"The collection is indeed unique as the photographs suggest a strong and
close relationship between Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin and the people." Shirleen Kaur, New Straits Times (26 August 1997)
" ... captures the spirit and essence of the state in the best possible way,
by a ruler who was enchanted by both the simple lifestyle of his people and the beautiful
landscape." Meera Murugesan, Sunday Mail (7
September 1997)
"Historically relevant, aesthetically pleasing and technically accomplished
... a wonderfully elegant exhibition ... The photographs capture a rich and vibrant
cultural life which has largely disappeared." Laura
Fan, The Edge - Personal (8 September 1997)
" ... it is patently obvious that the late Sultan Ismail was a consummate
professional. One of the pioneers of Malaysian photography ... Gifted with a subtle
eye, Sultan Ismail's superb work won him numerous awards ..." Sherry
Siebel, Day&Night (8-14 September 1997)...
Some of Malaysiaís leading contemporary
professional photographers:
"The late Sultan Ismail had combined the romance associated with photography
with a seriousness that makes a mockery of his confessed indulgence to this art form
as ìmerely a hobbyî. The relationship he had with his people, which was the subject
of many of his photographs, was indeed very special; his compositions, faultless.
He was also unique as he did much to challenge and break the norm of the salon photographers
of that period. The fact that he was self taught definitely contributed much to this
fact. To say that he intrigues me is an understatement. I would like nothing better
than to do a further in-depth study of his work in order to grasp a better understanding
of what drove this great talented monarch to such wonderful achievements. The more
we can discover about him, the more we can discover ourselves and in particular,
the real reasons for our aspirations in our photography. As this exhibition shows,
much can be learnt from Sultan Ismailís compositions at the very least, something
which has struck us all with its uncanny suggestions of the very essence of photographic
creativitiy."
ISMAIL HASHIM, Professor of Fine Arts National University
of Malaya (retired) and Professional Photographer : First views on the ìImages of
Terengganuî Exhibition
"One of the leading, if not THE leading photographer of social documentary
of post-war Malaya. HRH Sultan Ismail had extraordinarily turned it into an exquisite
art form."
ERIC PERIS, Former Photo Editor of The New Straits
Times/ Professional Photographer
"I never knew that such work of Malaya had ever existed. When I first discovered
them, I was absolutely stunned. The Sultan was a very, very special photographer
and the special bond that he had had with his people was quite unbelievable. I feel
honoured to have been able to understand, and in a way even relate to him. His work,
quite simply, takes my breath away... "
DAVID LOK,
Professional Photographer
Entrusted with the task of developing the modern prints of Sultan Ismail from the
original negatives.
....
Visitors:
ìExcellentî
Jamie Morey (expatriate)
ìGreat performance. Hail Terengganu!î
Batara Guru Masirbi Rabka (expatriate)
ìClassicî
Bakar Ali (lecturer)
ìInspiring imageryî
Dove Baxter (Teacher - United Kingdom)
ìVery professionalî
James Terada (American architect)
"Very romanticî
Theresa Taylor (New Zealand Diplomat)
ìPraise to the Almighty...superb!î
Nurmaizatull Laila (Student)
ìA great photographerî
Bruno Bouvianne (Film Director)
ìI feel Malaysia is losing its simple pastî
Fukuda Wataru (Japanese visitor)
ìThe best comparison of an (Ansel Adams.)î
Maurizio Negri (Businessman)
ìThe best photographer in Malaysia...world class.î
Ming Tung (Graphic Designer)
ìItís beautiful..when a King goes out to his people.î
Albert Laflande (Art Director)
ìEmozionanteî
Annarita Battaggia (Designer)
ìAn exemplary Sultan.î
Fadzil Idris (Student)
ìFascinatingî
George Molinjul (from Sabah)
ìunique, interesting and beautiful.î
Farhah Abdullah (student)
.....
