Suzlee Ibrahim’s artistic journey led him to create the monochromatic Pre-Sakura Series, which serves as a conceptual and metaphorical foundation for his later, more vibrant Sakura Series. Painted in black and white, “Sakura WinterStorm” captures the raw energy and dynamism of life’s transient moments, focusing on themes of impermanence and the cyclical nature of existence. The absence of color in these works highlights the tension between light and dark, permanence and impermanence, allowing Suzlee to delve into the deeper meaning behind the ephemeral beauty of sakura.
The metaphor of sakura enduring a winter storm becomes particularly poignant in this context. While sakura symbolizes fleeting beauty and renewal, a winter storm represents harshness and adversity. The combination of these elements creates a powerful narrative about resilience and the persistence of beauty and hope in the face of overwhelming challenges. This metaphor speaks to the duality of life—a theme Suzlee has explored extensively in his work—where moments of joy and beauty are intertwined with periods of hardship and struggle.
For Suzlee, “Sakura WinterStorm” could symbolize the resilience of the human spirit, a theme reflected in the stark contrasts and dynamic energy of his Pre-Sakura Series. The metaphor could also be seen as an exploration of the cycles of life, where even in the most challenging circumstances, there is room for moments of grace and renewal.
Exhibition will runs from 14 – 28th September at G13 Project Room @ G13 Gallery.
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