Dennis Lau, a retired school teacher from Kuching, is being granted the honour of a solo exhibition showcasing his life’s work on the indigenous peoples of Sabah and Sarawak spanning 50 years from 1952 to 2002.
He is surely one of the vanishing breeds of old school photographers, rarely to be seen in this era dominated by digital photography. Many guests, myself included, were thus keen to view his retrospective exhibition organised by the National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur.
Honouring the occasion on November 8 was Minister of Primary Industries, Teresa Kok Suh Sim, who highlighted in her opening speech that the diversity in the ethnicities of Borneo is a key factor in attracting the interests of other nationalities in coming to Malaysia. Looking at developed countries, whether in Europe or Japan and China, it is evident that these advanced nations are much concerned about art.
Large companies are often the patrons of art galleries and many tend to display works of art in their own corporate space. Hence, if Malaysia is to progress on the route towards becoming an advanced country, the field of arts is one that all of us must emphasise.
Teresa expressed, ‘I wish to congratulate Mr. Dennis Lau for his efforts over these 50 years, striving to create records of the lives, the uniqueness of the ethnic legacies and cultures of Sarawak and Sabah. His efforts to show the uniqueness of the lifestyles and traditions now exhibited in Creative Space, National Art Gallery, must be praised and respected. Mr. Dennis Lau’s efforts are a step for the younger generation to be informed while simultaneously appreciating what is on show.
The uniqueness of the legacy and culture of the ethnicities of Sabah and Sarawak remains fresh despite the wave of modernity as their communities still preserve such traditions and legacies. The field of photography continues to develop with the digital era. But artists are not necessarily bound to the current trends as they prioritise the aesthetics of their art.
That is the perception of an artist. I see that visual art is very interesting and on reflection, many messages can be expressed by creators of art through their own lenses. The diversity in forms interpreted by artists is unlimited, many interesting issues may be recorded and indirectly, it is a documentation of history that can be reflected upon by coming generations.’
The minister also added that the National Art Gallery is the only national art institution that has existed from 1958 till today and its functions are to exhibit, store, preserve and restore artwork. Their continuous efforts to make various exhibitions and art activities a success at numerous levels is most appreciated and it is hoped that this will consistently persist. ‘I take the opportunity to congratulate the National Art Gallery on its 60th anniversary this year and thank Prof Dato Dr. Mohd Mohamed Najib Dawa, Director General of National Art Visual Art Development Board (NVADB) for the various efforts to drive the national visual arts industry.’
The well-attended opening was also graced by family and friends of Dennis Lau from Sarawak and other regions of Malaysia. Joe Sidek, Director of the Georgetown Festival and the Rainforest Fringe Festival Kuching, was present in his signature baju Melayu, along with business directors, members of the media, gallery owners, photographers and art enthusiasts.
For first timers to a Bornean photo exhibition, such as lawyer Sarah Yong, PR Company Director Irene Yeoh and young craft retailer Mohd. Firdaus Abdul Halim, it was indeed an eye opener to see over 40 black-and-white images that were made possible only through extensive field trips into the interior, at times living amongst the tribesmen and sharing in their lives and culture.
Of Melanau-Chinese descent and at the age of 80, Dennis Lau perceives his role as a chronicler of the changing lifestyles of Borneo’s indigenous people. He said, ‘There is a great need to document these secluded and exclusive communities, and it must be done with much humility, dignity and sensitivity. You have to make many extended trips, befriend them and spend time with them. There are close to 20 different groups of people, and yet they are united in their diversity through their common love for peace, respect of one another’s unique differences, and their surroundings.’
The exhibition is ongoing at the National Art Gallery at No. 2 Jalan Temerloh, Kuala Lumpur till November 25. Prints are available for sale.
