amongst the poor farmer. He has masterfully captures the beautiful scenery of the livelihood of a farming village life in his works.

Take this opportunity to experience the feeling of peace and harmony, beauty with reality in these breathtaking creations by Mr. Chen Jia Shang.

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The Legend of Rainforest (Dance Performance by BATU Dance Theatre)

2006-08-23T15:19:00.000+08:00

THE LEGEND OF RAINFOREST

( Dance Performance in conjunction with the opening ceremony for the exhibition titled "The 3rd Exhibition of New Expression of Asian Art" )

Exhibition Opening Ceremony Details:
Date : 26th August 2006, Saturday
Time : 11.00am
Venue : Wisma Kebudayaan Soka Gakkai Malaysia (WKSGM), Jalan Bukit Bintang

Dance Performance:
Date : 26th August 2006, Saturday
Time : 1.30pm
Venue : WKSGM, 4th floor Auditorium after the opening ceremony.
(Admission is free and seating on first come first served basis)

Proud to announce that, there will be a Special Dance Performance in conjunction with the opening ceremony of the esteemed exhibition entitled, "The 3rd Exhibition of New Expression of Asian Art" at the WKSGM, Jalan Bukit Bintang.

In conjunction with the exhibition opening, the exhibition's organising committee has specially organised a dance performance by one of Malaysia's most critically-acclaimed dance groups - BATU Dance Theatre, to welcome all participating artists from overseas and Malaysia. Through colourful, elaborate costumes and traditional music, the group seeks to incorporate modern and traditional movements derived from the diverse cultures of Malaysia.

The title of the performance is "The Legend of Rainforest", depicting the romantic warmth of tropical rainforest marking a happy reunion of ethnic wealth that binds cultural faith and means.

The above performance will be held at 1.30pm at 4th floor Auditorium after the opening ceremony. Admission is free and seating on first come first served basis.

Note:

This performance is opened to those who are interested and seating will be on a first come first served basis.

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VENUE LOCATION AND CONTACT:

Wisma Kebudayaan Soka Gakkai

243, Jalan Bukit Bintang

55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Tel: 603-2141 2003 Fax: 603-2142 3932

For more info, please visit: www.sgm.org.my

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The 3rd Exhibition of New Expression of Asian Art

2006-08-23T13:11:00.000+08:00

My Calendar

Opening Date: Aug 26 (Sat)
Opening Time: 11.00am

Date : Aug 26 (Sat) to Sept 3 (Sun)

Time : 11.00am – 6.00pm

Venue : Exhibition Hall, Wisma Kebudayaan SGM

Brief Intro on the Exhibition

The biannual New Expression of Asian Art is entering into its third celebration, which will be held in

Malaysia

. 162 artists from 13 Asian countries will jointly exhibit their collections of exquisite art works, consisting of oil, watercolour, ink and acrylic paintings etc. This is indeed a grand exhibition in the art circle of Asia.

This exhibition is not only providing a good platform the art circle in Asia, but also at the same time, enhancing friendly relationship and exchange between the countries. Let us take this great opportunity to appreciate the tradition and culture of each country.

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I have uploaded some images on some of the artwork pieces displayed during the exhibition (of which I plucked from the Soka Gakkai Malaysia webpage). Hope the visual aid will interest you enough to attend this event

Lastly, to those who did attend this event, please do drop me a reply post to share your experience. The more the merrier ok!

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VENUE LOCATION AND CONTACTS:

Wisma Kebudayaan Soka Gakkai

243, Jalan Bukit Bintang

55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Tel: 603-2141 2003 Fax: 603-2142 3932

For more info, please visit: www.sgm.org.my

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