Aftermath – Art Expo

Established in 2012 by the creative division of UiTM Holdings, Segaris Art Center is a commercial art gallery that promotes Malaysian contemporary art. Located at Publika Shopping Gallery in Kuala Lumpur, Segaris Art Center operates as a private entity and has mounted over 70 exhibitions over the past seven years. As a subsidiary of UiTM Holdings, Segaris Art Center aims to provide an avenue for the university’s alumni as well as for local emerging and established contemporary artists to showcase their artworks.

Segaris Art Center presents Aftermath, an exhibition featuring eight Malaysian contemporary artists at the 13th edition of Art Expo Malaysia 2019. A total of 25 artworks comprising installation and paintings by Zulkifli Yusoff, Hamir Soib Mohamed, Ilham Fadhli Shaimy, Haslin Ismail, Edroger Rosili, Ismail Awi, Hisyamuddin Abdullah and Khairi Fakhri will be on display.

The theme Aftermath explores the current state of affairs in Malaysia post-General Election 2018 – a historic turn of events with the unprecedented victory by the federal Opposition coalition party that is currently the ruling government. The artworks reflect the repercussions of past glory and the uncertainties of the future.

Hisyamuddin Abdullah

Projek akal umbi
Acrylic & oil on canvas
183 cm x 153 cm
2019

Letusan bawah tanah
Acrylic & oil on canvas
183 cm x 91 cm
2019

Hisyamuddin Abdullah’s Projek Akal Umbi and Letusan Bawah Tanah feature his hallmark self-portrait with blue pool floaties that symbolise support and security in life. According to the artist, Projek Akal Umbi signifies an internal attempt to mobilize a secret agenda. His work is a self-reflection that battles with internal conflicts over the question of life’s journey, desire and hope. In an attempt to escape the cocoon of ordinary life, Hisyamuddin is confronted with dilemmas and the fear of being dependent on certain things to face reality, only to be haunted by its shadows.

Hisyamuddin Abdullah was born in Terengganu in 1989. Having graduated with a Bachelor in Fine Art from Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor in 2012, he held his first solo exhibition entitled SArKAs at Taksu Gallery, Kuala Lumpur (2014). The exhibition title is derived from the Malay words “saka” (demon) and “sarkas” (circus). He has participated in numerous international group exhibitions namely Across the Bridge at S.A.C Subhashok The Arts Center, Bangkok, Thailand (2018); Hotel Art Fair Bangkok with G13 Gallery, Bangkok, Thailand (2018); Art Kaohsiung with G13 Gallery, Taiwan (2017); and Heartbeat of Asia, Art Stage Jakarta with G13 Gallery, Indonesia (2016), among others.

Ismail Awi

One of Malaysia’s most sought-after contemporary artists, Ismail Awi presents three surrealist paintings entitled Constitute, Covenant and Opportunity. Taking on the concept of social commentary, his work responds to current issues and focuses on humanities. The images highlight the use of metaphors and appropriation, particularly of historical events and its narratives in daily lives.

As apparent in the work Covenant, which draws inspiration from the history of treaties that occur during the formation of any country – their influences have shaped the conditions and regulations that are still applied today.

Covenant
Oil & acrylic on canvas
152 cm x 122 cm
2019

Constitute
Oil & acrylic on canvas
213 cm x 152 cm
2019

In Constitute, Ismail Awi makes references to the British colonialism era which the present day has accepted as history and through which the nation’s identity has been formed. According to the artist, his work can also be extrapolated to contemporary humanitarian issues – for instance, there are agreements and disagreements between people that distinguishes one’s thinking.

Born in Terengganu in 1987, Ismail Awi obtained his Bachelor in Fine Art from Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor in 2010. He has participated in group exhibitions such as Beda at Segaris Art Center, Kuala Lumpur (2019); Morphosis at Galeri Prima, Kuala Lumpur (2018); Modern and Contemporary Southeast Asian Art, Sotheby’s, Hong Kong (2018); and Forms of Diversity at Redbase Art, Yogyakarta, Indonesia (2018), among others.

Zulkifli Yusoff

Jolok by Zulkifli Yusoff is a mixed media installation featuring spherical sculptures in varying dimensions that resemble a beehive structure with conical-shaped objects that erect perpendicularly within each sculpture and its surrounding.

Other forms of wall sculptures in variable sizes make up the rest of the installation making Jolok a visually stimulating artwork.

Inspired by the Malay idiom “sarang tebuan jangan dijolok” or as loosely translated in English as do not poke the beehive, Zulkifli makes reference to another similar proverb “let sleeping dogs lie”, which means “avoid interfering in a situation that is currently causing no problems but may well do so as a result of such interference”.

Jolok
Mix-media installation
20’ x 10’ x 9’
Variable dimension
2019

The phrase jolok or to poke is also used as a metaphor to represent society’s latest behaviour that often provokes anger through issues of race and religion. The act of provocation over delicate matters is perilous as it encourages calamity.

This installation is an extension of Zulkifli’s artwork entitled Sarang Tebuan Jangan Dijolok from the collection of National Art Gallery Malaysia, which signifies “the warning stage”.

Born in 1962, Zulkifli Yusoff is one of Malaysia’s leading contemporary artists. His installation titled Kebun Pak Awang is currently on display at the 58th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, which runs till November 24, 2019. He has participated in the 47th Venice Biennale themed Modernities and Memories: Recent Works from the Islamic World in 1997, showcasing his installation Don’t Play During Maghrib. His iconic installation titled Immunity dated 1993, which has been in private collection for the past two decades was displayed to the public for the first time in an exhibition titled Pusaka: Warisan Kemudi Wawasan (Embracing Our Heritage for the Future) at Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery. In 2013, Zulkifli Yusoff’s work was shown at Art Stage Singapore with T.H.E.O. Arts. He was also represented at the Singapore Art Museum’s group show The Collectors Show: The Weight of History. Zulkifli currently sits on the National Visual Arts Development Board.

Hamir Soib

Hamir Soib Mohamed’s Kera Dapat Bunga (Ape Receives Flower) highlights a Pablo Picasso painting as a symbol of the infamous scandal that arose and became widespread news, putting Malaysia in headlines worldwide. Appropriating the gallery display format, the painting calls to attention events arising from human greed and abuse of power. The title “seperti kera mendapat bunga” is a Malay proverb illustrating a person who takes things for granted. As implied by the titling, the painting seeks to impart lessons on negative human behaviour that can bring about great cataclysm to society.

Kera dapat bunga
Acrylic & bitumen on canvas
185cmx142cm
2019

The Circle
Acrylic & bitumen on canvas
152cmx244cm
2019

Another work on display is The Circle, a large painting featuring an anonymous figure entwined and smothered by a seemingly inescapable giant white amorphous blanket. Referencing Salvador Dali’s Geopoliticus Child Watching the Birth of the New Man (1943), the work extends the contemplative idea of life’s circular nature, and its utter indifference. This representation is expressed with subtle erotic elements – organic lines and shades encompass the painting, hinting at the many folds of human forms. As the artist observes the shortening of life cycles in the present fast-paced digital age, he ruminates on the struggles of man currently endured, and potential ones to come.

Born in 1969, Hamir Soib Mohamed graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the School of Art and Design, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor in 1991. His achievements include being a Finalist in the Painting category of the Sovereign Art Award, Hong Kong (2007) and a participant in the Malihom Art Residency awarded by ABN- Amro Malihom, Penang (2007). He is the recipient of numerous awards namely Young Artist Incentive Award, Shah Alam State Gallery, Selangor (2005); Best Art Director in the Film category of the 14th Malaysian Film Festival for Perempuan Melayu Terakhir – in collaboration with Zuraini Anuar (1999); and Consolation Prize (Painting), Image of Poverty, Bukit Cahaya Sri Alam, Selangor (1990). His solo exhibitions include Small Work by Hamir Soib at Segaris Art Center, Kuala Lumpur (2017); Arrival at Ernst & Young ASEAN, Singapore (2009); Imbasan at Wei-Ling Gallery, Kuala Lumpur (2007); and Pameran Tunggal at Gudang, Selangor (2005).

Edroger Rosili

Edroger Rosili creates a pair of paintings entitled Hang Qabil & Hang Habil (after Jaafar Taib) and Mr. Cain & Mr. Abel (after Quentin Tarantino) that feature the anatomy of the human figure stripped down to its bare composition in the act of combat with an opponent.

Hang Qabil & Hang Habil (after Jaafar Taib)
Acrylic on canvas
152 cm x 183 cm
2019

Depicted in two scenarios: East and West, Edroger incorporates combat techniques such as martial arts like silat to represent the East and the use of armaments such as the handgun to portray the West.

Rasa Kuasa (after Jacques-Louis David)
Acrylic on canvas
224 cm x 183 cm
2019

Mr. Cain & Mr. Abel (after Quentin Tarantino)
Acrylic on canvas
152 cm x 183 cm
2019

According to the artist, the human body is created as a mechanism that has the potential and the ability to carry out a decision that is determined by the individual’s mind, in every action that is decided by the inner self. In this work, Edroger attempts to depict the mechanisms of actions by exposing the muscles and nerves at work in response to the body’s intentions. This is to explore how humans are created with built-in possibilities to execute multiple actions along with the responsibilities that come with such power.

Born in Sarawak in 1985, Edroger Rosili graduated with a Bachelor in Fine Art from Universiti Teknologi MARA in 2009. He has held two solo exhibitions namely Jepun Attack Malaya at HOM Art Trans, Kuala Lumpur (2018) and WOYM? (What’s on Your Mind?) at Taksu Gallery, Kuala Lumpur (2013). He has participated in several award exhibitions namely Bakat Muda Sezaman (Young Contemporaries Award) organised by National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur (2010 and 2019) as well as Young Guns Award 2016-2017 organised by HOM Art Trans, Kuala Lumpur. He is a participant of the ACC Asia Art Space Network Residency in Gwangju, South Korea (2018).

Haslin Ismail

Intimacy is not purely physical
Acrylic on canvas
122 cm x 122 cm
2019

Haslin Ismail creates a unique painting from a series entitled Intimacy Is Not Purely Physical that illustrates a suit-wearing reptile, a decapitated human head and a headless painter in a surrealist manner. The work manifests the quandaries faced by mid-career artists whose future ahead are paved by complex decisions to be made.

Born in Muar, Johor in 1984, Haslin Ismail graduated with a Bachelor in Fine Arts from Universiti Teknologi MARA in 2007. His solo exhibitions include Selfies presented by Core Design Gallery at Art Expo Malaysia Plus (2017); Mindmix at G13 Gallery, Selangor (2014);

Book Land represented by G13 Gallery at Art Stage, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore (2014); Transfiguration at G13 Gallery, Selangor (2013); and Exorcismus Persona – Windows into the Fantasy Worlds of Haslin Ismail at RA Fine Arts Gallery, Kuala Lumpur (2009).

Khairi Fakhri

A fresh graduate of Universiti Teknologi MARA, Khairy Fakhri showcases two bitumen on canvas paintings at Art Expo Malaysia for the very first time. Entitled Berjiwa and Berupa, the large-scale figurative paintings depict solitary fisherman hauling a big fishing net – one empty and the other filled with catch of the day.

Berjiwa
Bitumen on canvas
183 cm x 91 cm
2019

Berjiwa or With Soul represents the artist’s observation and view on a fisherman’s life and custom. It illustrates a larger than life fisherman in the act of throwing a net at the start of his day. The artist accentuates the intricacy of the fishing net and its rolls. According to Khairy, in order to understand the nature of his subject matter and his tool, he must first observe and experience the moment. This way, he is able to be compassionate about the fisherman’s yearning for accomplishment. Khairy’s painterly technique and the effects of bitumen as his choice of medium evoke a sense of nostalgia. This work is representative of the fishing community that is still operational today.

Berupa
Bitumen on canvas
183 cm x 91 cm
2019

Berupa or With Form is a continuation of the fisherman’s life when it comes to yielding daily sustenance. The feeling of satisfaction motivates him. Khairy describes the narrative of his work as the feeling of contentment when the rewards of a hard day’s work are proportionate with the efforts put in. Similarly, art is the soul’s highest form of necessity that satisfies one’s spirituality.

Born in Terengganu in 1994, Khairy Fakhri graduated with a Bachelor in Fine Art from Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor in 2018. He has participated in group exhibitions namely Unknown at Segaris Art Center, Kuala Lumpur (2019); Gerak at Penang Art Open Competition and Exhibition, Penang State Museum (2018); 18 Art Show at Publika, Kuala Lumpur (2018) and the International Printmaking and Paper Art Show (IPPAS), Indonesia (2018).

Ilham Fadhli

Fugitive Hotel (scenery)
Acrylic & collage on canvas
153 cm x 306 cm (diptych)
2019

Ilham Fadhli Shaimy’s Fugitive Hotel (Scenery) is a large- scale landscape painting in diptych measuring 153 cm by 306 cm that illustrates a tropical beachfront resort with multiple figures scattered along the coast as protagonists in his fantastical narrative.

Fugitive Hotel I to X (activities)
Acrylic on canvas
30.5 cm x 30.5 cm
2019

The concept of Fugitive Hotel is based on an establishment that does not discriminate and welcomes all people and their differences. This non-discrimination policy is a hospitable quality that the hotel focuses on, which leaves guests contented.

A series of ten small paintings measuring 30.5 cm by 30.5 cm each entitled Fugitive Hotel I to X (Activities) depicts various activities by hotel guests performed indoors and outdoors such as an intimate moment in the hotel room, or enjoying the banana boat ride in the sea. The artist has described each moment as “historical before hotel guests are being labelled as fugitives fleeing from the archaic system”.

Ilham Fadhli Shaimy was born in Kelantan in 1980. He obtained a Bachelor in Fine Arts (Sculpture) from Universiti Teknologi MARA in 2003. His solo exhibitions include To Lie in Ruins at Pace Gallery, Selangor (2009) and Friction at Kebun Mimpi Gallery, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur (2008). He has won several awards namely Consolation Prize at the Penang Open Art Competition organised by Penang State Museum (2015); Grand Prize for the Arts and Earth Competition at KLPAC (2005); and Third Prize for Mekar Citra Independence Show at Galeri Shah Alam, Selangor (2007).

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