Shafiq Nordin
The Lobster Wants To Be A Butterfly
Shafiq Nordin
98 x 80cm
Acrylic on Canvas Mounted on Mdf
2025
This piece tells the story of an impossible dream, where a deep-sea lobster longs to become a butterfly. It symbolizes those trapped in oppression, like the people of Gaza, who continue to dream of freedom. Vibrant colors reflect the noise of social media and propaganda, masking real suffering. The melting peace symbol, along with chaotic patterns and hidden symbols, turns this artwork into a silent protest and reflection of an absurd world.
The Lobster Wants To Be A Butterfly
Shafiq Nordin
98 x 80cm
Acrylic on Canvas Mounted on Mdf
2025
This piece tells the story of an impossible dream, where a deep-sea lobster longs to become a butterfly. It symbolizes those trapped in oppression, like the people of Gaza, who continue to dream of freedom. Vibrant colors reflect the noise of social media and propaganda, masking real suffering. The melting peace symbol, along with chaotic patterns and hidden symbols, turns this artwork into a silent protest and reflection of an absurd world.
Love & Chaos: The End of the Beginning
Shafiq Nordin
182 x 158cm
Acrylic on Canvas
2025
‘Love & Chaos: The End of the Beginning’ reflects the artist’s wish as a father. He imagines riding a pop-colored horse with his child, moving through a chaotic world, not with weapons, but with colors and hope. The horse becomes a symbol of strength and peace, carrying them toward calm. This work is his quiet plea for a gentler world where his child can grow up surrounded by wonder, not war.
Love & Chaos: The End of the Beginning
Shafiq Nordin
182 x 158cm
Acrylic on Canvas
2025
‘Love & Chaos: The End of the Beginning’ reflects the artist’s wish as a father. He imagines riding a pop-colored horse with his child, moving through a chaotic world, not with weapons, but with colors and hope. The horse becomes a symbol of strength and peace, carrying them toward calm. This work is his quiet plea for a gentler world where his child can grow up surrounded by wonder, not war.
Fly High II
Shafiq Nordin
43(H) x 43(W) x 52(D)cm
Acrylic & Industrial Paint on Vinyl Sculpture
2024
Fly High II
Shafiq Nordin
43(H) x 43(W) x 52(D)cm
Acrylic & Industrial Paint on Vinyl Sculpture
2024
A Taste Of Memories
Shafiq Nordin
152.5 x 111.5cm & 2 Small Installation
Acrylic on Canvas Mounted on MDF
2023
A Taste Of Memories
Shafiq Nordin
152.5 x 111.5cm & 2 Small Installation
Acrylic on Canvas Mounted on MDF
2023
Artist Statement
“A Taste of Memories” by Shafiq Nordin is a vibrant, pop-inspired cut-out installation that reflects the artist’s teenage memories of buying ice cream from a Chinese vendor. He fondly recalls collecting Pokémon Go stickers with each purchase, eventually earning a free ice cream after collecting ten. These stickers, featuring heroic characters, influenced his artistic direction, inspiring bold, larger-than-life figures. The artwork is filled with fun and vivid colors, showcasing Shafiq’s playful style and pop culture influences. It captures the joy of childhood memories while highlighting how they shaped his creativity and personal identity.
Di Suatu Hari yang Tenang
Shafiq Nordin
143x107cm
Acrylic on Jute
2020
Artist Statement
‘Di Suatu Hari Yang Tenang….’ Is a sarcastic statement where days that are deemed calm are suddenly swept away by the power of the government until the emergence of the coronavirus that is worrying the public.
Tukang Kanun di Bawah Tempurung
Shafiq Nordin
123x107cm
Acrylic on Jute
2020
Artist Statement
‘Tukang Kanun Di Bawah Tempurung’ is an idea that derived from a Malay proverb, ‘seperti katak dibawah tempurung’ that depicts the attitude of the netizens during the quarantine who like to spread fake news and do some weird things to get viral and likes from the social media
Beyond Borders; A Strategic Odyssey
Shafiq Nordin
120 x 100cm
Acrylic on Canvas
2024
Artist Statement
This narrative explores an artist’s journey to break out of their comfort zone, a significant barrier to achieving widespread recognition. The terrarium represents this comfort zone, confining the artist’s growth. The character symbolizes steady, deliberate progress. The artist’s career may advance slowly, but each step is carefully planned. The focus is on consistent effort and persistence, emphasizing the importance of gradual, continuous progress in the pursuit of artistic success.
It's A Beautiful Life
Shafiq Nordin
120 x 100cm
Acrylic on Canvas
2024
The genie serves as a metaphorical representation of a figure that fulfills wishes and provides what is desired by its master. In this work, the artist employs the genie character as an allegory for a father who endeavors to provide the best for his child. This task, however, is fraught with difficulties and necessitates numerous sacrifices, particularly in a world that presents significant challenges. The bond between father and son is unequivocal, with the child invariably perceiving the father as an idol and superhero.
It's A Beautiful Life
Shafiq Nordin
120 x 100cm
Acrylic on Canvas
2024
The genie serves as a metaphorical representation of a figure that fulfills wishes and provides what is desired by its master. In this work, the artist employs the genie character as an allegory for a father who endeavors to provide the best for his child. This task, however, is fraught with difficulties and necessitates numerous sacrifices, particularly in a world that presents significant challenges. The bond between father and son is unequivocal, with the child invariably perceiving the father as an idol and superhero.
Riding the Viral Wave
Shafiq Nordin
100 x 80cm
Acrylic on Canvas
2025
“Riding the Viral Wave” satirizes Malaysia’s obsession with virality, where social media turns trivialities into national focus. A koi once symbolizing perseverance is aimlessly ridden, reflecting shifting values of success. With hibiscus as backdrop and bubble tea in hand, the work humorously critiques a society chasing online attention over progress.
Riding the Viral Wave
Shafiq Nordin
100 x 80cm
Acrylic on Canvas
2025
“Riding the Viral Wave” satirizes Malaysia’s obsession with virality, where social media turns trivialities into national focus. A koi once symbolizing perseverance is aimlessly ridden, reflecting shifting values of success. With hibiscus as backdrop and bubble tea in hand, the work humorously critiques a society chasing online attention over progress.
Terrarium - Evolution
Shafiq Nordin
100 x 80cm
Acrylic on Canvas
2024
In Shafiq Nordin’s work, terrariums, also known as garden under glass, serve as a metaphor for the artist’s studio, a peaceful sanctuary free from distractions. Shafiq sees art as a therapy for artists, that can give peace of mind and have a positive impact on himself and the environment. Creating a serene and distraction-free setting, terrariums contribute to positive mental health and aid in boosting concentration and productivity levels. It is very helpful in the artist's daily life to get inspiration to produce the best ideas and works.
Terrarium - Evolution
Shafiq Nordin
100 x 80cm
Acrylic on Canvas
2024
In Shafiq Nordin’s work, terrariums, also known as garden under glass, serve as a metaphor for the artist’s studio, a peaceful sanctuary free from distractions. Shafiq sees art as a therapy for artists, that can give peace of mind and have a positive impact on himself and the environment. Creating a serene and distraction-free setting, terrariums contribute to positive mental health and aid in boosting concentration and productivity levels. It is very helpful in the artist's daily life to get inspiration to produce the best ideas and works.
Terrarium - Unity
Shafiq Nordin
100 x 80cm
Acrylic on Canvas
2024
In Shafiq Nordin’s work, terrariums, also known as garden under glass, serve as a metaphor for the artist’s studio, a peaceful sanctuary free from distractions. Shafiq sees art as a therapy for artists, that can give peace of mind and have a positive impact on himself and the environment. Creating a serene and distraction-free setting, terrariums contribute to positive mental health and aid in boosting concentration and productivity levels. It is very helpful in the artist's daily life to get inspiration to produce the best ideas and works.
Terrarium - Unity
Shafiq Nordin
100 x 80cm
Acrylic on Canvas
2024
In Shafiq Nordin’s work, terrariums, also known as garden under glass, serve as a metaphor for the artist’s studio, a peaceful sanctuary free from distractions. Shafiq sees art as a therapy for artists, that can give peace of mind and have a positive impact on himself and the environment. Creating a serene and distraction-free setting, terrariums contribute to positive mental health and aid in boosting concentration and productivity levels. It is very helpful in the artist's daily life to get inspiration to produce the best ideas and works.
Wallpaper Series - LOVE
Shafiq Nordin
61 x 61cm
Acrylic on Canvas
2025
This work reimagines Darth Vader, a pop culture villain, in a psychedelic world of flowers and love. It satirizes how popular culture often turns villains into beloved icons, blurring the line between good and evil.
Wallpaper Series - LOVE
Shafiq Nordin
61 x 61cm
Acrylic on Canvas
2025
This work reimagines Darth Vader, a pop culture villain, in a psychedelic world of flowers and love. It satirizes how popular culture often turns villains into beloved icons, blurring the line between good and evil.
Your Vote Means Nothing
Shafiq Nordin
61x61cm, 14(H)x8(W)x8(D)cm
Acrylic on Canvas & Acrylic & Industrial Paint on Vinyl Sculpture
2025
Your Vote Means Nothing
Shafiq Nordin
61x61cm, 14(H)x8(W)x8(D)cm
Acrylic on Canvas & Acrylic & Industrial Paint on Vinyl Sculpture
2025
Dateline!
Shafiq Nordin
39(H) x 32(W) x 30(D)cm
Acrylic and Industrial Paint on Vinyl Sculpture
2025
Dateline!
Shafiq Nordin
39(H) x 32(W) x 30(D)cm
Acrylic and Industrial Paint on Vinyl Sculpture
2025
