Aliran mourns the passing of our life-long member Ismail Hashim, who was killed in a road accident on Saturday evening.
Ismail was one of seven founder members of the organisation, when it was established in 1977.
An accomplished photographer and visual artist, he had over the years contributed various designs (including the cover designs of several editions of our magazine), photo montages and images for Aliran. His last contribution was a graphic image of a lop-sided dacing, during the recent general election campaign.
In a recent tribute to his creative work, poet Cecil Rajendra described Ismail, a former dean of Pusat Seni, University Sains Malaysia, as one of two black-and-white photographers par excellence in Penang.
A jovial personality, Ismail was talented and gifted but ever so humble and even camera-shy. His wit was aimed at himself. He had a simple manner, no airs or graces. One could feel his simplicity and the calm, warm and friendly ‘Malayness’ of his outlook and culture.
For one who jokingly considered himself “left luggage”, the legacy Ismail left behind – the striking images he captured for posterity – will always be remembered as an immense contribution to the heritage of Penang and this country.
Ismail will be sadly missed by the Aliran family. May he rest in peace.
Aliran executive committee
25 June 2013
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