Artwork from Johnee Lau, Father of Galaman

GALAMAN Ep.1 有鼻而來, 30-05-2011
I have chosen to present this particular artwork by Johnee Lau, firstly, because it is a comedic animated short film, a representative media of his artworks. “Galaman” is a serial animated short film broadcasted on YouTube. Let’s watch it first.

What strike me the most is how Johnee creates the characters from his uniqle and tiny observation of things. The main character in the animation, Galaman is inspired by the superheroes from the cartoons he watched in his childhood. He sees a special coincidence from many superheroes that their armpit often appears such as Superman has to reveals his armpit when flying and Spider also inevitably shows his armpit when ejecting threads. It is why he invents Galaman transform from the armpit whenever he put up his arm. Another interesting way of creating characters is that he specially adds life to his body parts that are often regarded as disgusting or sensitive. Not only Galaman comes from an armpit but also the monster is actually a nose.

Apart from the creative invention of the character, Johnee also employs pun to design funny characters and dialogue. Pun is one of the special characteristic of Chinese language. I love how Johnee smartly play with the prouniciation and meaning of words. That always surprises and makes me laugh. I think that is what art is all about, to be easily understood, entertaining, and reflecting local culture(e.g. language). Johnee’s works really engage with people and possess the local characteristics. 

Unlike other animations we see, Johnee uses queer and special theme and material in a funny way. For example, the characters are inspired by body parts that are often regarded as disgusting or sensitive. It starts provoke my thought to think about what they are. Why people think they are repulsive? Do I think so? 

Besides, his artworks are often inspired by his unique observation in daily life. This gives me an insight to tiny thing I come across every day and to start appreciate the surroundings especially those ignored by people.

Reference
I think “Galaman” is somehow an artwork of sampling and subverting. For example, the main character, Galaman is inspired when he sees a special coincidence from many superheroes coincidentally often show their armpit. For example, Superman must reveal his armpit when flying and Spider also inevitably shows his armpit when ejecting threads. Therefore, he makes a parody on the superheroes and invents Galaman transform from the armpit whenever he put up his arm. Besides, Johnee also subverts the Chinese by employing pun to design funny characters and dialogue. 



Obviously, “Galaman” can emerges only from the new media of art – digital age. The digital media helps realize and present the virtual world Johnee created to audience. The invention of network and digital world makes art affordable and reachable to anyone. More people can have a whole new different way to see, engage with art. 

External links to Johnee Lau's work:
http://jacso.hk/johnee