The ambivalent response to Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal’s (DSAJ) work stems from some inside information about a sensitive time in the National Laureate’s domestic life, when his marriage was on the rocks, when he had so much to cheer for – his then coming Sept 19 birthday, his third solo exhibition, and his promotion as acting principal of the Specialist Teachers Training Institute (STTI). To the nebulous figure in the oval shape truncated at the top, like an ovum, is ‘it’ dancing more for forgetfulness than celebration, or skidding? Or probably it’s a piece depicting ballet dancer, a tribute to the world famous Swan Lake, as the shape of a swan is visible at the bottom of the yellow hues? DSAJ enrolled at the Birmingham School of Architecture but after a year, switched to Chelsea School of Art in London (1951-55). He received a Fulbright scholarship to study Sculpture at the Chicago Institute of Art (1963-64). In 1974, he received his Masters of Art History from the University of Honolulu, Hawaii. His top-notched honours include the Asean Cultural Award (1987), Anugerah Seni Negara (1995). He was director of the National Art Gallery (1983-91) and the Asian Art Museum (1979-83), and principal of the Specialist Teachers Training Institute (1964-72, but there since 1961).