Forward to the past, part 2

My old classmate, Lim Siang Jin, had held his first solo photography exhibition, “Our Legacy: Landmark Memories of Penang Free School”, over six days last September/October at The Old Frees’ Association in conjunction with the OFA’s Centenary celebrations. He is now organising a second exhibition of the same black-and-white photographs in Kuala Lumpur too. 

The exhibition of 31 photos, which began on the first of March, is ongoing until the end of the month at his own gallery, aptly called Jin’s Art Gallery, which is located at Unit A-3-17, Centrio Pantai Hillpark, 1 Jalan Pantai Murni, 59200 Kuala Lumpur. Opening hours on weekends are from 10am to 5pm, and by appointment on weekdays. They are to call 0192219680.

Anyone who had viewed his first exhibition in Penang will know that the photos will appeal to the Old 
Frees of any denomination. They are bound to evoke a lot of nostalgia, especially among the ones who have located to the Klang Valley, and there are countless! If they haven't returned to their alma mater for a very long time, now is the time to reconnect with their old schooldays. Do bring your old classmates and schoolmates to the exhibition. 

By the way, the photos are available for sale. I know of at least 10 people who have already purchased them and they are now displayed proudly in their living rooms. These six prints are among the 31 on display in the gallery. Each picture tells a story and the commentaries are by Siang Jin.

WELCOME. Penang Free School remains true to its name – to be “free”, to admit students irrespective of class, race and religion. This has been one of its distinguishing features for over 200 years – since its founding in 1816. All it asks of its wards in return are to be strong and faithful to the school’s ideals of overall excellence and multiculturalism.

AWESTRUCK. Many a freshie, like me in 1966, find these arches of the Pinhorn Hall intimidating and an awesome sight. They never fail to impress — even now. I like to see the hall empty with its main door wide open, like a grand tunnel welcoming activity. From resplendent speech days to the rigours of badminton practice. From timeless Shakespearean plays to captivating fashion shows.

PERPLEXING. For the first few weeks, indeed months, at school, everything looked and sounded different. Our first-year experience was amplified by the school’s Sesquicentenary (or 150th anniversary). We had joined the school with grand misconceptions, like seeing shadows on Plato’s “Cave”. As we moved from year to year, we gradually appreciated its essential worth – as an assiduous mentor to prepare us for our lives ahead.

MAGNANIMOUS. This is the Angsana under which we gathered before school in our first year in 1966. It gave us shelter and provided space to engage in small talk before the rush of class and other planned activities. It reminds me of many teachers, their zeal to develop as well as shelter us from the worst of the world. That did not mean we were spared punishment, a favourite being running to the far-end of the field and back.

POTENT. This is Free School in a solid but dynamic posture with clouds pushing right. This was once its hub, housing the headmaster’s office, a grand porch to receive VIPs and all, the school clock, and above all, visually, a commanding tower. This image leaves a bit to be desired; the top right has little texture. To me, it is a metaphor for the unfulfilled, of dreams and potential. One thing’s for sure: The school gave us a potent sense of idealism anchored to its grand design.

HEARTFELT. The sound of the school bell touches our hearts from day one. It is distant though, hanging 40ft above the ground in a simple housing. Yet it tolls for everyone, not just for starts and ends of rituals. It rings in my memories, for example, of decorum, order and respect for traditions — after its deep clangs, the hushed silence in the grand hall with 1,500 awaiting the headmaster’s entrance and the distinct sounds of his footfalls. This has been etched in my mind forever.