Profile

I am a native of Marang, Terengganu and I am the youngest of 10 siblings. I received my early education at SK Sentul Patah before pursuing my secondary education at SMK Tengku Lela Segara. All the art competitions I entered and awards I received at school, district and state levels were indicators to the formation of my early interest in art. In addition to my parents, my late brother, who was more inclined towards animation, was also my inspiration. Even though he passed away in 2003, I still refer, to this day, to his portraits and works of popular Malaysia cartoons in the 90s such as ‘Usop Sontorian’ and ‘Anak-anak Sidek’.


Driven by my talent and interest in art, I invested three years of my life studying for a Diploma in Fine Arts at UiTM Machang, Kelantan. This was the start of my journey in understanding what fine art really is. I was exposed to a wide variety of materials, techniques and styles and was given an eye opening introduction to what works of art mean. During my three years there, I came to know a lot more about ‘What is sculpture?’, ‘What is installation?’, ‘What is print?’ and ‘What is painting?’ In 2010, I was offered to pursue my Bachelor of Fine Arts in UiTM Shah Alam. The first off-campus exhibition which I participated in was Galeri Shah Alam’s open exhibition in 2010. Under the tutelageof Prof. Jalaini Abu Hassan in the first semester, I was able to hold an exhibition in the 67 Tempinis Gallery in Bangsar. Also, during this period, I took part in a series of competitions such as Tanjong Heritage and Penang’s Open Art Competition Festival. In UiTM Shah Alam, the exposure was quite different because at this level, the students are constantly reminded of the importance of meaning and the search for self-identity. In the fifth semester, I chose Amron Omar as my teacher to help me improve my figurative painting techniques.


After graduating in 2012, a whole new chapter began. For someone who was artistically still wet behind the ears, it was the start of a very challenging time for me. This was perhaps because the general Malaysian public does not view being an artist as a proper career. I experienced the same thing while at school. Even the teachers themselves were not supportive of me even though they could see my inclination towards art. The fostering of a particular interest should be done as early as possible so that a generation of multi-talented individuals could emerge. This could prevent from talents and potentials from going to waste or undeveloped. To this day, I still feel the frustration each time I think about it. In fact, that is the same feeling I have been experiencing as an artist, compounded by my parents’ high expectations of me.


During my brief foray into the local art scene so far, I have subsisted merely on sheer enthusiasm and passion. I have thus far dared not even consider what I have produced as a work of art for I humbly believe I still do not have the artistic wherewithal and maturity. I realise that I must take advantage of every opportunity to broaden my repertoire. Although the development of the local art scene is still far behind compared to our neighbouring countries, every artist should strive to be more forward thinking. Assuming the moniker ‘young artist’ does not exempt oneself from the rigours and self-discipline required for becoming a bona fide established artist. Personally, I’m more comfortable with being viewed as a recently graduated student for the expectations might be different. Most importantly, I must take advantage of every available opportunity for the sake of establishing myself in the Malaysian art fraternity. It might be a tall order but it should be every artist’s main mission statement.