The need for space, color and light ( Group show by Faizal Sidik, Elias Yamani Ismail, Isnian Ibrahim, Mia Farizza, Sukor Romat & Safwan Ahmad)

Faizal Sidik, a member of Satu art collective group, and his big 'Broken Heart'.

By: Rizuan Zaini

Rizuwan Zaini, “The Need for Space, Colour and Light”, Published by New Straits Times (Streets), 11 Aug 2009, page 6-7 (PDF)

KUALA LUMPUR: Red often used to symbolise love and anger, is the dominant colour in " I Remember The Day We Met", an abstract artwork by Mia Farizza.

Mia is participating in the "Neo-Abstraction : Space, Color and Light" exhibition which as the title suggests, explores the themes of colour, space and light.

The exhibition is held at Wisma Kebudayaan Soka Gakkai Malaysia daily until Sunday, from 11 am to 6 pm.

Mia is one of a four guest artists in the exhibition, a joint effort between Satu, an art collective group, and Soka Gakkai Malaysia.

The three other guest artists are Sukor Romat, Safwan Ahmad and Isnian Ibrahim. They join Satu members-Elias Yamani Ismail and Faizal Sidik - in wowing visitors with their interpretations of the three themes.

Visitors will find in hard to miss Elias "Lingkaran Kembar" a huge assemblage of cotton cloth with two rolled up shapes a both ends.

"Self Isolate", a series of wood sculptures installations by Safwan, and Faizal's big "Broken Heart" are also displayed.

The exhibition was launched by National Art Gallery Malaysia director general, Dr Mohammad Najib Ahmad Dawa, early this month.

On Saturday, there will be a multi-lingual poetry-reading session facilitated by Datuk Profesor Dr Ghulam Sarwar Yousof.

Guided tours of the exhibition are available on Saturday and Sunday for groupsof 20 and more.

PRESS COVERAGE

Rizuwan Zaini, “The Need for Space, Colour and Light”, Published by New Straits Times (Streets), 11 Aug 2009, page 6-7 (PDF) - Curated by Faizal Sidik

Singapore Biennale 2013: If the World Changed

Singapore Biennale curators 2013: Singapore -Tay Swee Li, Seng Yu Jin, Tamares Goh, Charmaine Toh,Tan Boon Hui (from SAM),Khairuddin Hori (from SAM), Joyce Toh (from SAM), Tan Siu Li (from SAM), Michelle Ho (from SAM), David Chew (from SAM), Naomi Wang (from SAM), Fairuz Iman Ismail (from SAM) Malaysia - Faizal Sidik, Yee I-Lann. Indonesia - Aminuddin TH Siregar “Ucok”, Mia Maria Philippines -  Claro Ramirez, Kawayan de Guia, Charlie Co, Abraham Garcia Jr. Thailand - Ark Fongsmut, Angkrit Ajchariyasophon Vietnam - Tran Luong, Nguyen Nhu Huy Cambodia - Erin Gleeson Laos - Misouda Heuangsoukkhoun Myanmar - Aye Ko

By: e-flux

E-flux, “Singapore Biennale 2013: If the World Changed” Online

Aided by a bold new curatorial structure, Singapore’s premier contemporary art exhibition returns with a significant Southeast Asian and Asian focus.

If the World ChangedThe Southeast Asian region has historically been the corridor of the major civilisations, as well as a place of complex cultural interactions. Within this fluid region, many individuals and populations inhabit different spheres of existence and social realities, from agrarian communities, coastal settlements, to urban metropolises. In the 21st century, Southeast Asia and Asia are increasingly active participants in current globalising movements. These changes have surfaced localised responses to issues of land, water, borders, resources, memory and identity, among others. However, the experiences of change have also been uneven and varied across the region, giving rise to multi-faceted responses, including organised activism, subtle personal gestures and philosophical meditations. Against this backdrop of past and continuous change, artists have been reflecting, mediating, envisioning, and making propositions. If The World Changed is an invitation to reconsider the world we live in, and the worlds we want to live in.

Elaborating on this year’s title and focus, Mr. Tan Boon Hui, Director of Singapore Art Museum (SAM) said, “The Singapore Biennale is dedicated to contemporary art’s propositions for our changing worlds. With this edition we hope to encourage artists and audiences to respond to their lived experiences and explore what kind of worlds they want to live in. We seek to explore these questions through the work of Southeast Asian and Asian artists; a majority of artists presented at SB 2013 will be from this most dynamic of regions, reflecting, mediating, and envisioning responses to their changing worlds, whatever it may mean to them!”

Curatorial ModelTo harness the energy of the region and build a distinctive Asian identity for the Singapore Biennale, SB 2013 will adopt a bold new collaborative curatorial structure comprising a team of over 20 co-curators—art professionals with distinct local knowledge of regional art practices offering their viewpoints and local knowledge. SB 2013 promises a showcase of new artists and fresh works from the region, with many not seen before at any other Biennale worldwide.

Through differing curatorial perspectives, SB 2013 will serve as a premier international platform for artist presentation and discourse, and a leading entry point into regional contemporary art practices, in the context of developments worldwide. This new format, which sees the combined efforts of individuals who each bring specific expertise and understanding, also allows SB 2013 to expand its focus beyond the major metropolitan centres to present a greater diversity of artistic responses. Organisers also hope to identify more artists from Singapore and the region and provide them with the opportunity to showcase their works within a global context to international audiences.

Biennale Open CallSB 2013 is inviting artists to submit their proposals for consideration. All material will be reviewed by members of the curatorial team and shortlisted artists may be invited for further discussion with the curators and possible inclusion in the Biennale.

Bras Basah-Bugis Precinct VenuesSB 2013 will take place across a number of active art spaces in the Bras Basah-Bugis precinct. The precinct is filled with rich cultural institutions and icons which SB 2013 will partner with. At the same time, SB 2013 hopes to inject cultural vibrancy into the area.

SB 2013 is organised by SAM of the National Heritage Board and supported by the National Arts Council.  It will run from 26 October 2013 with the Vernissage on 24–25 October 2013.

For more information, please visit www.singaporeartmuseum.sg/sb2013.

Exhibition exemplifies six artists’ mission statement

(From left) Sukor Romat, Safwan Ahmad, Mia Farizza and Faizal Sidik are among the artist taking part in the exhibition

By: Yip Yoke Teng

Yip Yoke Teng, “Bold, Different  and Loud”, Published by The Star (Metro), 13 Aug 2009, sec M20-M21 (illustrated). (Online) (PDF)

THE art movement of Neo-Abstraction has set off a fountain of possibilities for young artists, who are encouraged to be bold, inspired to be different and provoked to be loud.

This trend is exemplified by six young artists who call themselves “Satu” with a joint exhibition titled “Neo-Abstraction: Space, Colour and Light”, which is on now until Sunday at Wisma Kebudayaan SGM in Kuala Lumpur.

The exhibition presents a diversity of styles reflecting the views, likings and experiences of the artists, brought together by the curator Faizal Sidik.

However, the diversity brings forth a common concept that is not only visually pleasing, but also thought-provoking.

A coil of wonder: ‘Lingkaran Empat Segi’ by Elias Yamani has interesting curves and colours.

“Neo-Abstraction is basically an extension of the abstract movement; it is also a step forward of the ideas that have tugged the artist’s emotions,” said 31-year-old Faizal from Petaling Jaya.

He said he had always preferred abstract over realism. “To me, art is about conveying an idea instead of merely capturing a scene. Instead of being just an illustration, an art work should be able to strike a chord among its audience.”

Faizal started looking for like-minded art buddies six months ago by visiting a number of studios and exhibitions.

His newfound buddies are Elias Yamani Ismail, Isnian Ibrahim, Mia Farizza, Safwan Ahmad and Sukor Romat who used various media and methods to explore the untapped possibilities of space, colour and light.

“The purpose of this exhibition is to discover several possibilities and variables that arts and science could co-exist. Science is not only confined to experiments in the labs but also human behaviour,” he said.

“The various media used in this exhibition is an attempt to enrich the viewers’ perception and experience in looking at objects of art in their everyday life,” he added.

Pounding: Faizal Sidik's 'Broken Heart' depicts the feeling an unsuccessful relationship

Faizal’s offering is the “Broken Heart” series comprising four heart-shaped boards — some with trickles of red while another coated with sugar — to etch out the feelings entailing an unsuccessful relationship. Red round-shaped boards painted with radial lines, which are from his earlier series called “Sublime”, steer one’s attention to the inner space, are interspersed among the hearts.

Faizal Sidik's 'Sweet Heart' , Sugar on panel, 244 cm x 244 cm
2009.

The works of Sukor Romat, 24, and Mia Farizza, 33, are a refreshing splash of colours.

Sukor uses bubbles of mainly blue and yellow hues to show the beauty of the universe, which can only be seen with the existence of light. “Light grants us these beautiful sights,” said the artist who had been fascinated by astronomical elements ever since he attended a talk by Malaysian astronaut Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor.

Graceful sways: Mia’s acrylic works lure with lightness, movement and translucence reminiscent of Chinese ink painting.

Mia, a producer-turned-artist, moves her audience with her depiction of seaweeds in warm tropical colours. Her acrylic works lure with lightness, movement and translucence reminiscent of Chinese ink painting.

“The works actually reflect my impulsive and impatient nature, that’s why I like acrylic because it dries up fast,” she said.

She glided on the colours and mixed them with dashes of water according to how she felt at the very moment. As a result, the subjects and colours swayed gracefully and they, to the artist, were abstract portrayals of the stories she had in mind.

“I grew up wanting to be a writer, I always have these stories I want to tell and I find art an engaging way to share these feelings with others,” she added.

Meanwhile, Safwan Ahmad’s “Isolate” adopts wooden blocks as the medium while Elias Yamani Ismail’s “Lingkaran” is characterised by colourful curves and colours. Isnian Ibrahim captures the massive and sometimes unhealthy development of the city in his works titled “Blooming Lights”.

Wisma Kebudayaan SGM is located at No: 243, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. For details, call 03-2141 2003. The exhibition is open from 11am to 6pm daily.

Press Coverage

Yip Yoke Teng, “Bold, Different  and Loud”, Published by The Star (Metro), 13 Aug 2009, sec M20-M21 (illustrated). (Online) (PDF) 

(Artists: Faizal Sidik, Elias Yamani, Isnian Ibrahim, Sukor Romat, Mia Farriza & Safwan Ahmad

Pameran solo Faizal Sidik

FAIZAL berharap satu hari nanti beliau mampu mengadakan pameran di Muzium of  Modern Art (MOMA) atau Muzium Tate.

Oleh: Ahmad Syukran Zainuddin

Ahmad Syukran Zainuddin, “Pameran Solo Faizal Sidik”, Published by KOSMO!, 12 Dec 2006, page 29 (illustrated). (PDF)

Karya seninya banyak menerima perubahan sesuai dengan pengalaman dan kematangannya. Kini, Faizal sekali lagi tampil dengan pameran retrospektif solonya yang melibatkan sebanyak 50 buah hasil lukisan dengan durasi selama sedekad.

GRADUAN Jabatan Seni Halus di Fakulti Seni Lukis dan Seni Reka -Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), ini nyata serius dalam kerja seninya. Memegang tanggungjawab sebagai seorang pensyarah subjek berkaitan seni halus di Akademi Multimedia MTDC di Serdang Selangor, ia memberi peluang lebih luas kepada Mohd. Faizal Sidik, 28, ingin meneroka dunia seni ini dengan lebih mendalam.

Bakat seni Faizal dikesan oleh guru seninya sejak berada di sekolah lagi. Tidak mahu mensia-siakan anugerah itu, beliau mengambil keputusan untuk meneruskan pengajian ke bidang berkaitan.

"Tamat pengajian di UiTM, saya diberi peluang untuk mengajar di UiTM Sri Manjung, Perak selama setahun sebelum berkhidmat di Akademi Multimedia MTDC bermula pada tahun 2002," katanya yang berpendapat kemahiran seperti melukis mesti sentiasa dilatih untuk memahirkan diri.

Biarpun sibuk sebagai pensyarah, Faizal tetap aktif dengan pelbagai aktiviti terutamanya pameran-pameran lukisan. Baginya, kesemua hasil kerja seninya yang dipamerkan dalam pameran diberi nama Pameran Solo Faizal Sidik: Drawing 1996-2006, bertempat di Galeri Akademi Multimedia MTDC ini ada motifnya.

Beliau mahu lukisan-tukisan tersebut menjadi satu pendedahan berguna kepada pelajar yangambiljurusan animasi, supaya mereka mengetahui cara melukis atau membuat figura dengan betul.

"Jika pelajar animasi tidak dapat melukis figura dari segi komposisi dan struktur yang betul, susah bagi mereka untuk kembangkan idea ke dalam komputer nanti," katanya, memberitahu pelajar sekolah di sekitar Lembah Kelang juga boleh datang untuk sama-sama belajar mengenai seni lukis dalam suasana tidak formal ini.

Di samping itu, Faizal menyifatkan pameran solo ini sebagai mengimbau kembali karya lukisan yang pernah dihasilkan, biarpun beliau juga banyak menghasilkan karya dalam pelbagai media seperti lukisan, catan dan seni area

"Lukisan bersifat spontan, anda boleh melukis di mana-mana sekali pun. Ia adalah cetusan idea tentang apa yang hendak kita lakukan. Dengan erti kata lain, lukisan berperanan sebagai satu medium yang mencatat atau mendokumentasikan idea.

"Saya membahagikan pameran ini kepada tiga bahagian. Bahagian pertama mengambil jarak masa antara tahun 1996 hingga tahun 2000 yang saya klasifikasikan sebagai proses pengkajian akademik yang berlatar belakangkan lakaran.

"Lakaran dalam tempoh ini perlu sebelum melaksanakan karya akhir yang memerlukan kajian melibatkan bahan, teknik dan peralatan. Selepas kaji, barulah boleh terjemahkan idea awal ke dalam satu bentuk karya," jelasnya.

Bahagian kedua pula adalah hasil karyanya dari tahun 2001 hingga tahun 2004 yang memperlihatkan beliau terkesan dengan isu-isu semasa seperti perang di negara Balkan dan Asia Barat. Peristiwa-peristiwa itu diluahkan ke dalam bentuk lukisan yang mengangkat imej kesan-kesan peperangan.

Faizal Sidik, Cause of the Fear ; Man’s Mask, Pencil acrylic on  paper, 37.4 cm x 26 cm, 2005.

Merasakan ilmunya masih tidak cukup  dengan hanya menerusi pembacaan dan praktis, Faizal telah melakukan perjalanan ke Eropah pada tahun 2004 yang sekali gus memberikannya idea-idea baru tentang persepsi dan pemahamannya terhadap seni.

Sementara kapya terkininya (tahun 2006) pula lebihT bersifat lukisan konseptual yang tidak mempunyai subjek, tetapi berdasarkan kepada rangsangan mata pelukis dan 'penontonnya*.

Karya-karya ini menggunakan pelbagai media termasuklah pensil, dakwat, arang dan media campuran. "Sekarang saya banyak menghasilkan lukisan. Identiti lukisan bergantung kepada pemikiran individu. Semakin banyak pengalaman atau berjalan, maka semakin banyak yang diketahui oleh seseorang pelukis.

"Akan datang, hasil karya saya lebih cenderung kepada seni konseptual iaitu bagaimana kita melihat karya itu memberi kesan kepada mata yang memandangnya. Maksudnya, apa yang dilihat pada karya, maka itulah yang ditafsirkan. Tidak ada cerita di sebaliknya, haKARYA Faizal yang menggunakan pelbagai media seperti pensil, dakwat dan arang. LUKISAN yang mengangkat motif kekejaman perang nya bermain dengan logik akal manusia," katanya, sambil menyatakan bahawa satu cakera padat interaktif multimedia yang dihasilkan oleh dua orang pelajar turut dilancarkan.

Sedekad berkecimpung dalam dunia eni, Faizal beranggapan daya apresiasi atau pemahaman masyarakat terhadap seni masih lagi rendah. Ini kerana di Malaysia, kita hanya belajar tentang seni setakat di sekolah dan ia terhenti selepas itu.

"Apabila seseorang masuk ke dalam bidang lain, seni akan ditinggalkan. Mereka tidak diajar bagaimana hendak melihat sesuatu karya, sedangkan ia ada metodologinya tersendiri," ujarnya.

 Faizal ada menghadiahkan hasil seninya kepada pihak tertentu untuk mengutip sumbangan. Selain itu, karyanya turut menjadi koleksi pihak pusat pengajian tinggi, galeri dan orang perseorangan.

Biarpun begitu,. anak kelahiran Petaling Jaya, Selangor ini menyimpan cita-cita yang menggunung. Faizal ingin mengadakan pameran hasil seninya di Muzium of Moden Art (MoMA) di Amerika dan Muzium Tate di United Kingdom yang menjadi lokasi buat pencita seni dari seluruh dunia berkumpul.

Berbalik kepada pameran solo Faizal, sesiapa jua yang berminat boleh berkunjung ke galeri Akademi Multimedia MTDC secara percuma yang bermula sejak 15 November lalu dan berakhir 30 Disember ini. Waktu pameran pada pukul 10 pagi hingga 6 petang.

Inginkan maklumat lanjut? Sila hubungi talian 03-8942 4626 atau layari laman web: www.multimedia.edu.my

Penerbitan Akhbar

Ahmad Syukran Zainuddin, “Pameran Solo Faizal Sidik”, Published by KOSMO!, 12 Dec 2006, page 29 (illustrated). (PDF)

A decade of change under one roof

Faizal Sidik  with is charcoal-on-paperentitled WMD Weapon of Mass Destruction.

By: Geetha Krishnan

Geetha Krishnan, “A Decade of Change Under One Roof”, Published by The Star (Metro), 20 Dec 2006, sec M32 (illustrated).  (PDF)


ARTISTIC efforts of 10 years come under one roof for Faizal Sidik's solo exhibition at the MTDC Gallery in Serdang. 

The soft-spoken artist who is also the gallery curator has diligently collected many of his early, intermediate and present works for the retrospective exhibition to gauge how he has developed as an artist.  

The idea is to also identify the progressive changes in the artist's thinking and to delve into the different emotions he underwent through each period.  

A total of 50 sketches and drawings share the limelight of the exhibition.
Faizal Sidik: Drawing 1996-2006 is divided into three timeframes - 1996 to 2000, 2001 to 2004 and Recent Work.  

The defining period for the artist was 1996 to 2000 where his efforts were concentrated on sculptures.  

The 28-year-old artist is a Sculpture major from UiTM's Fine Art and Design Art Faculty. 

Before working on his sculptures, Faizal sketched extensively.  

It is these treasured early sketches that form the bulk of works from the 1996 to 2000 period. 

“Before sketching the human body, I believe it is important for the artist to understand body structure,” said Faisal who has served as lecturer, curator and art advisor.  

“I studied and sketched anatomy to gain a better understanding of the human body. The insight helped me shape the framework for my sculptures and I was happy with the end results,” he said. 

A walk through this part of the exhibition reveals rough sketches of human limbs and bone structure - from pencil on paper, Faizal then moves on to mixed media. 

Sketches Study 5 of mixed media.

The shift to 2001 to 2004 is quite drastic.  

Here, Faizal's drawings are of war victims in Iraq, Bosnia and Afghanistan, many subjects bearing the brunt of the war like bullet-ridden bodies and ravaged homes. 

The artist's focus for Recent Work shifts again with him hoping to gain a psychological perspective through three pieces, Horizontal and Vertical Line, Sensation 5, and Sensation 6. 

Mixed media on paper The Demolition.

“Everyone has a different opinion and interpretation. My intention is to discover, if my personal interpretation matches the opinion of people viewing my works,” he said. 

For instance, you'd think Horizontal and Vertical Line was just a blank piece of canvas.  

Closer examination would reveal horizontal and vertical lines along the edges, framing the canvas. 

For many other interpretations, visit Faizal Sidik: Drawing 1996-2006 now at Block K, UPM-MTDC Technology Incubation Centre 1, Serdang (03-8941 4652) until Dec 30.

Press Coverage

Geetha Krishnan, “A Decade of Change Under One Roof”, Published by The Star (Metro), 20 Dec 2006, sec M32 (illustrated).  (PDF)

Pelukis Sepanjang Hayat

Faizal Sidik

Oleh: Sy Mussaddad Mahdi

Sy Mussaddad Mahdi, “Pelukis Sepanjang Hayat”, diterbit oleh Mingguan Malaysia (Pancaindera), 9 Ogos 2009, ms 21 . (Online) (PDF)

Melukis adalah kerja sepanjang hayat. Untuk membina nama bukanlah satu perkara yang mudah dan memerlukan kesabaran yang tinggi," tutur Faizal Sidik apabila ditemui baru-baru ini.

Kenyataan yang keluar dari mulut seniman muda itu bukanlah satu perkara asing malah ia pengalaman yang harus ditempuhi oleh setiap seniman yang terlibat dalam kegiatan lukisan di negara ini.

Melihatkan kejayaan yang dimiliki oleh seniman Syed Ahmad Jamal mahupun Latif Mohidin memang satu perkara yang menyeronokkan, apatah lagi setiap karya yang mereka hasilkan laris di pasaran.

Bertolak daripada itulah ramai seniman muda yang mula membuka mata dan mahu menjadikan bidang lukisan sebagai teras perjuangan seumur hidup mereka. Bagi Faizal pula, ruang dan peluang yang sudah terhidang di depan mata tidak harus dilepaskan memandangkan sudah bertahun-tahun menghambakan diri kepada bidang ini.

Kini dia boleh berbangga apabila diberi peluang untuk mempamerkan karya pada pameran Neo Abstrak; Ruang, Warna dan Cahaya yang sedang berlangsung di Wisma Kebudayaan Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM), Kuala Lumpur.

Menariknya, untuk pameran kali ini dia tidak keseorangan sebaliknya bersama lima rakan-rakan mempamerkan 40 lukisan yang merangkumi pelbagai medium.

Pameran berkumpulan ini dibahagikan kepada tiga tema abstrak iaitu warna oleh Faizal dan Mia Farizza; ruang oleh Elias Yamani Ismail dan Safwan Ahmad serta cahaya oleh Isnain Ibrahim dan Sukor Romat.

Mereka berjaya meneroka ketiga-tiga tema abstrak yang cuba memberikan kemungkinan-kemungkinan baru dan interpretasi semula dalam pengkaryaan seni seperti catan, arca dan instalasi terhadap objek hidup yang mempunyai keindahan fizikal.

Menariknya kesemua seniman tidak mengulangi bentuk yang telah dihasilkan seniman lain sejak berdekad yang lalu tetapi mahu mencari sudut-sudut baru yang mungkin terlepas pandang oleh seniman sedia ada terutama dalam aspek ruang, cahaya dan warna.

Apa yang ditekan oleh Faizal, seni bukanlah satu rakaman semula gambar-gambar atau ilustrasi imej yang sedia ada tetapi adalah gambaran yang lebih jelas menjangkau pelukis ilustrator.

"Tugas para seniman adalah sebagai saintis sosial yang menzahirkan dunia di luar sedar ke dalam realiti masa dalam pelbagai bentuk sama ada yang didengari, disentuh atau dirasai," kata Faizal pada pertemuan pagi Rabu lalu.

Bercerita mengenai pameran yang julung-julung kalinya diadakan di situ, Faizal berbangga kerana diberi peluang membuat pameran dan dalam masa yang sama dia melahirkan kegusaran mengenai nasib pelukis tempatan yang masih belum setanding dengan pelukis luar negara.

Jelasnya, masyarakat di Malaysia masih lagi belum begitu terbuka mengenai seni tampak dan seni halus ini seperti negara lain.

"Usah kita bandingkan ia dengan Eropah, sebaliknya lihat sahaja Indonesia dan Thailand. Masyarakat di sana mempunyai persepsi tinggi terhadap seniman dan membuatkan bidang tersebut semakin berkembang.

"Saya tidak merendahkan martabat seniman tempatan sebaliknya kita harus bersatu ke arah itu. Barulah industri seni tempatan di Malaysia akan setanding dengan negara lain," katanya lagi.

Kata Faizal lagi, seniman di sana lebih bernasib baik memandangkan setiap negara mempunyai pusat lelongan tersendiri yang boleh digunakan untuk menjual hasil lukisan mereka.

Namun keadaan sebaliknya berlaku di Malaysia memandangkan tidak ada pusat lelongan khusus untuk itu. Kebanyakan seniman hanya mengharapkan kolektor atau pengumpul-pengumpul lukisan membeli lukisan mereka.

"Inilah yang sering menjadi masalah kepada pelukis tempatan. Indonesia mempunyai lapan pusat lelongan yang sering kali mendapat perhatian bukan sahaja penduduk di sana tetapi juga orang luar," luah Faizal.

Namun begitu, dia tetap berbangga apabila semakin ramai seniman muda menunjukkan bakat dan mahu terus serius dalam bidang lukisan ini.

Kebanyakan seniman muda yang ada pada masa ini lebih tertumpu kepada aliran realisme yang berkisar kepada keadaan semasa. Ini ditambah pula dengan karya seni berbentuk popular.

Trend ini semakin rancak mendapat tempat sehinggakan ada pihak yang kurang senang dengan keadaan itu. Bagi Faizal isu itu bukan sesuatu perkara yang asing memandangkan itu adalah perjalanan yang ditempuhi oleh kebanyakan seniman di Malaysia.

"Apabila perjalanan mereka semakin panjang, aliran mereka juga akan berubah sedikit demi sedikit seperti mana yang telah berlaku pada seniman-seniman mapan yang ada," jelas Faizal.

Bagi peminat-peminat lukisan, anda boleh datang menyaksikan pameran Neo Abstrak; Ruang, Warna dan Cahaya yang akan berlangsung sehingga 16 Ogos ini di Wisma Kebudayaan SGM, 234 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.

Artikel Penuh: http://ww1.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2009&dt=0809&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Hiburan&pg=hi_15.htm#ixzz48zYT5V5z 
© Utusan Melayu (M) Bhd 

Penerbitan akhbar

Sy Mussaddad Mahdi, “Pelukis Sepanjang Hayat”, terbitan Mingguan Malaysia (Pancaindera), 9 Ogos 2009, ms 21 (illustrated). (Online) (PDF)

16 talented artists essay their thoughts through paintings and sculptures

A Talented bunch: Some of the artists who were present at the launch at the exhibition
  (From left: Syafiq Fawwaz, Faiz Sukor, Syafiq Ali'Am, Faizal Sidik, Safwan Ahmad, 'Unfolding' di RA Gallery, 2009)

By: Priya Menon

Priya Menon, “16 Talented Artists Essay Their Thoughts  Through Painting and Sculpture”, Published by The Star, Thursday 26 February 2009, sec Star Metro ((illustrated). (PDF)

PSYCHOLOGY and freedom are some of the topics explored by 16 talented artists through their art works that are featured in an exhibition called Unfolding at the RA Fine Arts.

According to RA Fine Arts director Raja Ahmad Aminullah, the six sculptors and 10 painters came from various backgrounds.

“Each artist is inspired by personal experiences that reflected in their artwork,” he said.

One artist, Faizal Sidik, who has been in the art scene for more than eight years, drew two unique paintings with acrylic and pen on canvas based on optic illusion.

Faizal’s work is based on the writings of Edmund Burke, an English philosopher who spoke on sublime power of the colour red.

“According to him, red creates awe in the person who sees it. That is why I used the colour lines to create optical illusion,” he said.

Faizal Sidik, ‘Painting of Passion Caused by Sublime No1’,
Acrylic and pen on canvas mounted on panel, 58.5 cm diameter
2008.

Faizal Sidik, ‘Painting of Passion Caused by Sublime No3’, Acrylic and pen on canvas mounted on panel,
58.5 cm diameter,2008

Mohd Safwan Ahmad on the other hand combined maths, psychology and religious beliefs to create Alun Gabung Sembilan.

“In Islam a woman is said to have nine desires so I took the number and created three triangular shapes with square blocks,” Safwan said.

He added that the he got the idea from songket as the designs resembled his artwork.

“It’s about creating a revolution, a different form of art. It’s how one becomes a trendsetter,” he added.

Inspired by the March 2008 elections. Taufiq Mohd found life in the form of freedom fighters.

Taufiq who dabbled with abstract art in the past, decided to create something that communicates with the audience.

“The elections presented an opportunity for me to paint the political scene and talk about freedom of speech,” Taufiq said.

His painting Freedom Fighter is painted in soft pastel colours except for the human figure which is in red which symbolises the passion of the person.

“Freedom is a beautiful thing and I wanted to highlight that but at the same time I wanted to show how passionate a freedom fighter can be,” he added.

The exhibition is on at the RA Fine Arts which is located at 6, Jalan Aman off Jalan Tun Razak, 55000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.


Press Coverage

Priya Menon, “16 Talented Artists Essay Their Thoughts  Through Painting and Sculpture”, Published by The Star, Thursday 26 February 2009, sec Star Metro  (From left: Syafiq Fawwaz, Faiz Sukor, Syafiq Ali'Am, Faizal Sidik, Safwan Ahmad, 'Unfolding' di RA Gallery, 2009)