Locals Only January 2012

ISBN 978-981-07-1315-7 E-BOOK

JAN

KUALA LUMPUR

2012

LOCALS ONLY! J A L A N PAWAN G

ISBN 978-981-07-1315-7 E-BOOK

TAKSU KL is back again for a new round of Locals Only. Armed with the best selection of up-andcoming and mid-career Malaysian artists, Locals Only is bringing to the table a theme: Human Nature.

Through fresh works of paintings, sculptures, prints, and installations, artists strive to question emotions, behavioral patterns, thoughts, and actions. What causes one to react, and what causes indifference in attitude and manner? Tap into these answers as TAKSU lays out the essence of Malaysia’s culture and society with the works by our very own local artists. TAKSU’s annual signature kick-off exhibition has proven to be our most popular show of the year, providing our guests an insight into each artist’s career transition. It has also been an opportunity for new artists to show their work although their career may still be in its infancy.

Locals Only: Human Nature features paintings, sculptures, prints, and installations by: Alicecia Tan, Anisa Abdullah, Azrin Mohd, Fadilah Karim, Fauzulyusri, Fendy Zakri, Haslin Ismail, Hirzaq Harris, Jamil Zakaria, Khairul Azmir Shoib, Khairul Izham, Masnoor Ramli, Najib Ahmad Bamadhaj, Nizam Abdullah, Nizam Rahmat, Raduan Man, Shafee Ramli, Syahbandi Samat, and Yusri Sulaiman.

LO C ALS O N LY 2012 TAKSU KUAL A L UM PUR

Solitude digital print & bitumen on canvas 122 x 122 cm / 2011

Self-expression and surrealism are the two main areas of interest for Alicecia Tan. Upon completing her B.A. (Hons) in Photography & Creative Imaging from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia in 2010, Alicecia Tan has participated in several group exhibitions in galleries in Kuala Lumpur, among which are: Degree Show UiTM (2010), and Rantai Art Gravity (2010). Alicecia Tan lives and works in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Artwork Š 2012 Alicecia Tan

ALICECIA TAN (b. 1989, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah)

LO C AL S O NLY 2012 TAK SU KU ALA LU M PU R

Mystery He Keeps mixed media on canvas / 122 x 182 cm / 2012

Combining collage and acrylic painting, Anisa Abdullah likens the layering process of her artmaking with moments, secrets, and memories.

Prior to graduating with a B.A. (Hons) in Fine Art majoring in Painting from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia in 2010, Anisa Abdullah was already actively exhibiting in different venues in Kuala Lumpur. Some of her past exhibitions includes: Malaysian Emerging Artist Award (MEAA) at House of Matahati (HOM) in 2011, New Young Contemporary Art Show (2011), and Dis-chromatic (2010). Anisa Abdullah lives and works in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Artwork Š 2012 Anisa Abdullah

ANISA ABDULLAH (b. 1985, Warsaw, Poland)

Azrin’s first group show participation was Hiroshima Never Again, Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur, in 1988. Some of his more recent shows include: Live Draw! in California, USA (2009), 1 Malaysia Contemporary Mural Competition in National Art Gallery KL (2010), Locals Only! at TAKSU KL (2010), Combines! A Tribute to Rauschenberg at TAKSU KL (2010), Artriangle at National Art Gallery KL (2010), and Obsessive Art Disorder (2011). Azrin Mohd lives and works in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

LO C ALS O N LY 2012 TAKSU KUAL A L UMPUR

Where Do Bad Folks Go When They Die mixed media installation on wall variable dimensions / 2012

Working with old and found objects, Azrin Mohd creates installations that expand beyond the pictorial frame. Graduated from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia in 1991 with B.A. in Graphic Design, Azrin Mohd began his practice by participating in various exhibitions locally and internationally, prior to taking up his M.A. in Fine Art & Technology from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia in 2011.

Artwork Š 2012 Azrin Mohd.

AZRIN MOHD. (b. 1969, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

LO CALS ONLY 2012 TAKSU KU ALA LU M PU R

My Other Half / Oil on canvas / 183 x 122 cm / 2011

With her conviction that human thoughts go beyond what is truly shared, felt and expressed, Fadilah Karim invites us into her world of melancholic imageries that demand for contemplation. Fadilah Karim graduated from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia in 2012 with B.A. (Hons) in Fine Art majoring in Painting.

Exhibitions that Fadilah has been featured in include: Deceitful Truth (2011), Women and Their Landscape (2011), Figurativismo (2011), Today in History (2010), and Peristiwa Bersejarah Terengganu (2008). Fadilah Karim lives and works in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Artwork Š 2012 Fadilah Karim

FADILAH KARIM (b. 1987, Batu Pahat, Johor)

LO C ALS O N LY 2012 TAKSU KUAL A L UM PUR

Gerombolan mixed media on canvas / 153 x 153 cm / 2011

Fauzulyusri’s process of art making stems from his long interest in portraying subject matter for more than it is, achieved through playful experiments with mediums, textures, layers, and colors. Graduated from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia in 1999, Fauzulyusri has been exhibiting in various venues in Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Singapore, and the UK. Among his past solo exhibitions are: Ground (2007), Play (2009), Raw (2009) and Guris (2011).

Fauzulyusri ‘s artworks are in the public collections of Balai Seni Lukis Negara (KL), Bank Negara Malaysia (KL), Kementrian Pembangunan Wanita dan Keluarga (KL), Maybank Finance Bhd (KL). Fauzulyusri lives and works in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Artwork © 2012 Fauzulyusri

FAUZULYUSRI (b. 1974 Kedah, Malaysia)

L O C ALS O N LY 2012 TAKSU KU ALA LU M PU R

Stories From Them mixed media on canvas / 104 x 122 cm / 2011

Documenting and recording various moments in life is a joy for Fendy Zakri, and became his inspiration in creating works that he wants to share with his audience. Using newspaper as his base material, he creates works that are rich in texture, composing his own narratives along the way through additions of drawings and playful arrangements of paper cutouts. Self-taught artist Fendy Zakri has been actively participating in numerous group exhibitions in Kuala Lumpur since 2009, with some of his past shows include: Believe (2009), Young Art (2009), Sculpture Show (2009), Locals Only! (2010), Boleh! (2010), Expression of the Malayan Tiger (2010), Malaysian Emerging Artist Award (2011), and Enviromentel (2012). Fendy Zakri cited Yusof Ghani as his mentor.

Fendy Zakri lives and works in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Artwork Š 2012 Fendy Zakri

FENDY ZAKRI (b. 1982, Malaysia)

Haslin Ismail has been actively participating in group exhibitions since 2000, with some of his recent group exhibitions include: Art For Nature (2011), Young Malaysian Artists: New Objec(tion) (2011), Locals Only! (2010), Boleh! (2010), and Dazed in Mazes (2009). He was awarded Grand Prize for In-Print: Contemporary British Art from the Paragon Press held at the National Art Gallery in 2006, Grand Prize for Bakat Muda Sezaman at National Art Gallery in 2010, and most recently, Malaysian Artist for the Malaysia-Australia Visual Arts Residency in Rimbun Dahan (2011). Haslin Ismail lives and works in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

LO C ALS ONLY 2012 TAKSU KUAL A L UMPUR

You Will See The Way You Saw Before acrylic on canvas / 122 x 92 cm / 2011

Haslin presents us with moody, dark, and sometimes violent works that represent a certain vibrancy and freshness in the local artistic and cultural domain.

Haslin Ismail graduated with a B.A. (Hons) in Fine Art from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) in 2007. His first solo exhibition was Exorcismus Persona: Windows Into Fantasy Worlds of Haslin Ismail (2009).

Artwork Š 2012 Haslin Ismail

HASLIN ISMAIL (b. 1984, Johor, Malaysia)

L OC ALS O N LY 2012 TAKSU KU ALA LU M PU R

Record II mixed media on canvas / 162 x 122 cm / 2011

Precision of lines and meticulous techniques are the main influences that become the discerning quality of the works of Hirzaq Harris. Born in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, in 1987, Hirzaq completed his Diploma in Fine Art from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Melaka in 2008, followed by B.A. (Hons) in Fine Art (Sculpture) from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia in 2010. Since 2007 to date, Hirzaq has been actively participating in numerous group exhibitions in various venues in Kuala Lumpur. Hirzaq Harris was the recipient of 10 Honorable Mention, MRCB Art Award from National Art Gallery Kuala Lumpur (2008), Grand Prize Winner (2D Hanging Display) of Nando’s Art Competition (2009 and 2010), and 2nd Prize Winner of Maybank Art Competition (2010). Hirzaq Harris lives and works in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Artwork Š 2012 Hirzaq Harris

HIRZAQ HARRIS (b. 1987, N. Sembilan, Malaysia)

LO C ALS O N LY 2012 TAKSU KUAL A L UM PUR

Trapped / steel wire / variable dimensions / 2011

Using lines as his subject of experiments, Jamil Zakaria constructs forms made of steel wire, exploring the possibility of implementation of the act drawing in three-dimensional form. Jamil Zakaria graduated with Diploma in Fine Art from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Melaka in 2006, and with B.A. (Hons) in Fine Art from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia in 2008. Some of his past exhibitions are: Malaysian Emerging Artist Award (2011), Malaysian Rice Plate Exhibition (2011), SURREALLUSION (2011), This Is It (2011), Merapi (2010), and Heavy Metal (2009). Jamil Zakaria was the winner of Competition Alpha (2009), Dean’s Award from School of Art and Design of UiTM Melaka (2006), and Consolation Art Award from Shah Alam Gallery (2010). Jamil Zakaria lives and works in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Artwork Š 2012 Jamil Zakaria

JAMIL ZAKARIA (b. 1985, Malaysia)

L OC AL S ON LY 2012 TAK SU KUA LA L UM PU R

One Another / mixed media / 61 x 14 x 14 cm / 2012

As a “writer of pictures”, Khairul Azmir Shoib (Meme) constantly strives to create series of visual poetry that question notions of self, social spaces, and memory. His oeuvre threading along with the macabre often deny or betray any categorization, simply outlandish in its own myth. Apart from lecturing in universities in Malaysia, Khairul Azmir Shoib (Meme) had participated in various group exhibitions in institutions and galleries in Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia. Among his past solo exhibitions are: Fairieality (2006), and Post Gothic Dreams (2009).

Khairul Azmir Shoib (Meme) received his B.A. of Fine Arts from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia in 2000, and M.A. (Fine Art and Technology) in 2004. He was the recipient of Juror’s Award from Young Contemporary, National Art Gallery KL in 2000; and 1st Prize in Life Drawing Competition from National Art Gallery KL in 2005.

Khairul Azmir Shoib (Meme) lives and works in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Artwork © 2012 Khairul Azmir Shoib

KHAIRUL AZMIR SHOIB (b. 1975, Taiping, Perak, Malaysia)

LO C ALS O N LY 2012 TAKSU KUAL A L UM PUR

The Hidden Underneath mixed media on canvas / 152 x 152 cm / 2012

In his work ‘Hidden Underneath’, Khairul Izham posed a question: can a person’s past and personal life really be shared with anyone else? He approached the broad subject matter with complex layering and conscious masking, leaving the audience with residue from the process of recollection. Khairul Izham graduated with B.A. of Fine Arts (Painting) from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. Some of his recent shows include: Malaysian Emerging Artist Award (2011), Deceitful Truths (2011), Dis-chromatic (2010). Khairul Izham lives and works in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Artwork © 2012 Khairul Izham

KHAIRUL IZHAM (b. 1985, Maran, Pahang, Malaysia)

L O CAL S ON LY 2012 TA KS U KU AL A LU MPU R

Generasi dan Konglomerat mixed media on canvas / 127 x 232 cm / 2012

Graduated from Faculty of Art and Design of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. Masnoor Ramli has taken part in numerous group exhibitions in various venues in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Germany, and Thailand. Some of his recent shows include: KL Experimental Film and Video Festival at HELP Institute KL (2010), Malaysia Japan Video Art Exchange at National Art Gallery KL (2010), WWF – Survival at Rimbun Dahan (2010), Combines! A Tribute to Rauschenberg at TAKSU KL (2010). To date, Masnoor Ramli had mounted two solo exhibitions: Bumi Manusia (2007) and Bumi Manusia Revisited (2009). Masnoor Ramli was the recipient of Honorable Mention in Philip Morris Art Award at National Art Gallery (1994 and 1995), and was awarded Traveling Grant in Petronas Nusantara Xpedition (2006). Apart from his practice as an artist, he is also the founding member of House of Matahati (HOM), an artist-run initiative/collective that has been operating in Kuala Lumpur since 1993. Masnoor Ramli lives and works in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Artwork Š 2012 Masnoor Ramli

MASNOOR RAMLI (b. 1968, Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia)

L OCA LS ON LY 2012 TA KS U KU ALA LU M PU R

The Killing Machine mixed media on canvas / 229 x 156 cm / 2011

Painting, to Najib Ahmad Bamadhaj, describes the concept of a wall, translated with paint on canvas.

The wall is the main image, whereas the subject on the surface is the secondary image. Born in 1987 in Johor, Malaysia, Najib Ahmad Bamadhaj completed his Diploma in Fine Art from UiTM Melaka in 2008, followed by B.A. (Hons) in Fine Art (Sculpture) from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia in 2010. To date, Najib had participated in numerous group exhibitions, among which are: Endangered, a two-man show with Hirzaq Harris at TAKSU KL (2011), Visual Art Award (2011), LiFest at MAPKL (2011), HIMPUN at National Art Gallery KL (2010), and many others. Najib was the Finalist of MRCB Art Awards at National Art Gallery KL (2008), 1st Prize Winner in Tanjong Heritage Art Competition in Kuala Lumpur (2010), and Finalist of VAA in Kuala Lumpur (2011). Najib Ahmad Bamadhaj currently lives and works in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Artwork Š 2012 Najib Ahmad Bamadhaj

NAJIB AHMAD BAMADHAJ (b. 1987, Johor)

LO C ALS O N LY 2012 TAKSU KUAL A L UM PUR

Destruction / mixed media / 126 x 127 cm / 2011

Malaysian artist Nizam Abdullah combines a wide variety of everyday materials like old cans, bottles, and metal rods to create works based on his personal experiences and his perception of the world and society at large. Upon graduating with Diploma in Visual Design Art from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in 2004, Nizam Abdullah became the Resident of the university (2005-2008) and lecturer for Life Drawing (2004). He was also commissioned to produce 10 pieces of artworks for Limkokwing University. Since 2003 to date, Nizam has participated in numerous group exhibitions in various venues in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Japan.

Nizam Abdullah lives and works in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Artwork Š 2012 Nizam Abdullah

NIZAM ABDULLAH (b. 1981, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

Nizam was the recipient of the 2010 Best Prize for Contemporary Mural Painting Competition at National Art Gallery / Balai Senilukis Negara. Apart from practicing as an artist, Nizam has also been working as a graphic designer, with some of his achievements include Finalist of Best Album Cover Design in Anugerah Industri Muzik Malaysia (AIM) in 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, and 2009. Nizam was also appointed as Project Director / Creative Director for live performances by top Malaysian singers in KL, London, and Singapore in 2004 and 2005. Nizam Rahmat lives and works in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

L OC AL S ON LY 2012 TA KSU KU ALA LU M PU R

Da Vinci’s Equilibrium of Virtues mixed media / 31.7 x 245 cm / 2012

Nizam Rahmat graduated from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia with B.A. in Art & Design, majoring in Graphic Design / Advertising. He has been actively participating in group exhibitions in various venues since 1988, with some of the recent ones include: Live Draw! in California, USA (2009), 2009/2010 Hadiah Terbaik Contemporary Mural Competition in National Art Gallery KL (2010), Locals Only! at TAKSU KL (2010), Boleh! at TAKSU Singapore (2010), Combines!

A Tribute to Rauschenberg at TAKSU KL (2010), Contemporary Mural Painting at Malaysia Parliament House (2010), Obsessive Art Disorder (2011) and Kalam III (2011).

Artwork © 2012 Nizam Rahmat

NIZAM RAHMAT (b. 1967, Johor Bahru)

LO CALS ONLY 2012 TAKSU KU ALA LU M PU R

Malaya 2 mixed media on aluminum plate 122 x 183 cm / 2011

Drawing inspiration from popular urban culture and traditional mythology, Raduan Man expresses concerns, tensions, and trials manifested in our urban society. Upon graduation from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Shah Alam, Malaysia with B.A. (Hons) in Printmaking in 2002, Raduan has been actively involved in group exhibitions and competitions. He was selected to participate in the Nokia Art Competition (2000), and received the Juror’s Award at the Tanjong Heritage Art Competition organized by Malaysian Ministry of Arts and Culture (2002). To date, Raduan has mounted five solo exhibitions, including Beyond Print (2009), and the most recent one, Signature (2011). Raduan Man lives and works in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Artwork Š 2012 Raduan Man

RADUAN MAN (b. 1978, Pahang, Malaysia)

L O CAL S ON LY 2012 TA KS U KU AL A LU M PU R

Heart on Fire and Burning Desire mixed media on wood / 63 x 46 cm each / 2012

Shafee Ramli graduated from University of Minnesota and Augustana College, USA, with Bachelor of Art, prior to continuing his M.A. in Fine Art and Technology at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Shah Alam, Malaysia, majoring in Painting. Shafee is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (Built Environment) at International Islamic University Malaysia. From 1986 to 1989, Shafee was working with various studios and galleries in Santa Fe and Rio Grande area in New Mexico, USA. Upon his return to Malaysia in 1996, he took up several apprenticeships with some of the most prolific local artists in Malaysia. Shafee’s solo exhibition was titled Shafee Ramli: The Art of War, The Art of Raw (2009). Since 1987 till now, he has been actively exhibiting in various venues and cities in Malaysia. Shafee Ramli lives and works in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Artwork Š 2012 Shafee Ramli

SHAFEE RAMLI (b. Malaysia)

LO C ALS O N LY 2012 TAKSU KUAL A L UM PUR

Kecil-kecil Cili Padi ballpoint pen on canvas / 60 x 91 cm / 2011

Upon graduating from Sekolah Menengah Bukit Bandaraya (Bandaraya Hill Senior High School) in 2011, Syahbandi began his exploration in art practice by constructing narratives using the very simple medium of ballpoint pen, bringing each line penned as an act of expression. From his very first work of his Twisted Fairy Tale Series, Syahbandi questioned the possibility of human capability towards their surroundings and towards themselves. With every stroke of the pen, he ideates the potential of humans towards their act of receiving satisfaction. Since 2011 to now, Syahbandi Samat has been actively participating in group exhibitions in galleries in Malaysia. He was recently awarded Malaysian Emerging Artist Award (2011), creating a new record for being the youngest recipient of the prestigious award to date. Syahbandi Samat lives and works in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Artwork Š 2012 Syahbandi Samat

SYAHBANDI SAMAT (b. 1992 in Kuching, Sarawak)

LO C ALS O N LY 2012 TAKSU KUAL A L UM PUR

Untitled mixed media on canvas / 122 x 122 cm / 2012

Yusri Sulaiman graduated with B.A. in Fine Art (Drawing) from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Shah Alam, Malaysia in 1999. Since 1996 to date, he has been actively participating in various group exhibitions in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Brunei Darussalam. Yusri Sulaiman was the recipient of several awards, including: Honorable Mention in Philip Morris Art Awards (1997), Demonstrating Creativity Artistic Expression in Philip Morris Art Awards (1999), Honorable Mention in Philip Morris Art Awards (2003), 1st Prize in Maybank Award (2010).

Yusri Sulaiman’s works are in public collections of: Bank Negara Malaysia KL, Balai Seni Sabah, Menteri Pembangunan dan Keluarga KL, Kementerian Pertahanan Malaysia, Lexus Malaysia, Brunei Convention Centre, Maybank Finance KL, and a few others. Yusri Sulaiman lives and works in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Artwork Š 2012 Yusri Sulaiman

YUSRI SULAIMAN (b. 1977, Perak, Malaysia)

Editor Theresia Irma Graphic Design Jeffrey Lim / Studio 25 All rights reserved. No part of this catalog may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronically, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior consent from the artists and gallery.

Artworks & Images Š 2012 Participating Artists

ISBN 978-981-07-1315-7 E-BOOK

TAKSU is a leading contemporary art gallery and specialist in Southeast Asia. Representing selections of fine art with distinctive urban edge, we are at the forefront of contemporary art in this region. TAKSU works to forge a platform for established and emerging artists to share their pool of creativity and knowledge through its residency programs and exhibitions. Encapsulating the true meaning of the word TAKSU; divine inspiration, energy, and spirit.

Suherwan Abu Director, TAKSU Galleries

KUALA LUMPUR

17 Jalan Pawang 54000 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia T +603 4251 4396 F +603 4251 4331 kl@taksu.com Gallery Hours Monday to Saturday 10am – 6pm Closed on Sundays

ISBN 978-981-07-1315-7 E-BOOK