Video Installation as a Language: An Interpretation of Mohd Fuad Arif’s Artworks

Abstract

This paper is focused on the role of language and music on Mohd Fuad Arif’s artworks especially his installations. Language is a powerful tool that can be used as a source of inspiration for contemporary artists. For Malaysian conceptual artist, Mohd Fuad Arif, language plays a significant role, particularly, in his installations. Indeed, for Mohd Fuad Arif language it can be seen as artwork. Also, the specific point which needed to be addressed was the relationship between artist or artist intent, artwork, and spectator. The purpose of this paper was to provide a deeper insight into Mohd Fuad Arif’s artworks. This study attempted to decode some of his installations such as Pembukaan (The opening), Ya Allah Selamatkan Bumi Singapura (O Allah, Save Singapore). The different interpretation of the same subject has been one of the main characteristics of postmodern thinking. The author of this paper had his own interpretation of Mohd Fuad Arif’s installations.