I was first introduced to the art scene by a colleague whose father, Encik Nik M Fahmee, is an art collector. Over the years, he has authored four books, Ginger Biscuits, Butterflies in My Stomach, Walking Back Home, and In Her Garden: Art and Penang Stories. I have had the privilege of reading three of them, and one of them, which he gifted to me.
Although I have never met Encik Nik M Fahmee in person, his writing leaves a good impression on me. Through his writings, I believe he is a nice man, and someone I would love to spend some time with coffee or tea, speaking about art and also life itself. His writing also reminded me of Thirukkural, Chapter 4, கல்வி (Possession of Knowledge), Kural 394. In my own interpretation, it means that when a learned person departs, those around him/her are left wondering, “When will we meet again?”
Hoping one day our paths will cross.
Ever since being introduced to the art scene, I have been visiting art exhibitions in the Klang Valley. I made good friends with Iwadh Mahadi, an artist in the scene too.
After visiting several art exhibitions, I started to develop the thought, "I wish I could buy this art".
On my birthday month, by accident, I came across an artist, Syafiah Hinnah, who was selling her art print on TikTok. I then bought it.
I love this art. I love the little details around it. The messages about figuring things out, feeling not enough, understanding that it is okay to not be okay, and knowing that the clouds will pass soon are things I could relate to ever since leaving university. While the sunshine feels a little less bright these days, I believe this is just another character building phase in life.
At this point in writing, I acknowledge that I am an imperfect human with an imperfect heart. But this quote is something I carried with me for almost 10 years and has helped me in many decision-making moments.
I also remember my Bahasa Melayu tuition teacher, Cikgu Zuraidi, once advising my siblings and me with a simple phrase, “Jadilah manusia.” A simple quote that contains a complex meaning due to the dynamics of life itself. And to "Jadilah manusia", is to have a heart.
I love how the artwork begins with “Bismillahirrahmanirrahim”, and how my first art piece starts in the name of the Almighty. I would describe the entire piece as He(art).
He: as the work begins in the name of the Almighty.
Art: as the beauty of the artwork itself.
Heart : because ultimately, that is what gives meaning and beauty to the piece.
Recently, I also visited the "AKAR: The Fragments of Our Life" Art Exhibition at the Malaysia Institute of Art, and I found the works by Patricia Christine incredibly unique and beautiful in their own way.
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