Transcending Sight

Ivan Lam says to 'Open Your Heart to See, Close Your Eyes to Read' in his promotional poster for his latest exhibition for the visually impaired 

- Koyyi Chin

The text that you are currently reading is in black, a common colour for printer’s ink. Fresh off the press, there’s a faint whiff of chemicals, and the paper used to print this article has a subtle sheen on its surface and feels smooth to the touch. It has minimal texture save for the thin edges of the pages.

However, these descriptive words and the images that decorate these pages will mean nothing to you if the language of sensation and touch is how you communicate.

The clichéd adage is as follows: “What is out of sight is out of mind.” But for the visually impaired, whether they live in a world devoid of colour or experience their surroundings through conjured images of taste, smell, touch, and hearing, this phrase is their literal reality.

Given that the arts is a highly visual experience, Ivan Lam posed a thought-provoking question that served as a catalyst for his latest exhibition. Titled blind side, he asked, “How do the blind perceive art?”

Lam’s artistic endeavours have always delved into introspective explorations of the human condition, drawing inspiration from both personal experiences and the lives of those around him. His multisensory approach to art encourages viewers to interact with his work. An example of this was Catharsis, showcased in March 2022. Lam used electric switches that lit up five panels of anatomical paintings, each portraying a part of his body afflicted with debilitating pain. Colourful circular resin moulds were strategically placed to direct visitors’ attention to these specific problem areas. His latest work with the Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB) continues in the same vein.