These three artworks were created with soil gathered from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak by referencing actual photos that were taken in the 60s. One of the vets, Major Andrew, still keeps many letters and photos from back then. It was very special that he shared them with my team and I. From the lot, we chose three images: the first showing the veterans and the airplane they flew in, the second showing Major Andrew’s wedding day (with words by Major Wong), the third showing the pain and realities of war.
We had the privilege of talking to a few of our veterans in the research process and got to hear some incredibly inspiring and heartbreaking stories. Stories of not seeing families for months on end, missing the childhood years of their children and losing close friends in combat. They understood the cost but they also knew that someone had to do it. It was most touching to me to see how these veterans came from all different races, backgrounds and various parts of Malaysia - peninsular, Sabah and Sarawak. One of them told me, “Why would race matter when you’re fighting for your country?”
Footages of these artworks are shown in the documentary, “Tanah Tumpahnya Darah Kita” (Our Blood Poured Over this Land) on Astro tonight at 9pm (GMT +8) on Channel 100.
Photos by Aaron Wong.
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Artwork credits:
Artist: Red Hong Yi
Fabricator: @huakhuak_official
Red’s art team: @gnuhceehc (project lead), @wcyann, @esmondsit , @unreality.kai, @kashinies, @shirriesun, @phang_lim, @huiqi.chan.
Videography: @kernwei
Photography: @aaronwongys, @annicelyn
“Tanah Tumpahnya Darah Kita” will be shown on Astro tonight 9pm (GMT + 😎 at channel 100.
Production by @nagaddb & @mojofilmskl.
Apprentices supported under the @cendanamalaysia Apprenticeship Programme in Collaboration with Studio Red Hong Yi.
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