As you walk up the stairs toward ISKL’s administration office, look up and you will be greeted by three stunning Malaysian kites, designed by Malaysian artist, Paul Lau. Look a little closer and you’ll see breathtaking detail that is not apparent at first glance.
Malaysian kites come in many shapes all of which have stories connected with them. The most recognisable Malaysian kite is the Wau Bulan (moon kite) originated in the state of Kelantan and is one of Malaysia’s national symbols. ISKL’s kites are large and intricately decorated, with strong, vivid images that can be seen from the ground. The installation, entitled “Three Little Birds” is a marvelous nod to Malaysian traditional art with a contemporary twist and depicts the reunion of the Ampang and Melawati campuses and students as they grow through childhood and mature into young adults.
Artist Paul Lau wanted to honour the traditional designs of the wau while incorporating symbols meaningful to ISKL. He spent weeks researching traditional wau making which led to his gaining a deeper understanding of the rich visual language of Malay art and craft; grounded in the elements of nature, and its source, Malay wood carving.
Storytelling is integral to cultures around the world and each of these Malaysian kites has a story to tell. The three Wau have been designed to represent the three school divisions; Elementary, Middle and High School.
The first of the kites is the blue Wau Puyuh (quail) and is titled “Be Good”. This kite has passion flowers - young plants - woven through the design which represent ISKL’s elementary students - symbolising young people at the beginning of their school lives. The second kite is the green Wau Bayan (parakeet) and is titled “Do Good”. This kite has blue lotus plants in the design, with koi carp interwoven throughout. The carp swimming through the blue lotus pond symbolises middle school students following their dreams. Finally, the largest and highest of the kites is the dark red Wau Dodo Helang (hawk or small raptor) and is titled, “Be Happy”. This kite is decorated with morning glory flowers, symbolising tenderness and tenacity. Morning glory, which, while delicate looking, are hardy and can withstand difficult living conditions. The message for high school students is to be gentle yet strong as they head out into the world.
The use of the pohon budi (tree of life) is a small step away from traditional wau design. It symbolises the cosmos, the beginning and the end, and mastery of self. According to the artist, the shape of the pohon budi is used as a window into the world of ISKL, where the design pulls in images of a bee (being industrious) a dove (peace and love) a tortoise (longevity, intelligence and wisdom) the carp (good luck) and a panther (school mascot). The koi carp, and turtles are also much-loved members of the ISKL community.
The imagery, the colours and the overall impression of these beautiful kites is second to none.
There is so much more to each of the Wau that just cannot be expressed in so few words - they truly need to be seen. Next time you’re at ISKL, look up to the sky to see these beautiful bird Wau soar.
