Jamil Zakaria

The Malay proverb ‘Kucing lalu, tikus tiada berdecit lagi’ refers to the behavior of certain people i.e. those who are usually noisy but suddenly becomes quiet in the presence of an authoritative figure. Other Malay proverbs about the loss of authority are ‘Bila kucing tidak bergigi, tikus berani melompat tinggi’ and ‘Kucing pergi, Tikus menari,’. An example ‘Kalau kucing tiada bermisai, takkan ditakuti tikus lagi’ means that when someone from a higher position in an organization is fired, he loses the support and the respect of his subordinates. This animal-related situation is mapped onto a human situation, which emphasises the meaning of some unlikely situation with regards to power relations. My sculpture is inspired by Malay proverbs. Malay proverbs mostly use metaphors to express inner feelings as found in the visual arts. My sculpture reflects an intense relationship between the issues of Malay culture, myself and the materials used in the artwork.

The relationship is based on my experience while trying to visualize the idea from intangible (Malay proverb) to tangible form. I use steel wire as it represents lines which is the main element in creating shapes and forms. Intellectually, the line is one of the basic elements of art. Spiritually, the line also represents connectedness, relationship, unity, and journey. Indirectly, the lines are the narratives for my artwork. 

   

Bila Si Misai Tak Berkuku...
2016

Steel wire & chicken wire
Variable dimensions

Read More

Yim Yen Sum

An artist’s sensitivity towards his or her culture can be gauged from the choice of materials used in their artworks. I constantly find myself utilising soft and flexible materials in my work because they can be easily shaped and managed. Such materials, with their characteristics and properties, requires a certain level of care when handling which give rise to metaphors I hope to draw out as the main theme in my subject matter. In the process of knitting, the needle and thread that shuttles back and forth are two different things that were once distinct and separate, becomes whole or forms a union. This is not unlike individuals in society who form relationships which give new meaning to their lives and affect others around them. These materials are not just objects to me; they are a part of my life and experiences, created from my imagination. I like repeating small units of work in a huge setting because whole structures allows us to feel the process of life, drawing us to get close to it. 

We Are Only Stardust

2017

Embroidery, gauze dye & acrylic on gauze
290 x 210 cm

Read More

Edroger C. Rosili

I learnt that the nation state is a product of colonialism. A colony claims independence and becomes a nation state. It then struggles to groom her own identity and visions based on her cultures, histories, wealth and politics. My artwork is a relief wall sculpture depicting two similar looking national symbols from America and Malaysia; the Iwo Jima Memorial Monument and Tugu Negara (National Monument). Both portray the triumph of their military over their enemies. Another symbol that both nations have in common are the similar design elements on our flags. The appropriation of these national symbols and represented here serves to highlight how much nation states influenced one another in numerous aspects. How the aspiration, inspiration and maybe admiration, influence the direction of a nation state’s vision, and the price we pay for that transaction. America is a nation loud and proud of her achievements. With all her power and ideals, she represents the peak of humanity’s development and the depth of civilization. America and Europe is influential on the global scale especially in the areas of economy and more so, culturally. My work is intended as a discussion on cultural transactions. What did we learn in our journey of leading a nation state? As we’re behind in numerous aspects, aren’t we able to profit from the mistakes and the sacrifices they’ve made to be wherever them are at right now? Are we going to try to reach the same peaks as they or are we prepared to scale our own peaks?

The Greatest View At The Similarities in Features Between the Pinnacles of Two Different Nation (Revisited)

2016

Pulp clay, steel pole & custom banner

439 x 335 cm

Read More

Faizal Suhif

The earth (tanah) is an expression of the timeless relationship between mankind and nature. It also expresses mankind’s appreciation for natural beauty. This mixed media work is made with mono printing and oil paint. Here, Nature is also included as a participant in the creative process. By utilising the possibilities in printmaking, I have instilled a part of me in each of the works as a means to enhance it. This act represents aspects of my journey and what the soil and earth means to me. Such was the cultural and intellectual milieu in which I grew up in, appreciating the earth beneath me as if it is as valuable as gold. I am thankful for what the earth produces and what is grown from the soil as a result of sowing and seed planting. There is much love in the act of nurturing each plant until the time is ripe for it to be harvested. Every inch of my being is connected to the earth and soil. As in my faith, I believe that no matter where I may go, it is back to the earth that my body returns. 

Sebesar Zarah

2016

Monoprint & oil on canvas

305 x 305 cm (diptych)

Read More

Fawwaz Sukri

eksadas

noun

a mass departure of people, especially immigrants. synonyms: mass departure, withdrawal, evacuation, leaving;

Exodus is the title of my entry for the Young Guns Award and traveling exhibition. The painting is about the prophecies and mysteries surrounding us. An example, migration occurs out of fear of uncertainty (when people feel threatened) like in the recent case of the hawkish billionaire Donald Trump who was democratically elected as the 45th president of America. Illegal Immigrants in the US are worried that they might be forcefully deported and there are even conspiracy theories that claim Donald Trump is a member of the Illuminati. In my painting, the image of the monkey represents the new president of the US while the female figure with the worried facial expression represents an illegal immigrant. The presence of the popular monster, Godzilla together with an octopus out of the water are strange omens indicating of the impending doomsday. This work is my own interpretation of what will happen when something strange occurs that is beyond our daily norm. A parody about the coming end of the world. 

Exodus

2016

Acrylic & silkscreen on canvas

200 x 200 cm

Read More