For an artist, every stroke of the brush is a representation of an expression. For Ali Nurazmal Yusoff, it should also be an agent of change.
He is looking for a way to a Malaysian version of “modern art”.
Ali said for too long, modern art creators here have mostly been tracing the path of its European masters. This, he said, has to change.
“We need to remodel Malaysian modern art, to give it its own identity,” he said.
He has taken the first step by emphasising Malaysian identify in his work. Mostly his work are reflection of patriotism, the local culture and quirks of the average Malaysian.
He said Western art has a centuries-old heritage but serious Malaysian art took root barely 80 years ago.
“Malaysian artists tend to take the path forged by their Western counterparts because we do not have a legacy of our own,” he said.
Ali said many local artists tend to study Western art. As a result, our basic knowledge of art is based on the Western style.”
He said Malaysian artist should not only improve on what they have acquired from Western art, but also shape an identify for local modern art.
In his own way, Ali is combining the abstract with the real to stir up conversation among those who view his creations.
“If it does not trigger an emotion, it is not art,” he said.
Ali has won many admirers and among them is Defence Senior Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, in whose office one of his masterpieces take centre-stage.
He said for Hishammuddin’s art piece, he focused on what he referred to as an “interchangeable puzzle”.
“It is an abstract piece, but it becomes a picture if you put it together,” he said.
He added that the artwork had created a buzz among art buyers in the international market.
Ali is looking to expand beyond Malaysia but has been held back by the Covid-19 pandemic. For now, he he is focusing on promoting his works locally.
“I believe the change that I advocate should start somewhere. My next project is about showcasing what I can do on my own.”
Ali said, his next exhibition to be staged in July and called Orijimal, will feature works inspired by his first venture into the art scene.
“Orijimal” is a fusion of the word “original” and his middle name. It has been his signature since he took his first steps into the art world.
Ali hopes to stage three instalments of the show at different locations. The first will be at his studio in Putra Heights, the second at a gallery and the third at the Sime Darby Convention Centre in Petaling Jaya.
He also considers himself a performer, and plans to spice up his first exhibition with a monologue.
“I am doing something different this time. I am inviting my audience to participate in my painting session on social media platforms. I want to get them involved to demonstrate the process of creating my pieces.”
Ali added that being an artist today comes with many challenges.
“We must have self-discipline, raise our thought process to a higher level and we must have a strong sense of entrepreneurship.
“We must work on utilising the resources we have rather than be reliant on others. We must know how to create our own opportunities rather than wait for one,” he said.
Source: THE SUN DAILY
