Khairudin Zainudin

Sungguh Hati Melayu

Sungguh Hati Melayu

Khairudin Zainudin
207 x 69 cm
Oil & Acrylic on Canvas
2024
The phenomenon of people wanting to appear 'extremely Malay' refers to efforts to emphasize Malay identity through clothing, language, or religious practices. This is often seen as a way to preserve cultural and religious heritage, as well as Malay rights in a sociopolitical context. However, it can sometimes take on a satirical tone, highlighting the tendency to hold onto a narrow definition of Malay identity, which is actually more dynamic and diverse. The exaggerated size of the songkok can also be seen as a satirical commentary on those who promote 'Malayness' excessively for political gain.

Sungguh Hati Melayu

Khairudin Zainudin
207 x 69 cm
Oil & Acrylic on Canvas
2024
The phenomenon of people wanting to appear 'extremely Malay' refers to efforts to emphasize Malay identity through clothing, language, or religious practices. This is often seen as a way to preserve cultural and religious heritage, as well as Malay rights in a sociopolitical context. However, it can sometimes take on a satirical tone, highlighting the tendency to hold onto a narrow definition of Malay identity, which is actually more dynamic and diverse. The exaggerated size of the songkok can also be seen as a satirical commentary on those who promote 'Malayness' excessively for political gain.

The Turban's Tale

The Turban's Tale

Khairudin Zainudin
122 x 122cm
Acrylic & Oil on Canvas
2024
This work reflects the artist’s early years in a pondok, a traditional Islamic learning center, where wearing a turban was part of daily life. As a child, he wore an adult-sized turban that often slipped over one eye, a quiet image of innocence wrapped in tradition.
The turban, like a school uniform, symbolized discipline, knowledge and spiritual intention. It was a way to follow the Prophet Muhammad’s example and to earn spiritual reward, not a political act.
As time passed, the artist saw how this symbol of faith became misread. What was once a marker of devotion is now often misunderstood and unfairly linked to extremism.
Through layered imagery and botanical forms, the piece recalls a time when identity was shaped by sincerity, not fear. It invites viewers to reconsider how cultural and religious symbols are perceived, and to see the person before the prejudice.

The Turban's Tale

Khairudin Zainudin
122 x 122cm
Acrylic & Oil on Canvas
2024
This work reflects the artist’s early years in a pondok, a traditional Islamic learning center, where wearing a turban was part of daily life. As a child, he wore an adult-sized turban that often slipped over one eye, a quiet image of innocence wrapped in tradition.
The turban, like a school uniform, symbolized discipline, knowledge and spiritual intention. It was a way to follow the Prophet Muhammad’s example and to earn spiritual reward, not a political act.
As time passed, the artist saw how this symbol of faith became misread. What was once a marker of devotion is now often misunderstood and unfairly linked to extremism.
Through layered imagery and botanical forms, the piece recalls a time when identity was shaped by sincerity, not fear. It invites viewers to reconsider how cultural and religious symbols are perceived, and to see the person before the prejudice.

Di antara cahaya dan kelam

Di antara cahaya dan kelam

Khairudin Zainudin
197x76cm
Oil Pastel on Paper
2021

Di antara cahaya dan kelam

Khairudin Zainudin
197x76cm
Oil Pastel on Paper
2021

Dari Patani ke Kelantan dengan Rasa Kasih

Dari Patani ke Kelantan dengan Rasa Kasih

Khairudin Zainudin
197x70cm
Oil Pastel on Paper
2020

Dari Patani ke Kelantan dengan Rasa Kasih

Khairudin Zainudin
197x70cm
Oil Pastel on Paper
2020

Keterapungan Di Dalam Ruang dan Masa

Keterapungan Di Dalam Ruang dan Masa

Khairudin Zainudin
194x77cm
Oil Pastel on Paper
2021

Keterapungan Di Dalam Ruang dan Masa

Khairudin Zainudin
194x77cm
Oil Pastel on Paper
2021

Kedamaian Yang Bukannya Selalu Kita Dapat

Kedamaian Yang Bukannya Selalu Kita Dapat

Khairudin Zainudin
190x90cm
Mixed Media on Canvas
2021

Kedamaian Yang Bukannya Selalu Kita Dapat

Khairudin Zainudin
190x90cm
Mixed Media on Canvas
2021

Menikmati Suasana

Menikmati Suasana

Khairudin Zainudin
152.5 x 103cm
Acrylic on Canvas
2023

Menikmati Suasana

Khairudin Zainudin
152.5 x 103cm
Acrylic on Canvas
2023

Artist Statement

The painting delves into Kelantan’s cultural practices, illustrating how certain habits transcend ethnic boundaries and become part of the collective identity. The inclusion of the boko meludah (spitting jar) and worn-out shoes symbolizes traditional customs and resilience, reflecting behaviors observed across various communities, including the Kelantanese Chinese.

In Kelantan, the Chinese community has historically assimilated aspects of Malay culture, leading to shared practices and mutual influences. This cultural integration is evident in daily routines and social behaviors, where traditions from different ethnic groups converge.

Abdullah Munsyi’s Kisah Pelayaran Abdullah provides critical insights into the societal norms of his time, highlighting issues such as idleness and neglect of cleanliness. These observations are not confined to a single community but resonate across various groups, reflecting universal challenges in societal development.

By depicting these shared cultural practices, the artwork invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of cultural assimilation and the collective behaviors that define a civilization. It underscores the interconnectedness of communities and the shared heritage that shapes societal norms.

Dari terbit sehingga tegak melepak

Dari terbit sehingga tegak melepak

Khairudin Zainudin
152.5 x 80cm
Ink & Acrylic on Canvas
2023

Dari terbit sehingga tegak melepak

Khairudin Zainudin
152.5 x 80cm
Ink & Acrylic on Canvas
2023

Penyobek

Penyobek

Khairudin Zainudin
150 x 130cm
Mixed Media on Canvas
2022

Penyobek

Khairudin Zainudin
150 x 130cm
Mixed Media on Canvas
2022

Tok Laut Watchman

Tok Laut Watchman

Khairudin Zainudin
115x120cm
Mixed Media on Canvas
2015

Tok Laut Watchman

Khairudin Zainudin
115x120cm
Mixed Media on Canvas
2015

Dari bilik aku terfikirkan dunia luar

Dari bilik aku terfikirkan dunia luar

Khairudin Zainudin
41 x 160cm
Oil Pastel on Canvas
2021

Dari bilik aku terfikirkan dunia luar

Khairudin Zainudin
41 x 160cm
Oil Pastel on Canvas
2021

Semak Hening Di Tepi Warung

Semak Hening Di Tepi Warung

Khairudin Zainudin
90x190.5cm
Mixed Media on Canvas
2021

Semak Hening Di Tepi Warung

Khairudin Zainudin
90x190.5cm
Mixed Media on Canvas
2021

Borak Siang Malam, Kenal Pun Tidak

Borak Siang Malam, Kenal Pun Tidak

Khairudin Zainudin
90.5 x 160cm diptych
Acrylic on Canvas
2023

Borak Siang Malam, Kenal Pun Tidak

Khairudin Zainudin
90.5 x 160cm diptych
Acrylic on Canvas
2023

Ceritera Berbingkai-bingkai

Ceritera Berbingkai-bingkai

Khairudin Zainudin
80 x 153cm
Oil on Canvas
2023

Ceritera Berbingkai-bingkai

Khairudin Zainudin
80 x 153cm
Oil on Canvas
2023

Hujan Renyai Emas di Pasar Jelawat

Hujan Renyai Emas di Pasar Jelawat

Khairudin Zainudin
52.5 x 130.5cm
Ink & Paint on Paper
2023

Hujan Renyai Emas di Pasar Jelawat

Khairudin Zainudin
52.5 x 130.5cm
Ink & Paint on Paper
2023

Orang Kelantan dengan Pisang Gantung

Orang Kelantan dengan Pisang Gantung

Khairudin Zainudin
50 x 38cm
Acrylic on Canvas Panel & Paint on Acrylic Sheet
2024

Orang Kelantan dengan Pisang Gantung

Khairudin Zainudin
50 x 38cm
Acrylic on Canvas Panel & Paint on Acrylic Sheet
2024

Gadis Penjual Bunga

Gadis Penjual Bunga

Khairudin Zainudin
38 x 29cm
Pencil on Paper & Paint on Acrylic Sheet
2024

Gadis Penjual Bunga

Khairudin Zainudin
38 x 29cm
Pencil on Paper & Paint on Acrylic Sheet
2024

Rafie's Talk

Rafie's Talk

Khairudin Zainudin
50 x 38cm
Paint on Perspex & Colour Pencil on Paper
2023

Rafie's Talk

Khairudin Zainudin
50 x 38cm
Paint on Perspex & Colour Pencil on Paper
2023

Jangan Pandang Lama-lama

Jangan Pandang Lama-lama

Khairudin Zainudin
38 x 29cm
Paint on Perspex & Colour Pencil on Paper
2023

Jangan Pandang Lama-lama

Khairudin Zainudin
38 x 29cm
Paint on Perspex & Colour Pencil on Paper
2023

Back To Top