“Schickalsgenossen Von Menschen und Tieren” or when translated means, “Comrades of Fate – Humans and Animals” is an exhibition to showcase a wide variety of artistic expressions from course leaders and art students of Münchner Volkshochschule (MVHS) around the relationship between humans and animals. The exhibition runs from 29th March to 27th August 2023 at MVHS, Einsteinstraße 28, Munich. After giving a big YES to participate in this exhibition, here I am, sharing some behind the scene processes and my personal thoughts.

BEHIND THE SCENE & PROCESSES

Artworks I created for this exhibition was intended to raise awareness about 4 unique wildlife species in my home country Malaysia that are currently facing the threat of extinction caused mainly by human activities. The titles of my prints are 1. “Pak Belang” The Malayan Tiger (Panthera Tigris Jacksoni), 2. “Don’t Break Me” The Borneo Pygmy Elephant (Elephas Maximus Borneensis), 3. “Slow Down for Me” The Malayan Tapir (Tapirus Indicus) and 4. “Let Me Roll” The Malayan Pangolin (Manis Javanica). Combining both drawing and printmaking techniques using a consistent colour selection (specifically from the Malaysian Flag – blue, red, yellow and white) were how I chose to present them. A short summary of their stories were included to provide context and further information.

Linocut techniques explored:

• Linocut multi-layer block printing – each colour in the print is made from a different linoleum block
• Linocut reduction block printing – each colour layer is taken from the same linoleum block, more linoleum is removed from the block for each layer and each colour is printed on top of the last
• “Chine Collé” translates from French, “Chine” meaning “China” (referring to the fact that the thin paper originally used with this technique was imported from China) and “Collé” referring to the word “glued” – adding glued papers sandwiched or collaged together within a single print between the printing paper and the printed image allows for a more varied effect to the print. I used old textbook pages in one of my prints using this technique.

As more than one print was intended to be included in the exhibition, Ivan (Artist / Art Lecturer) who was my teacher for the MVHS drawing course I attended in 2021 suggested that I make some draft sketches / drawings of my ideas so I could meet the submission deadline. I made the drawings on the iPad using Procreate. They were then used as reference when I started carving the linoleum blocks for printmaking. The drafts were also submitted timely for the organising committee’s consideration, which was a huge relief for me!

In January, when we started preparing, I was also taking part in a Printmaking Course at MVHS. As I think back about it, it was something unplanned but in such good timing! So lucky to be able to use those powerful etching print presses available at the MVHS workspace and also being provided with useful guidance from Yoko (Artist / Art Lecturer) who was teaching the course. Most of the background colour for the Malayan Tiger, Pangolin and Tapir pieces were printed during the course with these presses. The quality is AMAZING!

All prints were then completed at my magic corner in my own home, manually by hand. Methods used to manually transfer ink onto paper included rubbing the paper with the back of a spoon, a self-made baren or with a manual relief printing press (where pressure from two wooden blocks is applied between where the carved out linoleum block and paper are placed). I purchased the manual relief printing press from Woodzilla and I have to say that I am very happy with my investment – of course it had to be in my favourite colour (RED) too!

Considering that hand-lettering was one of the first art form I explored and fell in love with at the beginning of this creative journey, I wanted to include a part of it in this submission. Freehand sketches of the phrase, “slow down for the Malayan Tapir” ended up being carved out from a small piece of leftover linoleum block and added as the final layer for the Tapir print. To me, the beauty of the imperfections in the hand-lettering, carvings and hand printing gave the print some human touch and that extra personality! The lettering also gave many people a sense of connection, somewhat a voice about the issue being presented. What more can I say, the Tapir print turned out to be the most favourite of all my submissions and I love receiving that feedback so much!

You will find a numbered edition of these prints in my ETSY Shop soon or REACH OUT to me directly for any further inquiries. I am always open to hearing from you!

EXHIBITION SET-UP

Prior to the set-up of the exhibition, a snapshot of the artworks were required to be submitted to the organising committee. Details included: photo of the artwork, name of artist, title of artwork and year created, medium and techniques used, a short description and size of artwork (height and width measured with and without frames). We were informed via Email whether or not our submissions were accepted and if yes, when to bring in the finished artwork. When I received the Email, I chose to bring my artworks in person on the actual day when the organisers were putting them up so I could go through the experience too. I’d suggest the same for any of you out there. Whenever there is an opportunity to learn the processes or what goes on behind the scenes, just go for it!

So there is a total of 55 artworks from 38 various artists and students being exhibited. I didn’t know what to expect but as soon as I arrived, I was greeted by Frau Fischer (Head of Fine Arts Department) who gave me a warm welcome and then informed me where my prints would go. She had what I’d call a sequence plan, more of a graphical one with every artwork printed in mini sizes next to each other according to how they fit together (I am guessing by colour, size, medium used etc). I thought that was brilliant!

Next, getting on with it – hanging the artworks! There were many factors taken into consideration (for example spacing of the artworks from one another, how they should be arranged, eye level height etc). I was once again lucky, there were many experienced artists there to help me meet these requirements, no questions asked. Wonderful! At the end, we helped Frau Fischer to attach all printed labels with details of each artworks accordingly.

EXHIBITION: 29 MARCH TO 27 AUGUST

“Animals consistently appear in art: they are placed in the main focus or serve as accessories, friendship or hostility prevails, they are realistic or fantasy hybrid creatures or are objects, characters and partners. The exhibition shows animals as well as the relationships between humans and animals in the most diverse artistic manifestations………” – excerpt from exhibition summary (read more in photo 9 below).

Apart from being a platform for me to share my passion in making art, this exhibition gave me a chance to showcase my home country Malaysia to international audience that frequented the building here for these good 5 months. It was also an opportunity to give a voice and tell stories about issues surrounding the relationship between these 4 unique wildlife species and human actions.

I remember back in January, my first reaction was to come up with 101 excuses to let this opportunity pass and how I was a tad anxious in taking this small step forward. Well, I have to make sure to tell you this: We always have to have a will to put ourselves out there. One small step forward leads to another and to another and to another, without these small steps there won’t be any bigger ones to come… That’s it! Besides all the fun learning experiences, I’d say this is my biggest personal take-away from my participation. My heart is forever grateful that one of my 2023 intentions is being fulfilled i.e. having to say “YES to sharing my creativity” when I am asked to and this has inspired me to want to share more in the near future! God willing.

All praise be to The Almighty. THANK YOU MVHS, Ivan and Yoko. Also not forgetting to my family and friends who gave me a word or two (or even more) of encouragement, showed interests in my work and took time to visit the exhibition to show their support. I appreciate each and everyone of YOU!

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“We always have to have that will to put ourselves out there. One small step forward leads to another and to another and to another…“