Growing numbers of art groups, associations and organizations in Malaysia reflect the encouraging sign of progression in the visual arts. They enhance the development of the arts amongst young artists, and move towards positive changes and fresher outlook. It shows that irregardless of the economic up and downs, artists continue to search for expression.
In the early 1930’s, Malaya witnessed the first ever art group namely the Pelukis Cat Air Pulau Pinang. This was then followed by the Wednesday Art Group (formed in 1954), Angkatan Pelukis Semenanjung (1956), Anak Alam (1974), Matahati (1993) and since several art collectives have formed focused intently on their respective mediums, disciplines and philosophies. WARNA(2006) is the latest addition to this legacy.
Five young artists formed WARNA. They are Faizal Suhif, Azli Wahid, Ali Azraie Bebit, Halim Hasan and Razlan Adnan. The group emerged when they were students at the Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam and represent four major disciplines in art: drawing, painting, print and sculpture. Members in WARNA are a young collective developing their unique expression inspired by nature, the environment and aspects of youth and popular culture. They support each other conceptually and artistically to challenge and exchange ideas reflective of a new generation.
Faizal Suhif, makes his block prints from found objects, such as drift wood and cement. His piece entitled ‘Gajah’ uses cement as a print mould which results in accidental textures and markings. Azli Wahid, Ali Azraie and Razlan Adnan are sculptors. Azli uses wood for his sculptural work, which is inspired by boats. Azli deconstructs traditional elements of boat-making and plays with shadow effects to create organic sculptural forms and objects. Both Ali and Razlan are nostalgic about their early childhood. Ali re-appropriates cartoon images such as Doraemon and Snoopy and by using metal autoparts, television, he constructs three dimensional kinetic works. The metals used are rough, spiked and textured. On the other hand, Razlan approaches toys for their inherent plastic qualities, for their vivid colours and attractiveness and tactile smooth surfaces. Halim Hasan paints in oils and acrylic and is also a printmaker. Using ants as metaphors for human he paints subliminal canvasses reminiscent of Chinese ink paintings.
For their first exhibition WARNA invites three other young artists: Adlan Aman, Azizan Talkis and Angela Liu Jing, each showing a distinctly different account of personal expression.
- By Suzlee Ibrahim (Artist & Lecturer UITM Shah Alam)
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