POSTER MANJUNG SCHOOL 26 YEARS

 

Poster 25 TAHUN FAIZAL SIDIK

 

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.

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.

 

 

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.