Artist and Artworks

Annisa Tajul

Full name: Annisa binti Tajul Urus b. 1994 in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Bachelor (Hons) of Fine Art, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia Diploma in Fine Art, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Lendu, Melaka, Malaysia

When I was a child, I loved outdoor activities, playing and exploring the insects, plants and animals. These two artworks are inspired from my childhood memories. The plants and animals that caught my attention has been my subject matter; Bunga Raya (Hibiscus) known as our national flower (5 petals which portrays 5 National Principles) and Harimau (Tiger) symbolizes bravery and strength to Malaysians. It is to reflect my hope that our country will preserve our natural resources. Most importantly is the Malayan Tiger, our national symbol whose habitat continues to be threatened by development. It is believed that the tiger population in the wild currently stands at less than 300, the important symbolic animal becoming close to extinction.

Bunga Beraya (2019), Acrylic on Canvas, 91.5 x 76 cm

Senang Harimau (2019), Acrylic on Canvas, 61 x 76 cm

Awards

2018 Anugerah Utama Seni MIDF

2017 Top 100 Jury’s Pick, KAREX Art Against AIDS competition Consolation Prize, Tanjong Heritage Art Competition

Group Exhibitions (Selected)

2019 “Post Card Exhibition“ Surakarta - Shah Alam (Ruang Kubikal) THE SHOW@ UMAG, Galeri Seni Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur Unknown, Segaris Art Center, Publika, Kuala Lumpur 2018 Publika Art Show: Rebirth, Publika, Kuala Lumpur Individuality (Degree Show), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam

Anugerah Seni MIDF 2018

2017 Konteks 05, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam

Pameran Eksplorasi Resedensi IV, Saung Banon Arts Studio, Yogyakarta

Memayu Hayung Bawono, Griya Sekar Wangi Art Gallery, Yogyakarta Art & Style 03 - An Exploration, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam 2015 Melaka International Intelectual Exposition (MIEX), Dewan Taming Sari, UiTM Lendu, Melaka Tunas Ilham, Galeri UiTM Lendu, Melaka

Diauddin Isa

Full name: Muhammad Diauddin bin Mohd Isa b. 1994 in Teluk Intan, Perak, Malaysia

Bachelor of Fine Art (Painting), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia Diploma in Fine Art, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia

The universe is a gift from God to mankind. I believe all of us are seeking for happiness and peace. As a Malaysian, I always dream that we can unite and create a peaceful environment without talking about racist issues. That’s the importance of the spirit of patriotism in each of us to sustain our love amongst each other. Despite coming from a rural place, the Kampung Boy portrayed the true spirit of happiness, peace and harmony without being jeopardized by other issues that can ruin our future.

The Kampung Boy and his Hope (2019) Acrylic and Charcoal on Canvas, 91.5 x 76 cm

Awards

2016 Consolation Prize, Art Painting category in Vision Petron National Student Art

Competition

Group Exhibitions (Selected)

2018 Young Me, A Testimony of Young Emerging Artist, Galeri Seni Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur Mini Miniature Art Exhibition, Serambi Karya, Kuala Lumpur Catharsis, Galeri Seni Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur Imago Mundi 3 Nations, Hulo Hotel, Kuala Lumpur 2017 ArtBeats, Collaborative Exhibition, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris Charity Art Show, Celebration of 100 years Rumah Amal Cheshire, HSBC Tower, Kuala Lumpur Col-Laborate 16, Group Show, Galeri Seni Universiti Malaya Rantour Art Showcase, Rantai Art Festival, 1M4U Sentral Rantour Art Showcase, Rantai Art, Dataran 1malaysia, Klebang FASA (Degree Show), UiTM Shah Alam Rantour Art Show 03, Rantai Art, Bazar Tok Guru, Kota Bharu Inception, Galeri Alam Impian, Selangor Rantour Art Show, Rantai Art, Mytown, Kuala Lumpur

2016 Pameran Galeri Cheritara, Dataran underground, Kuala Lumpur Vision Petron: National Student Art Competition, Ikano Power Center, Selangor JIWA, Balai Seni Negeri Kedah, Alor Setar, Kedah 2015 Open Show Urban Art III, Pelita Hati Gallery of Art, Kuala Lumpur 2014 Prologue (Diploma Show), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Seri Iskandar, Perak

Fareez Fauzi

Full name: Muhammad Fareez bin Mohd Fauzi b. 1995 in Johor, Malaysia

Bachelor (Hons.) of Fine Art, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia

Millennials are born at a time where technology, particularly in the area of computing, has already been well-established. But rather than use software-based tools to create an art, I prefer to use my artistic skills and allow my freedom to express my true-self. I believe the ability to express oneself, be it in art or any other endeavour, is what I aspires to. The used of a pop iconography, and symbols that are very recognizable, my work depicts that while there are inherent dangers in the virtual world, communication technology is something that has become commonplace and even necessary in this day and age.

Samar-Samar (2019), Acrylic, Paint Marker and Spray Paint on Canvas, 91.5 x 76 cm

Awards

2017 Top 100 Jury’s Pick, KAREX Art Against AIDS competition Finalist, Petron Art Competition

Anugerah Utama Seni MIDF

2016 Finalist, Nando’s Art Initiative

Group Exhibitions (Selected)

2018 Imago Mundi 3 Nations, Hulo Hotel, Kuala Lumpur U12 Group Exhibition, Galeri Prima, Kuala Lumpur 2017 Inception, Alam Impian Gallery, Selangor

Rantai Art Tour Exhibition

2016 Pameran Galeri Cheritara, Dataran Underground, Kuala Lumpur 2015 Orchid Art Competition, Shah Alam 1 x 1, Galeri Titikmerah, Art Row, Publika, Kuala Lumpur

Hafizuddin Lukman

Full name: Hafizuddin bin Lukman b. 1995 in Malaysia

Bachelor (Hons.) of Fine Art, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia

This is my new series of work. The idea sparked when I was developing this new body of artwork. I remember something important when I met Assoc. Prof. Hasnul Jamal Saidon in the final year assessment, he said that “Karya yang jujur datang dari diri kita sendiri” (an honest work comes from ourselves). I used to create images from game symbols in my previous artworks, I admitted I was a gamer since my childhood, and this is something that I want to develop in my future series because it’s already part of me. Therefore, in this artwork I used player symbols to represent the Human Figure Player (myself). Malaysia Independence Day is just around the corner, I was thinking about the previous election. The painting is about me doubting the previous election. That was my first time as a Malaysian to vote for the next government. It is an important election since it was the first time that new government took over Malaysia after a six decades. I am wondering if our new government can do a better job from the previous. I use landscape as a background to show the depth of the subject and to relate with the content. I also use a building with the Malaysian flag to represent Malaysia’s tuff. For example, what will happen to this country? I use images to create random wonderings about what will happen next. As Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad said in the Prime Minister official website, give them time to recover this country from previous government’s mistakes. Therefore, I wonder if I made a right decision. No matter which government rules this country, I hope we can keeps standing and moving forward.

Doubt (2019), Mixed Media on Canvas, 91.5 x 91.5 cm

Awards

2019 First Class Award

2018 Finalist, Waste Art Competition 2015 - 2018 Dean’s List (awarded for four semesters)

Activities & Exhibitions (Selected)

2019 Petronas Mural (Phase 2), Wakaf Baru & Rantau, Terengganu School Mural, SMK Lembah Subang, Damansara 2018 Festival Laman Seni 7, Shah Alam, Selangor Publika Art Show, Publika, Kuala Lumpur 2017 KAREX Art Against AIDS, Publika, Kuala Lumpur 2016 Program Mini Karnival Amal Kreatif, Galeri Shah Alam, Selangor 2015 School Level VIsual Art Camp (Facilitator)

Residencies

2017 Sangkring Art Space, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Isa Ishak

Full name: Mohamad Isa bin Mohammad Ishaki b. 1995 in Selangor, Malaysia

Bachelor (Hons.) of Fine Art, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia Diploma in Art & Design (Fine Art & Technology), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Machang, Kelantan

Social media in this day and age has become part and parcel of our lives, and this is true for a large portion of the population, regardless of whether they fall into the millennial demographic or not. One phenomenon that has become apparent is how quick we have become in judging other people based solely on what we know of them through social media. The idea of my work is about what we choose to reveal through our social media personality becomes the entirety of how we are viewed by others. Whether or not our demeanor on social media completely represents who we are as individuals becomes irrelevant; the reality of today is that we are what we post... We spend hours each day on social media like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter without realizing that in a way, it affects our lives. It is a reality of what we are now, as we have witnessed many examples of how postings on social media can (and do) get misinterpreted, leading to something, which was perhaps in reality quite inconsequential, being blown out of proportion and ends up becoming an “issue” worthy of national debate. This is a self-reminder, what we see through social media doesn’t always represent the whole.

Desire (2019), Oil on Canvas, 137 x 137 cm

Awards

2019 Finalist, Malaysia Emerging Artist Award (MEAA) 2018 Jury’s Pick, KAREX Art Against AIDS competition 2017 Finalist, KAREX Art Against AIDS competition Finalist, Petron Art Competition

Anugerah Utama Seni MIDF

2016 Finalist, UOB Painting of the Year award

Group Exhibitions (Selected)

2019 Spice Select, Nadiine Fine Art, Petaling Jaya Unknown, Segaris Art Center, Publika, Kuala Lumpur U12 Revival, Galeri Prima, Kuala Lumpur MEAA Finalist Showcase, White Box, Publika, Kuala Lumpur 2018 KLIMEX (Miniprint Exhibition), Balai Seni Visual Negara, Kuala Lumpur Morphosis, Galeri Prima, Kuala Lumpur Merdeka Show, Nadiine Fine Art, Petaling Jaya

Harapan, Taksu Gallery, Kuala Lumpur Publika Art Show, Publika, Kuala Lumpur KAREX Art Against AIDS, White Box, Publika, Kuala Lumpur 2017 Konteks, Faculty of Art & Design, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam NICE, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur Art and Style 03: An Exploration, Faculty of Art & Design, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam

2016 Pameran Galeri Cheritara, Dataran Underground, Kuala Lumpur Shah Alam Open, Galeri Shah Alam, Selangor Soft Toys Exhibition, Faculty of Art & Design, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Machang, Kelantan Diploma Show, Faculty of Art & Design, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Machang, Kelantan

Kimberley Boudville

b. 1999 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Diploma in Fine Art, The One Academy, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

The core of my ink works is the character of a little girl whom I identify as myself, and most often she appears in a forest terrain. These terrains represent my alternate reality which provides comfort for when I’m in distress. The laws of nature in the real world often do not always make sense in my surrealist world, but they give a more symbolic meaning that is often taken from parts of my life. Recently I’ve been wanting to introduce more elements that represent my home; my country. Using the flora and fauna I try to place them into my surreal world which brings a sense of security and serenity to the girl, as they are symbols from her real and surreal worlds. The wanting to introduce new elements come from the realisation that no matter where life will take me, this country will always be home to me and for it to be part of my surreal world means that it will always be in my heart.

This Is My Home (2019), Ink on Paper, 25.5 x 25.5 cm

Awards

2018 Best of Fine Arts, The One Academy Hall of Fame 2018 Finalist, UOB Painting of the Year award Shortlisted, KAREX Art Against AIDS competition Finalist, Petron Art Competition

Anugerah Utama Seni MIDF

2017 Finalist, UOB Painting of the Year award Finalist, Nando’s Art Initiative 2015 Encouragement Prize, Malaysia Top 10 Outstanding Young Artist Top 10, Raffles Design Competition Top 20, Digital Art and Animation Competition (DAAC)

Group Exhibitions (Selected)

2019 Unknown, Segaris Art Center, Publika, Kuala Lumpur

2018 Pendulum (Graduation Group Show), The One Academy, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

Loqman Haqim

Full name: Loqman Nur Hakim bin Zainal b. 1995 in Malaysia

Curently pursuing his Bachelor (Hons.) of Fine Art, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia

The millennials have grown up with technology and have been exposed to negative and bad influences. In this artwork, I symbolize the forest as a youngster; a metaphor which portrays a similar situation of the forest that is endangered. This phenomenon is similar with teenagers nowadays. While thriving and work hard, like the forest, being silent even when faced with all the threats. As an artist, I think it is a need to protect ourselves from various fears that we must encounter in our future.

Save Them (2019), Acrylic on Canvas, 75 x 60 cm

Awards

2017 Jury Award, Anugerah Seni MIDF

Group Exhibitions (Selected)

2019 U12 Revival, Galeri Prima, Kuala Lumpur Spice Select, Nadiine Fine Art, Petaling Jaya The Show at Universiti Malaya Art Gallery, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 2018 Anugerah Seni MIDF 2018, Menara MIDF Kuala Lumpur KLIMEX (Miniprint Exhibition), Balai Seni Visual Negara, Kuala Lumpur Merdeka Show, Nadiine Fine Art, Petaling Jaya Morphosis, Galeri Prima, Kuala Lumpur Publika Art Show, Publika, Kuala Lumpur

2017 Anugerah Seni MIDF 2017, Menara MIDF, Kuala Lumpur

Mark Tan

b. 1991 in Malaysia

Bachelor of Arts in Drawing and Applied Arts (First Class Honours), University of the West of England, Bristol, UK

‘Pinnacle’ is made up of 4 paintings stacked in a vertical manner. The formation of the canvases (from bottom - top) represents the idea of progression and success. It reflects the transformation of Malaysia; from its hardships and challenges the country has endured to its continuous advancement toward a better future.

Pinnacle (2019) Mixed Media on Canvas Dimensions Variable (206 x 54 cm stacked)

Solo Exhibition

2017 Arrangements, OUR ArtProjects, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Group Exhibitions (Selected)

2019 Rethinking Editions, OUR ArtProjects, Kuala Lumpur 2018 Xcidentally X’mas, OUR ArtProjects, Kuala Lumpur Heartbreak Hotel, OUR ArtProjects, Kuala Lumpur 2016 Bi-Lateral Bonds, TAKSU Gallery, Singapore Bi-Lateral Bonds, TAKSU Gallery, Kuala Lumpur Locals Only!, TAKSU Gallery, Kuala Lumpur 2015 TP II by Cetak Kolektif, HOM Arts Trans, Kuala Lumpur 17th Biennale Internationale De La Gravure De Sarcelles, Sarcelles, France Presence, The Gallery @ Starhill, Kuala Lumpur

2014 Synecdoche, Embassy Tea Gallery, London, UK The Creative Industries Show, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK 2013 By Natural Causes, The Parlour Showroom, Bristol, UK Unearthed, The Corinium Museum, Cirencester, UK 2012 Form, F Block Gallery, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK

Megat Zaim Zhafir

Full name: Megat Zaim Zhafir bin Megat Nawawi b. 1994 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Diploma in Art & Design (Fine Art), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Seri Iskandar, Perak (with plans to further his education in the future)

The work of Maruah Bangsa Merdeka (Honor the Nation of Independence) depicts five high school students standing upright, with both hands placed sideways and straight down, watching the raising of the Jalur Gemilang. I was trying to capture a precious moment of an assembly where Negaraku song was sung. The Negaraku song is the Malaysia’s national anthem. It was selected as the national anthem when the Malaya gained an independence from the British in 1957. As a national anthem, Negaraku song symbolizes the identity and dignity of an independent nation. And the flag is a symbol of the sovereignty of a nation that is closely linked to the patriotic spirit in defending the dignity, race, religion and nationality. The flag is also a symbol of leadership, honor, dignity and citizenship for a nation. Therefore, the use of the flag and its honor are a symbol of nationalism. However, in recent times, the spirit of love for the nation has faded as the independence culture is less practiced and lack of nationalism. The last time I remembered, my passion and love for my nation was when I was in high school and it’s disappeared after pursuing my study in university and started working. It is a hope that I can regain my love for the nation as I will be the next generation in continuing the legacy.

Maruah Bangsa Merdeka (2019) Watercolour on Paper, Glass Paint and Collage 75 x 60 cm

Awards

2019 Finalist, Malaysia Emerging Artists Award (MEAA)

Group Exhibitions (Selected)

2019 MEAA: Malaysian Emerging Artist Award, White Box, Publika, Kuala Lumpur 2017 (Im) Possibilities, Galeri Chandan, Publika, Kuala Lumpur Platform 3: ‘Thrownness’ (Geworfenheit), Galeri Chandan, Publika, Kuala Lumpur 2016 31, 16 Lorong Kekabu, Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur

2014 Urban Show, Galeri Pelita Hati, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur Prologue (Diploma Show), Gallery Al-Biruni, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Seri Iskandar, Perak 2013 Open Show, Gallery Shah Alam, Selangor

Mohamad Faisa

Full name: Mohamad Faisa bin Mohd Saari b. 1993 in Bachok, Kelantan, Malaysia

Bachelor (Hons.) of Fine Art, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam, Malaysia Diploma in Fine Art, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Machang, Kelantan, Malaysia

The artwork is inspired by microscopic bacteriophage; a type of virus that infects and replicates within bacteria. Bacteriophages are composed of proteins that encapsulate a DNA or RNA genome and may have structures either simple or elaborate and their genomes may encode as few as four genes or more. From the structures of bacteriophages, I create the form of the sculpture combining of DNA double helix form and protein. We understand that DNA in human contain instructions for life and survival, including genes trait. New genetic discoveries provide insights on how life works, helping to prevent and cure diseases. I use circuit boards, polycarbonate and other found objects as a material to create the sculpture, fundamentally from recycled items. The form that I create is a visualization of a unit through knowledge that I gain from technology and combination of science fiction. This structure will hopefully create interests of people towards technology and the sciences, as an impact of the imagination and scientific technology upon society or individuals.

Genome (2019) Circuit Board, Polycarbonate, Acrylic, Plastic, Machine Parts, Stainless Steel, Bolt and Nuts 76.2 x 76.2 x 76.2 cm

Awards

2018 Third Prize, Waste To Art Competition (organized by SWCorp)

Group Exhibitions (Selected)

2018 Art Homedec Exhibition, KL Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur Movement, Lembaga Muzium Negeri Pulau Pinang, George Town, Penang Open Show, Gallery Shah Alam, Selangor Waste To Art Competition, SWCorp., Cyberjaya B.O.F.A Degree Show, UiTM Shah Alam, Selangor, 4.0 Erti, Universiti Malaya Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur 2017 14TH OITA Asian Sculpture Exhibition, Japan KAREX Art Against AIDS, Publika, Kuala Lumpur

Tanjong Heritage Art Competition

Inception, Alam Impian Art Gallery, Selangor

2014 Pertandingan Melukis Spontan Warisan Kelantan, Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Dari Tampak ke Mujarad (Diploma Show), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Machang, Kelantan

Muhammad Nur Syafiq

Full name: Muhammad Nur Syafiq bin Nizam Shah b. 1995 in Muar, Johor, Malaysia

Bachelor of Fine Art, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia Diploma in Fine Art, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Machang, Kelantan, Malaysia

Preservation of nature is one of my main concerns. My artworks portray the beauty of two different species of Malaysian butterflies that are today rarely seen, particularly in urban areas, the Red Malay Lacewing and the Rajah Brooke Birdwing. As the nation developed over the last several decades, preservation of our natural beauty and resource has been neglected, more importance given towards physical development, without much regard for the environment and nature. The artworks highlight both the beauty and the importance of nature, and a reminder of the beauty that could be lost if we don’t begin to be more caring towards the environment and our natural surroundings. And as we have seen, nature has a way of fighting back, often in ways quite disastrous to humans, evidenced by floods and landslides that we hear occur from time to time.

The Delicate of Forest I (Malay Lacewing) (2019) Acrylic and Spray Paint on Primed Canvas 61 x 61 cm

The Delicate of Forest II (Rajahbrooke Birdwing) (2019) Acrylic, Gold and Spray Paint on Primed Canvas 91.5 x 60 cm

Awards

2018 Top 100 Jury’s Pick, KAREX Art Against AIDS competition 2017 First Place, KAREX Art Against AIDS competition 2016 Second Prize, The Art of Paintergrity, The Malaysian Institute of Intergrity (INTEGRITI) 2015 Second Prize, ASEAN Spirit Art Competition

Group Exhibitions (Selected)

2019 Unknown, Segaris Art Center, Publika, Kuala Lumpur Young & New VIII, HOM Art Trans, Kuala Lumpur 2018 KAREX Art Against AIDS, White Box, Publika, Kuala Lumpur Publika Art Show, Publika, Kuala Lumpur KLIMEX (Miniprint Exhibition), Balai Seni Visual Negara, Kuala Lumpur 2017 Catharsis, University of Malaya Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur KAREX Art Against AIDS, Black Box, Publika, Kuala Lumpur

KONTEKS, Faculty of Art & Design, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam 2016 Snap & Draw Competition and Exhibition, Kejohanan Kuda Lasak Piala YAB Menteri Besar Terengganu Art and Style: An Exploration, Fine Art Auditorium, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam 2015 Fine Art Diploma Show, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Machang, Kelantan

Sarah Radzi

Full name: Sarah Syahirah binti Mohd Radzi b. 1995 in Selangor, Malaysia

Bachelor (Hons.) of Fine Art (Painting), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia Diploma in Fine Art, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Machang, Kelantan, Malaysia

Whatever the future may hold, it’s best for us to keep going and be hopeful. It could be a lonely road or a festive one, but it is the people who made what Malaysia is now, good or bad. In this series of work, I explore the idea of togetherness. A support that isn’t exactly there but it still a support. The things that we do and the choices that we’ve made, will shape what it would become in future and unity will hold us together. I explore by using ambiguous figures and recognizable objects as a reflection and to illustrate the commitment and trust between the two subjects. There will be an obstacle to get through and more things to explore, it’s best to go through it cooperatively. As the old clichéd adage goes, united we stand, divided we fall.

I’ve Got Your Back (2019), Acrylic & Oil Pastel on Canvas, 46 x 30.5 cm

We’ll Be Fine (2019), Acrylic & Oil Pastel on Canvas, 46 x 30.5 cm

Awards

2019 Vice Chancellor’s Award, UiTM Shah Alam 2018 Finalist, Aungerah Seni MIDF 2017 Third Place (Video Category), Vision Petron Jury’s Pick, KAREX Art Against AIDS 2016 Consolation Prize, Pertandingan Melukis Al-Hadharah, Terengganu

Group Exhibitions (Selected)

2019 Unknown, Segaris Art Center, Publika, Kuala Lumpur 2018 SAY Ignite Youth Fest, Galeri Shah Alam Publika Art Show, Publika, Kuala Lumpur Individuality (Degree Show), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam KLIMEX (Miniprint Exhibition), Balai Seni Visual Negara, Kuala Lumpur Konteks 05, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam 2017 Vision Petron (Video Category), 1 Utama, Bandar Utama, Kuala Lumpur KAREX Art Against AIDS, Black Box, Publika, Kuala Lumpur Art & Style 03: An Exploration, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam 2016 MARI (Diploma Show), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Machang, Kelantan

Syukur Rani

Full name: Sarah Syahirah binti Mohd Radzi b. 1994 in Perak, Malaysia

Bachelor of Fine Art (Painting), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia

Culture, subculture, and counterculture... these are the focal points that pivot my two artworks. As many Malaysians, there is a concern about the abandonment of our various local and traditional cultures, instead opting to adopt and live by cultures that are seen as imported. Another aspect is the assumptions made about certain subcultures within society, simply based on the outward appearance of the individuals belonging to such groups. And oftentimes these assumptions turn out to be less than accurate. As Malaysia moves ahead, the question of culture - and its various constituents - continues to be debated and discussed. But the question that frequently arises: is culture static, or does it evolve? In Babi Buta (Blind Pig), I portray the cruciality of nowadays lifestyle, where we prefer to follow outsiders’ culture and our culture has being disowned and neglected. As of now, no one knows and understands what’s the movement is all about. They just follow unreasoned move. The work of Pencinta Keamanan (Our Peace Lovers) is inspired by the sub-cultures in Malaysia that often associate with these people and consider them as a criminal group and vandalism. But after my research, not all of them are criminals, it just the expression in rejecting the corrupted politics. The difference between them and the artist is they interpreted their feeling and expression through music and clothing.

Babi Buta (2019), Acrylic & Oil on Canvas, 90 x 90 cm

Kami Pencinta Keamanan (2019), Acrylic & Oil on Canvas, 90 x 90 cm

Awards

2017 Jury’s Selection, Aungerah Seni MIDF Third Place, Doodle Competition, Mission of Art, Brainspot Space, Setia Alam 2016 Finalist, Redbull #EhWauBulan Art Competition Consolation Prize, Orchid Painting Competition, Galeri Shah Alam

Group Exhibitions (Selected)

2018 Charity Show: Young Help Young, Galeri Prima, Kuala Lumpur 2017 BINTANG 5: Vol 1, Segaris Art Centre, Publika, Kuala Lumpur Altruism, Galeri Prima, Kuala Lumpur Twelve, Galeri Alam Impian, Shah Alam Inception, HOM Art Trans, Kuala Lumpur Sensation, White Box, Publika, Kuala Lumpur Faith: A Contemporary Islamic Art Exhibition, Galeri Prima, Kuala Lumpur Canvas: Empowering Communities Through The Art, ArtCub, Kuala Lumpur Demenseni: Mission Of Art Exhibition, Brainspot Space, Setia Alam XS, Galeri Titikmerah, Art Row, Publika, Kuala Lumpur Mosaic Art Project, ChinaHouse, George Town, Penang C.O.M.A. (Degree Show), Univerisiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam 2016 HOM Mosaic Art Project and Art Expo 2016, MATRADE Exhibition and Convention Centre (MECC), Kuala Lumpur Journey, Port Commune, Petaling Jaya #EhWauBulan Exhibition, White Box, Publika, Kuala Lumpur Versus Animal #1, ChinaHouse, George Town, Penang ANDES Project (Eco Art Exhibition), Galeri Alam Impian, Shah Alam Youngster, HOM Art Trans, Kuala Lumpur 1 x 1, Galeri Titikmerah, Art Row, Publika, Kuala Lumpur Young & New IV, HOM Art Trans, Kuala Lumpur

2016 Open Show, Gallery Shah Alam

Energy, Galeri Petronas, Kuala Lumpur Urban Art, Galeri Pelita Hati, Kuala lumpur

Tang Tze Lye

b. 1989 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Bachelor of Fine Art, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, India Diploma in Fine Art, Sunway University College, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

Shelah is a 20th century Malaysian drag queen who has been a great performer and an eloquent personality. This portrait is inspired from her debut performance photographs (Instagram). The form of portrait is portrayed in oppressed manner as it reflects the oppression we suffer from societal environment and the patriarchal state of ‘being’ in our present generation. Gender is a taboo topic to be honest and wish to break the notional boundaries between discursive conversations and genderbiased opinions. I felt the honor and courage to allow myself to be comfortable with my gender identity because of Shelah, this character has opened my mind about being not afraid of who I am. The minimal space is to rethink the notion of forms and the space of the subject is being represented. That is what the flat pink in the background all about. I highlighted this because we are the millennial generation often think about.

Shelah (2019) Fabric Dye Color and Gouache on Wtercolor Paper 84.5 x 59.5 cm

Awards

2019 Finalist, Malaysia Emerging Artists Award (MEAA) 2018 Finalist, Penang Art District 2016 Finalist, Bakat Muda Sezaman (Young Contemporaries)

Group Exhibitions (Selected)

2019 100 Art Show Down, ChinaHouse, George Town, Penang 2018 Art Salon 2019, Artesque, Kuala Lumpur Spotlight Exhibition, Ecoworld Art Gallery, Penang