Khamis, 26 September 2024
Multiculturism
By: Faizal Sidik
The "Multiculturism" exhibition presents a fascinating convergence of eight artists, each sharing a common background in art education and careers as lecturers, former lecturers, educators, and visual art trainers. This gathering includes notable figures such as Dr. Zakaria Ali, Felicia Loh, Dr. Hanif Khairi, Abby Zain, Ellie Ng, Jaja Yusof, Alex Liong, and Zarina Abdullah. Together, they explore the concept of art as a vehicle for unity, compromise, and collective harmony.
Zakaria Ali (b.1946)
Zakaria Ali is a distinguished name in Malaysian art. As a former lecturer in art history at Universiti Sains Malaysia since the 1970s, he has greatly contributed to the academic and artistic community. Known for his figurative paintings and writings on pluralism, Zakaria has famously likened Malaysian art to "air batu campur," a popular local dessert known for its diverse mix of ingredients. His work in this exhibition continues this metaphor, presenting figurative paintings that capture daily life and personal rituals in his home and studio in Diamond Creeks, Tanjung Malim. To Zakaria, multiculturalism transcends racial and ethnic boundaries, encompassing the entirety of our lived experiences.
Felicia Loh (b.1975)
From Johor Bharu, Felicia Loh is both an artist and an art trainer who founded Napthtali 7 Art. Her journey, interrupted by familial expectations and a career in banking, now finds fulfillment in her true passion—art. In this exhibition, Felicia presents works that embody Malaysian patriotism, not just through national symbols but through abstract interpretations. Her pieces, including the "Tanah Malaysia" and "Fresh Out Pouring" series, offer a bird’s-eye view of Malaysia’s lush landscapes, reflecting a deep appreciation for the nation's natural and cultural richness.
Jaja Yusoff (b.1983)
Born in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Jaja Yusoff is the daughter of the renowned artist Yusof Gajah. Following in her father's artistic footsteps, Jaja’s work focuses on painting cats, symbolizing joy and freedom. Her depiction of black cats evokes a sense of harmony and multiculturalism akin to Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara’s use of child figures. Through her art, Jaja reflects on the unity and diversity of Malaysian society.
Ellie Ng (b.1978)
Ellie Ng, hailing from Batu Gajah, Perak, has a background in fashion and textiles from the Malaysia Institute of Art (MIA). After a successful career in the Klang Valley, she returned to her roots in Papan, Perak. Ellie’s studio and workshop are deeply connected to local flora and heritage. Her works in this exhibition, including textured paintings on seeds, symbolize the essential elements of life—food, medicine, and economic resources. For Ellie, multiculturalism is intricately linked to the nation’s growth and sustainability.
Dr. Hanif Khairi (b.1972)
Dr. Hanif Khairi, from Setiawan, Perak, has a background in Metal Design from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UITM). As a Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Metal Design at UITM Shah Alam, Dr. Hanif’s work consistently integrates themes of sustainability and environmental stewardship. His "Tunas Cinta" series showcases sculptures made from recycled wood and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic, reflecting a commitment to both artistic innovation and ecological responsibility.
Abby Zain (b.1965)
Abby Zain, originally from Batu Gajah, studied Visual Communication and Design at the Academy of Arts, Culture, and Heritage (ASWARA). With a career that includes book illustration and children’s art education, Abby’s paintings in this exhibition combine motifs from Malaysia’s major ethnic groups—Malay, Chinese, and Indian. Her works, inspired by traditional Perak tekat designs, use segmentation and patterns to reflect unity, harmony, and cultural richness.
Alex Liong (b.1973)
Alex Liong Chen Hui, from Kuala Lumpur, began his artistic journey in school and later pursued Graphic Design at the Malaysia Institute of Art (MIA). With nearly 30 years of experience, Alex’s work explores themes of nature and heritage using rubber clay. In this exhibition, he draws on the rich history and culture of Melaka, presenting works that celebrate the Baba and Nyonya heritage through his distinctive medium.
Zarina Abdullah (b.1981)
Zarina Abdullah, from Ipoh, Perak, and raised in Pahang and Terengganu, holds a Fine Arts degree in painting from Universiti Teknologi Mara, Shah Alam. Her career, marked by early success and solo exhibitions, focuses on figurative painting. In this exhibition, Zarina uses flowers, specifically bougainvillea, to symbolize love and familial connections. Her series, including "Tanda Shayang," "Bunga Jingga," and "Bunga Merah Jambu," represents multiculturalism as a reflection of familial and cultural bonds.
As the curator, I invite you to experience this exhibition not merely as a presentation of artistic interpretations of Malaysia’s diversity but as a celebration of the unique harmony we enjoy. Let these works remind us to appreciate and sustain the rich tapestry of cultures that make our nation truly exceptional.
Teks Dinding (Wall Text) - FAIZAL SIDIK : 25 TAHUN Karya Dari 1999 Hingga 2024
FAIZAL SIDIK : 25 TAHUN
Karya Dari 1999 Hingga 2024
10 Ogs - 15 Sep 2024
Pusat Kebudayaan SGM
Pameran ‘Faizal Sidik : 25 Tahun - Karya Dari 1999 Hingga 2024’ adalah merupakan pameran solo ke-6 pelukis. Pameran ini menghimpunkan karya-karya awal pelukis sejak tahun 1990 an hingga kini.
Pameran ini terbahagi kepada empat bahagian atau segmen dimana pembahagian ini adalah disusun mengikut empat tema pameran solo yang pernah beliah adakan sebelum ini. Tujuan susunan ini adalah pelukis ingin mengajak untuk mengimbau serta menelusuri perkembangan kreativiti dan pengkaryaan pelukis sejak awal hingga kini menerusi pameran yang beliau adakan sebelum ini iaitu ‘Drawings 1996-2006', Sublime Weaves (2007-2012), Songket Paintings (2012 – 2019), Pixel (2018 - 2022) and New Works (2023).
Bahagian pertama adalah ‘Lukisan 1996-2006’ atau ‘Drawings 1996-2006’ diadakan di Multi + Media Gallery, Serdang pada 15 November hingga 30 Disember 2006. Pameran itu menghimpunkan 50 buah sketsa, lakaran dan lukisan terpilih yang pernah beliau hasilkan dalam tempoh sepuluh tahun. Kebanyakan karya ini adalah karya-karya kajian dan lukisan akhir semasa beliau menuntut dalam jurusan Seni Halus di Univerisiti Teknologi Mara, Seri Manjung Perak.
Bahagian kedua adalah ‘Sublime Weaves’ (2010-2012) diadakan di tiga lokasi pameran. Pada tahun 2009 pelukis telah menandatangani kontrak pameran dengan menjadi pelukis yang bernaung di bawah galeri Shalini Ganendra Fine Art (SGFA). Dalam tempoh itu SGFA telah mengadakan tiga siri pameran tersebut untuk pelukis antaranya di ‘Sublime Weaves’ di G Hotel Gallery, Pulau Pinang daripada 3 Oktober 2010 hingga 3 Januari 2011, ‘Sublime Weaves’ di Leonardo’s Space, Bangsar daripada 15 April hingga 30 Julai 2011 dan ‘Sublime Weaves’ di Kuala Lumpur Performance Art Center (KLPAC) Kuala Lumpur daripada 27 Februari hingga 11 Mac 2012.
Pengkaryaan ‘Sublime Weaves’ mula diterokai oleh pelukis setelah melakukan perjalanan ke Berlin, Jerman pada tahun 2004. Pelukis secara serius menghasilkan siri ini sejak tahun 2009 hingga 2016 yang mengabungkan falsafah keindahan dan ketakjuban Barat dengan seni kraf Asia Tenggara. ‘Sublime Weaves’ mengangkat motif dan rekabentuk tekstil songket di dalam catan. Seksyen ini memokuskan pengkaryaan yang imaginatif dalam merangsang deria kita dalam melihat, berfikir, mengalami dan merasai, kombinasi melalui impak warna dan ketepatan konsep metametikal pada motif songket
Bahagian ketiga ‘New Works’ (2023) adalah himpunan karya-karya terkini sekembalinya pelukis daripada kembaraan pada musim panas di bandaraya New York. Pameran ini diadakan di Private Gallery, Ampang daripada 18 Disember 2023 hingga 27 Januari 2024. Refleksi daripada perjalanan itu pelukis menghasilkan siri catan dan arca yang menekankan penggunaan warna hitam.
Bahagian keempat adalah ‘Songket Paintings’ (2017-2019) iaitu sebuah pameran bergerak yang diadakan di enam lokasi pameran dalam tempoh 2 tahun. Antaranya adalah ‘Songket Paintings’ di Muzium Seni Asia, Univerisiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur daripada 2 hingga 28 Februari 2017, ‘Songket Paintings’ di Balai Seni Lukis Melaka daripada 20 Januari hingga 25 Mac 2018, ‘Songket Paintings’ di Galeri Pantai Timur, Kuantan daripada 24 November 2018 hingga 4 Januari 2019, ‘Songket Paintings’ di Muzium Negeri Terengganu di Kuala Terengganu daripada 15 Januari hingga 31 Mac 2019, ‘Songket Paintings’ di Balai Seni Lukis Kelantan di Kota Bharu daripada 1 Mei hingga 31 Julai 2019 dan Balai Seni Negeri Kedah di Alor Setar daripada 3 November hingga 13 Disember 2019. Terdapat dua lagi lokasi dimana pameran bergerak ini sepatutnya diadakan, namun terpaksa di tanggyhkan apabila virus Covid-19 mula mereka di dalam negara.
Songket adalah kraf tekstil Melayu yang menggunakan bentukan geometrik untuk menghasilkan pola atau corak. Catan songket oleh pelukis memperlihatkan motif songket dalam memperkayakan kraf tradisional ini ke dalam bentuk seni kontemporari.
Seksyen kelima “Pixel” (2018-2022) meneroka kesinambungan pada karya sebelumnya. Pameran ini diadakan di Galeri Seni Matic, Kuala Lumpur daripada 7 Disember hingga 28 Februari 2023. Pameran “Pixel” terus berekperimentasi dengan bentukan geometrik dengan kombinasi seni grafik dalam seni lanskap kontemporari diinspirasikan daripada taman mistik seperti yang digambarkan dalam buku Sejarah Melayu
Pameran tinjauan ini meninjau secara menyeluruh atau komprehensif perjalanan pergerakan artistik pelukis menerusi evolusi perubahan stail, tema dan teknik lebih suku abad. Kami berharap pameran ini akan memperkayakan lagi lanskap budaya kita menerusi isu-isu kontemporari sezaman, konteks pensejarahan negara dan naratif peribadi beliau melalui perspektif artistik unik oleh pelukis.
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Faizal Sidik: 25 Years
Works from 1999 to 2024
Exhibition Period: 10th August – 15th Sept 2024
Wisma Kebudayaan SGM
'Faizal Sidik: 25 years – Works from 1999 to 2024' is the artist's 6th solo exhibition. This exhibition gathers the artist’s early works from the 1990s to the present.
This exhibition is divided into five sections, arranged according to the themes from his previous solo exhibitions. The objective of this arrangement is to invite the viewers to experience the artist's development of creativity and artistic journey from the earliest artworks to the recent ones, which were exhibited in his past solo shows, namely ‘Drawings 1996-2006', Sublime Weaves (2007-2012), Songket Paintings (2012 – 2019), Pixel (2018 - 2022) and New Works (2023).
The first section of this exhibition is from 'Drawings (1996 – 2006)', which was exhibited in Multi + Media Gallery, Serdang from 15 November to 30 December 2006. It showcased 50 sketches, drawings, and selected artworks he had done for the decade. Most of these works are experimental, including the final art from his research, which was produced while he was studying in Fine Arts at MARA University of Technology, Seri Manjung, Perak.
The second section is from 'Sublime Weaves (2010-2012)', exhibited in 3 locations. In 2009, the artist signed an exhibition contract as an artist under Shalini Ganendra Fine Art (SGFA). In that period, SGFA held the "Sublime Weaves" exhibition in three locations, namely, G Hotel Gallery, Penang Island, from 3 October 2010 to 3 January 2011, Leonardo's Space, Bangsar, from 15 April to 30 July 2011, and in Kuala Lumpur Performance Art Centre (KLPAC) from 27 February to 11 March 2012.
The inception of the idea of "Sublime Weaves" started when the artist travelled to Berlin, Germany, back in 2004. The artist began to pour serious attention into creating this series of artwork from 2009 until 2016, combining Western aesthetics and his fascination with Southeast Asian arts and crafts. 'Sublime Weaves' brings the motives and design of songket textile weavings into paintings. This section subtly focus on the imaginative designs that stimulate our sensations in seeing, thinking, feeling and remembering, combining the subjective impacts of colours and single songket pattern placement with mathematical precision.
The third section is 'New Works (2023)', which gathers the artist's latest creations after his return from his summer break in New York. This exhibition was held in the Private Gallery, Ampang, from 18 December 2023 to 27 January 2024. The theme revolves around the artist's reflection on the journey and focuses on applying shades of black in this new series of paintings and sculptures.
The fourth section is "Songket Paintings" (2017-2019), a touring exhibition displayed at 6 locations over two years. The exhibition was first shown in the Museum of Asian Arts, University of Malaya from 2 to 28 February 2017, in Malacca Art Gallery from 20 January to 25 March 2018, Galeri Pantai Timur, Kuantan from 24 November 2018 to 4 January 2019, Terengganu State Museum in Kuala Terengganu from 15 January to 31 March 2019, Kelantan Art Gallery in Kota Bharu from 1 May to 31 July 2019, and Kedah Art Gallery in Alor Setar from 3 November to 13 December 2019. There were supposedly two more locations to be exhibited, but it was postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Songket is the traditional Malay textile craft that uses geometric shapes to form patterns. Songket paintings on canvas by the artist, featuring the songket motives celebrate this traditional craft in contemporary form.
The fifth section is “Pixel (2018-2022)”, which shows the continuation of the work in the previous exhibition “Songket Paintings”. This exhibition was held in Galeri Seni Matic, Kuala Lumpur, from 7 December to 28 Feb 2023. The concept explored in "Pixel" continues the use of geometric motifs combined with modern visual graphics to depict nature’s scenery, inspired by the mystical garden described in Sejarah Melayu, in simplified “Pixel” form.
This exhibition provides a comprehensive overview of Faizal Sidik's artistic journey, showcasing the evolution of his style, themes, and techniques over a quarter-century. We hope this exhibition will enrich the cultural landscape by reflecting on contemporary issues, historical contexts, and personal narratives through the artist’s unique artistic perspective.
Section 1 : Early Works
Pameran solo pertama 'Faizal Sidik: Lukisan 1996-2006' ini merupakan satu pameran retrospektif atau mengimbau semula hasil-hasil lukisan yang pernah saya hasilkan dalam tempoh sepuluh tahun kebelakangan ini. Walaupun pengkhususan saya semasa mengikuti pengajian di Fakulti Seni Lukis dan Seni Reka di UiTM atau dengan lebih tepat lagi di Jabatan Seni Halus adalah dalam bidang Seni Arca, lukisan merupakan aspek yang paling asas dan sangat penting diberi tumpuan dalam semua institut pengajian tinggi yang menawarkan jurusan seni kreatif seperti seni lukis, seni reka, senibina, multimedia, animasi dan lain-lain.
Sebanyak 50 hasil lakaran dan lukisan telah dihimpunkan namun banyak lagi hasil lukisan saya sepanjang sepuluh tahun itu tidak berada di dalam pameran solo ini, jika anda melihat folio yang telah saya letakkan di hadapan ini, sebilangannya telah menjadi koleksi simpanan oleh institut pengajian tinggi, galeri atau rumah seni dan orang perorangan, ada juga hasil lukisan yang telah saya hadiahkan kepada galeri-galeri pameran untuk mencari sumbangan kepada badan-badan kebajikan dan NGO yang memerlukan sumber dana mereka.
'Faizal Sidik: Drawing 1996-2006' art exhibiton was a solo retrospektive show to review works on papers that I made in ten years of career. Eventhough my specialisation when I studied in the Faculty of Art and Design in UiTM or in Fine Art Department was majoring in sculpture, drawings was a basic aspect and the most important things to focus to all the higher art institution which offered creative arts programme such as visual arts, designs, architectures, multimedia, animations and so on.
50 selected artworks of sketches and drawings were collected but so many of my drawings during 10-year period of times not included in my first solo show. If you look at my folio which I put in front, part of it has become a collections of higher education art institutions, art galleries and private collectors, some of the drawings also I donated to galleries which organized charity shows to look for fund forthe orphans, welfares and elderly house or NGO’s that need money.
Section 2 : Sublime Weaves
“Sublime Weaves” mempersembahkan penerokaan Faizal Sidik tentang reka bentuk, tradisi dan makna songket, dengan warna dan corak. (Songket ialah tekstil Melayu tradisional empayar, ditenun tangan pada sutera atau kapas, dengan benang emas atau perak yang disulam rumit untuk membentuk motif).
Songket menggunakan pelbagai motif dan corak, umumnya diilhamkan oleh flora, fauna dan kuih manis tradisional tempatan.Motif-motif ini mencerminkan persekitaran penenun songket itu sendiri, yang majoritinya merupakan wanita dari kampung di Terengganu, Kelantan, Pahang dan Malaysia Timur.
Bentukan bulatan yang memukau mata (akrilik dan cat metalik atas kanvas) membawa kita kepada sebuah meditasi secara halus seperti yang dinyatakan pada tajuk. Pengkaryaan sebegini adalah inspirasi daripada teori ketakjuban ‘Sublime & Beautiful Theories’ oleh ahli falsafah seni atau estetika Ireland Edmund Burke melalui hasil karya imaginatif,
“Sublime Weaves” presents Faizal Sidik’s current exploration of songket design, tradition and meaning, with colour and pattern. (Songket is the imperial traditional Malay textile, hand-woven on silk or cotton, with gold or silver threads intricately embroidered to form motifs).
Songket employs a variety of motifs and patterns, generally inspired by local flora, fauna and traditional sweet savouries. These motifs reflect the environment of the songket weavers themselves, the majority of whom are women from villages in Terengganu, Kelantan, Pahang and East Malaysia.
These mesmerizing rounds, (acrylic and metallic paint on canvas, mounted on wooden, hand cut rounds), invite meditation, subtley focusing on the design of title. The arrangements also play with the Irish philosopher’s, Edmund Burke, Sublime & Beautiful Theories, with imaginitative presentation, combining the potent and subjective impacts of colour and single songket pattern placement with the mathematical precision of centered pattern.
Section 3 : New Works
Pameran 'Faizal Sidik: New Works' adalah sebuah pameran solo ke-4 yang mempamerkan 17 karya catan dan arca terbaru oleh pelukis inspirasi daripada lawatan beliau ke New York pada musim panas yang lalu.
Setelah pulang daripada pengembaraan ke New York selama beberapa minggu di sana beliau telah menghasilkan siri karya baru yang bertemakan warna hitam (black series) yang mengetengahkan motif-motif tradisi flora dan fauna seperti gunungan, bunga, rama-rama, awan dalam bentuk kontemporari.
Dalam 'New Works' Faizal Sidik menggunakan warna yang sangat minima seperti warna emas, perak dan hitam. Warna-warna mewah ini cukup dekat dengan tenunan kraf tradisional.
Dalam karya baru siri hitam ini pelukis lebih menekankan penerokaan kepada bentuk bukan lagi kepada rupa warna-warni seperti karya sebelum ini. Pengalaman mengembara ke muzium-muzium utama di NYC seperti Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Whitney Museum, Metropolitan Museum (Met), New Museum dan galeri-galeri seni penting di bandar New York seperti di Chelsea, Upper East Side dan Lower Easr Side seperti Gagosian, Pace dan Hauser & Wirth telah banyak memberi kesan terhadap pengkaryaan pelukis dalam karya baru dalam 'New Work' ini
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A recent trip to New York has given contemporary artist-curator Faizal Sidik a new way to approach his songket and pixel-inspired art series. Just narrow down the colour palette.
His new minimalist exhibition New Works features black as its primary colour, with 17 works (paintings and wood sculptures) detailing a series of clouds, mountains, butterflies and flowers.
Apart from the black pieces, Faizal’s fifth solo show also uses gold and silver in the new works, giving some of the paintings a distinct old world feel to highlight the “weave” patterns and traditional symbolism.
New Works also sees Faizal concentrating on the shape and scale of the paintings, moving past the need to liven up the gallery with colours. Instead, black keeps the new series classy and well-grounded, adding to how the artist grapples with opposing themes and ideas: authority and humility, rebellion and conformity, and wealth and poverty.
Rabu, 25 September 2024
Section 4 : Songket Paintings
Pameran solo ke-3 oleh Faizal Sidik ini merupakan himpunan lebih 50 karya seni terbaru yang dihasilkan tahun 2010 hingga 2018. Songket merupakan seni kraf tekstil tradisi Melayu yang terkenal dunia yang menggunakan elemen geometrik dalam menghasilkan corak. Catan songket di atas kanvas oleh artis ini adalah satu kesinambungan tradisi dalam bentuk catan kontemporari yang menggunakan motif songket.
Songket adalah kraf tekstil Melayu yang menggunakan bentukan geometrik untuk menghasilkan pola atau corak. Catan songket oleh pelukis memperlihatkan motif songket dalam memperkayakan kraf tradisional ini ke dalam bentuk seni kontemporari.
This third solo exhibition by Faizal Sidik is a collection of over 50 recent works produced from 2010 to 2018. Well-known throughout the world, songket is the traditional Malay textile craft which uses geometric shapes in forming patterns. Songket paintings on canvas by the artist featuring the songket motifs celebrate this traditional craft in contemporary form.
Songket is the traditional Malay textile craft that uses geometric shapes to form patterns. Songket paintings on canvas by the artist, featuring the songket motives celebrate this traditional craft in contemporary form.
Section 5 : Pixel
Pameran ‘Faizal Sidik: Piksel’ adalah sebuah pameran solo yang mempamerkan karya-karya catan dan arca terbaru oleh Faizal Sidik. Pameran ini mempamerkan lebih 30 buah karya yang dihasilkan dalam tempoh empat tahun mutakhir ini iaitu di antara tahun 2018 sehingga 2022.
Pameran ‘Faizal Sidik: Piksel’ memperlihatkan kesinambungan karya dalam pameran ‘Catan Songket’ sebelum ini yang dihasilkan daripada tahun 2014 hingga 2017 di mana pameran bergerak ini telah menjelajah ke enam (6) buah negeri daripada tahun (2017-2020) selama tiga (3) tahun sebelum wabak COVID-19 melanda.
'Piksel’ atau pixel bermaksud unsur gambar atau unsur-unsur halus dalam sesuatu imej. Tarikan utama pameran ini ialah 2 catan monumental dalam 4 panel atau quadriptych. Selain itu Faizal menghasilkan 1 catan triptych, 3 catan bulat, lukisan dan juga arca kayu dalam bentuk piksel.
Dalam pameran ini Faizal melakukan seni laku dengan meyiapkan sebuah catan monumental di mana audien boleh berinteraksi dengan pelukis di dalam galeri apa yang dianggap sebagai seni proses.
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'Faizal Sidik: Pixel' is a solo exhibition that showcases the latest paintings and sculptures by the artist. This exhibition showcases more than 30 works produced in the last four years between 2018 and 2022.
The exhibition 'Faizal Sidik: Pixel' shows the continuation of the work in the previous exhibition 'Songket Paintings' which was produced from 2014 to 2017 where this exhibition has travelled to six (6) states from the year (2017-2020) for three (3) years before the COVID-19 epidemic hit.
'Pixel' means image elements or subtle elements in an image. The main attraction of this exhibition is 2 monumental paintings in 4 panels or quadriptych. Faizal also produced 1 triptych painting, 3 circular paintings, a drawing and also a wooden sculptures in the form of pixels.
Faizal also performs a performance art by preparing a monumental painting where the audience can interact with the artist himself in the gallery of what is considered as a process art
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