This is the continuation of my Mulut Busuk sketches using black ball-point pens. Usually I use cheap Faber-Castell NX23 and Click X5 between 0.5-0.7 size. It's easily available from TESCO in pack of 3 or 4 for less than RM5.00
The gradation of the black can be controlled by playing the angle of contact between the tip and the surface of the paper. At 90 degree with considerable pressure from the hand, will produce the darkest black. As we lean the tip further to 45 degree to the paper surface, the pressure of the hand naturally lessen. This will create a softer hue of black. If we lean the tip even further, the hue will looks as if it was done with 2B pencil.
The other element which influence the hues of black is how fast or slow every group of pen strokes are done. The faster the stroke means less ink is being attached to the surface on each line; thus creating a softer hue of black. While as the stroke goes slower, the line will become darker. It's quite normal for us to see a single line with various hues of black. Darker and thicker at the early stage but gradually growing thinner and lighter towards the end of the line.
This indicates the fluctuation of pressures, speed and angles of the hand from the beginning to the end of the drawing.
Size : A4 paper
Media: Ball-point pen on paper
Year : 2012
It started out as an expansion of certain element from the bullish personality of Mulut Busuk 4. specifically the ring that shackled the screaming figure is further extended to create new form.
To enhance the sense of more explosive of the character, I found the image of a hand grenade can be superimposed to the basic screaming figurehead. The ring acted sort of connecting element between them.
Size : A4 paper
Media: Ball-point pen on paper
Year : 2012
On Mulut Busuk 23, the ring is arranged almost identical to Mulut Busuk 4 in the composition but instead of a nose, the screaming mouth was converted into the basic form of WWII hand grenade and the face was constructed of myriads of lines except for the part of screaming mouth which is very clear. The intention was to lead the mind to the idea of explosion.
Title: Mulut Busuk 24
Size : A4 paper
Media: Ball-point pen on paper
Year : 2012
Mulut Busuk 22, 23, 24 incorporated the image of hand-grenade superimposed to the human expression. The idea was to lead the mind of the viewer to the explosive nature of the superimposed human and grenade forms. Thus, explosive grenade is obvious; to maim, destroy and to create fear.
The explosive nature of human form? It showed the inability of the personality to control his own emotion, regardless of the norms and situation. In a way it showed his own weakness, the inability to assimilate himself to the value that was shared together within the group. The other rather explanation is that such personality is unable to express his feeling properly nor accepting rejection easily.
Some called this type of personality "short-fused" which is quite relevant if attached to the form of hand-grenade. However, in the meeting where ideas were openly discussed, accepted or rejected having such a short-fused personality could be disruptive if not handled tactfully. It would delay the decision-making process, sometimes the members into camps of pros and cons or at the least, changed the climate and the personality himself being despised and unapproachable.
