NEW MALAYSIAN PAINTINGS

Artist Statement

For some, the desire and dream to travel can be partially fulfilled through virtual experiences. The interplay between virtual and real-world exploration creates a balance, where digital journeys offer emotional satisfaction.
This body of work transforms the constraints of physical travel into a creative expression of resilience, exploration, and the triumph of reaching personal milestones.

View in Google Earth

Artist Statement

View in Google Earth

Artist Statement

The triptych painting featuring Deserving Love, Lust and Luxury, and Shadow of Love offers a rich exploration of the intricate and multifaceted nature of human desires. These works together reveal how love, in its many forms, shapes our emotional, physical, intellectual, and spiritual experiences, echoing the broader theme of love as a metaphor for life’s most profound urges. Each painting serves as a window into a distinct aspect of human desire, while also reflecting the cyclical nature of existence through the philosophy of birth, aging, illness, and death.

As an artist, there is a unique fascination with the hazy state of consciousness before falling asleep. In that moment, though darkness fills the vision, a stream of illogical and surreal images often emerge. The familiar relationships between objects, objects and scenes, or between scenes themselves begin to shift and transform within the subconscious, forging new connections that offer unexpected interpretations and meanings. The essence of art, for the artist, lies in breaking these established ways of thinking and reshaping how the world is perceived. Even something as simple as a chair or a fitting room can be infused with new layers of expression, offering alternative ways to “speak” through the artist’s creative language.

Artist Statement

Deserving Love explores the deep vulnerability and emotional connection inherent in true love. It reflects that even in moments of intense passion, people still yearn for a love that transcends the physical, embodying sincerity, unconditionality, and purity. The artwork captures the tension between physical desire and emotional fulfilment, portraying intimacy as a sacred mutual affirmation and pure emotion.

Artist Statement

Lust and Luxury explores the intersection of material desire and emotional longing, where “lust” extends beyond sexual attraction to represent a broader craving for fulfillment, success, or even beauty. This desire parallels the allure of luxury items, both symbolizing indulgence in life’s pleasures and the pursuit of personal gratification. While such desires can offer profound moments of satisfaction, an excessive focus on either, whether it’s the quest for luxury or the pursuit of personal goals, this can result in fleeting fulfillment or a sense of emptiness. This highlights the delicate balance between our material aspirations and emotional needs, and how they shape our overall sense of contentment and fulfillment.

Artist Statement

Shadows of Love deeply portrays the cyclical nature of love, where the emotional remnants of past relationships cast shadows on new ones, forming a continuous cycle. The term “shadow” suggests a repetitive cycle of love and desire, much like how the experiences of past loves subtly influence and shape future relationships, often leading to a repetition of history. Artists frequently explore the ways in which life and death intertwine within the broader cycle of love, reflecting the eternal dance between endings and beginnings.

Artist Statement

Extended Beauty: Wrapped in Dignity is a portrait of a Muslim woman in a long red hijab, transforming the garment into a symbol of beauty, luxury, and status. The use of red, historically associated with power and elegance, elevates the hijab beyond its traditional role as modest attire, presenting it as a luxurious adornment that embodies dignity and refinement. The artwork challenges stereotypes, inviting viewers to see the hijab as a symbol of both faith and elevated beauty. It celebrates the intersection of Muslim identity, fashion, and empowerment, redefining perceptions of Muslim women’s expression.

Artist Statement

Extended Beauty: Wrapped in Dignity features a Muslim woman wearing a striking red hijab from head to toe. The red, historically linked to power and elegance, reinterprets the hijab as a symbol of beauty and empowerment. Rather than critique, this artwork invites viewers to appreciate the evolving nature of Muslim women’s attire, showing how it can represent both tradition and individuality.
Together, these artworks offer a thoughtful reflection on the diversity within Muslim women’s expressions of faith, modesty, and identity. They encourage viewers to celebrate the variety of ways Muslim women navigate their personal and cultural identities, recognizing both the traditional and modern as valid and meaningful.

Artist Statement

Black on Black; The Weight of Resilience versus Extended Beauty: Wrapped in Dignity presents two distinct interpretations of Muslim women’s attire, each reflecting different cultural and personal expressions.
This portrayal emphasizes the resilience and grace found in more conservative forms of dress, which are deeply valued by many in the Muslim community.

Artist Statement

“Fading Boundaries, Arrive With Flames and Harmony in Chaos create a powerful narrative through these three abstract artworks. Fragmented elements of nature highlight the unconscious transformation of our environment. While the abstraction may blur the pressing issues at hand, it cannot dissolve them; the underlying concerns remain ever-present, compelling us to confront the reality of our impact on the natural world. This tension invites viewers to engage critically with the artwork, prompting deeper reflection on the consequences of human activity and the urgent need for collective awareness and action.”

Artist Statement

“The Traveller” uses a dreamy color palette to transform KL Sentral into a metaphorical gateway to “Wanderland.” This artwork moves beyond the specific setting to symbolize the broader human experience of exploring new opportunities and seeking personal growth. The soft, radiant hues evoke a sense of wonder and possibility, capturing the excitement of embarking on new adventures. “The Traveller” represents the universal quest for meaning and fulfillment, encouraging viewers to embrace the journey with optimism and hope. It celebrates the beauty of navigating life’s endless opportunities and the pursuit of a richer, more meaningful existence.

Artist Statement

Artist Statement

The artist incorporates the Malay proverb “Gunting Bawah Lipatan” into the Don’t Run With Scissors series, depicting a figure attempting to repair a broken net, an act that can be seen as trying to fix something inherently flawed. At a deeper level, it symbolizes a wrongdoing, possibly the misuse of power granted to them. This scenario is universal, occurring across all industries, and is deeply rooted in the principles of human dignity and integrity. It serves as a reminder that in life, we often face situations where our moral foundation is tested, and it is our duty to uphold these values, resisting the temptation to compromise for personal gain.