By Sherry Koh | Oct 1, 2010
Dialogue with the Malaysian Masters
StarProperty.my chats with five Malaysian Masters whose artworks are being displayed at Purplehouz Fine Arts Gallery this October.
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Professor Dr Zakaria Ali
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Professor Dr Zakaria Ali
Prof Ali received his early education in Sekolah Melayu Air Molek in Johor Baru and went on to be the only Malaysian to have earned a Ph.D qualification in Fine Arts from the prestigious Harvard University. Prof Ali currently lectures at the Sultan Idris Education University in Tanjung Malim, Perak. Prof Ali’s latest and 15th book titled Malaysian Art features a collection of his essays from year 1979 to 2009. He encourages feedback and questions from the public. You may contact him at zakariaali24@yahoo.com
On the current generation of artists
“It is an interesting issue because the young people are confused. One, they see us selling works at high prices and are tempted to do the same. This leads to them overpricing their works. Two, there are lack of examples. Who do they follow? They are confused as to who to emulate. My advice to students is to find their own style. This can only be done by doing (continuously painting); by doing mistakes. There is no quick fix to fame.
“The younger generation is raised by all kinds of instant gratification such as the Internet. If you are young, keep practising what you are doing and hopefully you will find your own style. There is no guarantee that you will find your own style. But not for one moment, would I hesitate to share. Ask me for talks and so on. I am a teacher. I would love to share (my knowledge).”
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Tajuddin Ismail
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Tajuddin Ismail
Tajuddin Ismail, 61, pursued his post-graduate studies in Interior Architecture at Pratt Institute New York. He was a recipient of the Fulbright Research Fellowship by the American Council of Learned Societies of New York. He is not only a painter but also does design, interior and consultancy work. His artworks that are currently exhibited at Purplehouz is from his private collection; figurative works (which is not his core work) that have never been exhibited before. Ismail has won numerous art and design awards nationally.
On inspiration and advice
“I get my inspiration from the world. Nature is one of the biggest inspiration. I try to understand the forces of nature and translate them into my own perspective. Life’s, colours, rhythm, connection—all abstract and I express them in my work. These things we would not see, but feel. I must be inspired, engaged and moved. Inspiration can arrive at any point. When it comes, I record it into my mind and work it into a visual form.
“Charcoal would be a great way to discover and play with lines. Often, people tend to over-light the artwork. That is too harsh and it doesn't do justice to the art. A work of art requires soft and indirect lighting. Mimic the types of lighting you see in the renowned galleries around the world.”
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Professor Madya Awang Damit
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Professor Madya Awang Damit
Prof Damit, 54, studied fine art at UITM and he furthered his studies in painting at the Catholic University of America in Washington DC, where he was awarded a Master’s Degree in Fine Art in year 1990. His latest series titled Iraga is a homage to the Northeastern winds. It is an abstract collection that shows turmoil with big waves, strong winds and other natural occurrences. Currently, Prof Damit lectures in fine arts in UITM.
On advice for budding artists
"Do not rush yourself. If you want to be successful, do not choose the easy way out. There are no short cuts to becoming a successful artist. You need to struggle and perform a much as you can. Paint a lot! And paint within a long period. Nowadays artists are driven by money when they do their thing. Back in the day, we didn't think of monetary gains because we painted for the idealism. Success will come to you later. Do not worry about that. For now practise a lot, and paint a lot. Be patient."
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Patrick Lasak
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Patrick Lasak
Penangite Patrick Lasak, 48, is a self-taught artist who studied business administration courses at the Cosmopolitan College in Toronto, Canada. Although he has exhibited his work locally and internationally, his “overnight” success took him 30 years to achieve.
On his favourite piece of work
“The best has yet to come. I have to attachment to any art work, because otherwise, I would be limiting myself. I wake up every day at 4am. I sleep early, don’t drink, smoke or game. Some might call me an old-timer. You must have discipline. In my own way, I add colour to people’s life. I make the world a better place through art.
“My art pieces are about feel. For me, the subject matter is sometimes irrelevant. It is how the artist inserts ‘feel’ into his work- that matters most to me. That’s what differentiates between human and machine- we have emotions, we have that ‘feel’. If at anytime I lose that feel, then the artwork is nothing more than a piece of cloth with a few dabs of paint, never being able to enchant the eye of the beholder.”
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Khalil Ibrahim
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Khalil Ibrahim
Khalil Ibrahim, 76, is one of the few Malaysians who has received a state scholarship to attend art training at the prestigious Central St Martin School of Art and Design in London. Using acrylic, oil, water colour and batik, his preference for figuration has led to memorable images of men and women from the east coast Malay fishing villages. Ibrahim is a full-time painter.
On his days as a student
“When I had the time, I would go to galleries to see the masterpieces and admire them. I usually visit both private and commercial galleries in central London. Then in noon and evenings, I would paint.”
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