UOB Art Space Unveils Emerging Artists at AMBOI@TRX

AMBOI@TRX brings art and culture to life at Tun Razak Exchange from the 2nd to 8th September 2024, celebrating Malaysia's rich heritage during the Merdeka – Hari Malaysia period. Experience a vibrant showcase of cultural performances, craft workshops, and art exhibitions including the UOB Art Space, which specially runs from the 2nd to 16th September 2024 at the MRT CBD Link.

In partnership with TRX, UOB is proud to showcase an exquisite collection of paintings by the winners of its prestigious UOB Painting of the Year competition. Since its inception in Singapore in 1982 and expansion to Malaysia in 2011, the UOB Painting of the Year competition has been pivotal in discovering and nurturing local artistic talents.

The gallery features new masterpieces by Malaysia's emerging artists. Whether you are an art collector or simply an admirer of creative expression, dive into these diverse artwork pieces and let their stories and emotions captivate you.

__________________________________

All Bound to Fate

 

Through this artwork, the artist invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of human existence, the illusion of control, and the existential uncertainty that accompanies the realisation of being mere players in a larger, predetermined narrative.

Inspired by the comedic trials of characters like Wile E. Coyote in *The Road Runner Show*, this artwork delves into existential themes of fate, control, and the blurred boundaries between reality and fiction. The repeated failures of the coyote—seemingly orchestrated by unseen forces—despite its elaborate strategies and efforts, serve as a metaphor for the limitations of human agency in the face of a predetermined reality. The realisation that the coyote's purpose is merely to entertain through his perpetual failure highlights the absurdity of existence and the existential angst that accompanies the recognition of one's own lack of control.

Drawing parallels to the concept of the fourth dimension, where time and fate intertwine, the artwork explores the cyclical nature of human experience and the sense of predestined suffering. Just as the coyote is trapped in an endless cycle of pursuit and failure, the artist grapples with the vulnerability of not being in control of one's own future.
 

The Artist:

Izhar Yusrin Bin Zainuddin is a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts from MARA University of Technology (UiTM) Shah Alam. He participated in an art installation at the Kapallorek Art Space for Antara 2.0 exhibition and won the Jury's Choice Award at the Spotlight 2021 art competition organised by Penang Art District.

__________________________________

Dah Kemas Semo Ka? II, 2024

 

“Dah Kemas Semo Ka?II” – Connection delves deeper into the cultural significance of the Sarawak language, particularly in navigating the balance between rural and urban life. By incorporating cement as a material in this artwork, the artist explores how language shapes our interactions with the environment and reflects on the intricacies of cultural identity. The artwork embodies the enduring values and connections to her Sarawakian authenticity by transforming a drawing into a cement casting. This piece is a testament to the artist's ongoing dialogue with her roots, inviting viewers to contemplate their relationship with language, culture, and personal identity within both urban and rural settings.
 

The Artist:

 

Born in Sarawak and currently based in Shah Alam, Mairul Nisa Binti Malek is a visual artist whose work masterfully blends personal narratives with broader socio-political themes, offering profound insights into self-identity across varied contexts. Mairul has participated in numerous local and international exhibitions.

__________________________________

For The Love of Sweet and Bitter Truth 2  

 

The Tale That Was Not Right                           

 

Because You Are an Apple

 

These semi-abstract paintings, created using plastic, explore the tension between artificiality and nature, with the material serving as a metaphor for life’s impermanence. Plastic, though durable and resistant to decay, ironically symbolises the fleeting nature of existence—its permanence contrasts sharply with the ephemeral nature of life. Through textured layers and abstract forms, these works reflect on the paradox of a material that endures far beyond human lifespans, serving as a poignant reminder of the transient, fragile beauty of life in a world increasingly dominated by the synthetic.

 

The Artist:

 

Ahmad Syakir Bin Hashim has a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art from MARA University of Technology (UiTM) Shah Alam in 2008 and later pursued a master's degree in 2018. He has exhibited in many local art exhibitions and also won the consolation prize for the “Waste to Art” competition in 2019.

__________________________________

Ear

 

“Ear” explores the playful idea of my ear acting as an assistant, showing how I rely on it to hold various things.
The image captures the small but essential role my ear plays in my daily life, always there to help out in subtle ways.
It’s a simple yet vital collaboration between me and my ear.

 

Powered

 

The word "power" is derived from the term used for nearsightedness.
“POWERED” represents my observation that my nearsighted glasses make my facial features look smaller, and sometimes, they make me feel as though I look dumber.
The close-up view emphasises how the glasses distort my face, blending humor with a bit of self-consciousness.
It explores how something as simple as glasses can shape my identity and how I perceive myself.

The Artist:

 

Jaclyn Teh is a mixed-media artist based in Malaysia. She graduated in 2019 with a diploma in Fine Art from the Malaysian Institute of Art. She takes inspiration from things happening in her daily life, be it a trivial situation or casual thoughts, and presents them with a pinch of humour.

__________________________________

Threads of Culture

 

This artwork is a vibrant exploration of Mah Meri weaving traditions, specifically highlighting the 'Bunga Moyang' motif. The six 1x1 feet pieces are intricately combined to create a larger narrative that celebrates the artistry and cultural heritage of the Mah Meri people. The artist uses the 'Tempoq,' a traditional headgear, along with various flower weavings as central subjects, bringing forth the unique patterns and colors that define this indigenous craft. Each piece showcases a different color and shape, representing the diversity within the tradition while emphasising the cultural expression embodied in the act of weaving. Through this work, the artist aims to preserve and promote the richness of Mah Meri weaving, honoring it as a vital part of Malaysia's cultural tapestry.

 

Keris Berlok

 

"Keris Berlok" is an evocative piece that draws inspiration from the Mah Meri weaving tradition, specifically incorporating the 'Keris Berlok' motif. The artist has employed print techniques to transfer this intricate design onto the canvas, merging cultural heritage with contemporary artistic methods. The background features an abstract composition rendered in earthy, natural tones, symbolising a deep connection to the environment. Interestingly, the abstract forms in the background have come together serendipitously to resemble the figure of a warrior, echoing the strength and resilience associated with the keris—a traditional Malay weapon. This unintentional yet powerful image ties the artwork to its title and enhances the narrative of cultural pride and historical significance embedded within the Mah Meri weaving tradition.

 

The Artist:

 

With over 13 years of experience in the visual arts, her journey has evolved from academia to various artistic industries, culminating in her current role as a dedicated full-time artist. Her work has been showcased in a wide range of exhibitions, from local venues to international galleries, reflecting her deep commitment to artistic exploration.

 

__________________________________

 

Don't miss this opportunity to check out the UOB Art Space at AMBOI@TRX and if you're interested in purchasing a featured artwork, please message +6019-274-8000.

For more details on UOB Art, visit www.uobandart.com
To explore the exciting activities of AMBOI@TRX, visit:
https://www.instagram.com/tunrazakexchange/
https://www.facebook.com/TRXMyCity/