Dr Irving Johnson featured in ‘Hot Profs in NUS’ – The Ridge, August 2007 Issue

Hot Profs in NUS, The Ridge, August 2007 Issue.

Dr. Johnson’s spontaneity and enthusiasm in everything he does could not have been more evident than in how he readily agreed to this interview. Known for spicing up his lectures by performing shadow puppetry, singing and then complaining about how Singapore has no spontaneity, this man strongly believes in discovering your angin. This interview was conducted by email because the Hot Professor was running off to look at paintings in Thailand.

How do you feel about being called a Hot Professor?
It’s great! Finally some credit. Thank you ExpressMen and GO. But then again, it depends on how you say it. 🙂

What is your angin?
Ah … my passions. I really like performing Thai shadow puppetry (NANG TALUNG). I don’t know why. My dream is to one day perform across southern Thailand – buy myself a pickup, and travel from village to village performing at temple festivals, funerals, etc. Can’t do without nang talung. I think if there ever came a day when I couldn’t do puppetry, I’d shrivel up into a dry mass of sadness and depression. I also really enjoy painting in the classical Thai style. I’m working on a painting right now for a wall in my living room. It’s been more than a year now and it’s still far from complete because I only work on it in my spare time.

A shout out to the students of NUS: FOLLOW YOUR ANGIN! THINK OUTSIDE THE SILLY BOX.

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