HOM Art Trans would like to present Perak born Fadli Mokhtar’s 3M open studio showcase, mind(E)scape. Featuring 11 monoprint and collage, on canvas and paper, the artist’s most recent body of work is essentially part of a bigger journey of self-discovery within his practice. Fadli describes the process of bringing these works of art to life as “an escape from reality”. Thus, this series inherently provides insight to the landscape of Fadli’s mind. Thoughtful and contemplative, the open studio teases the audience with the opportunity to explore fragments of the artist’s memories, dreams, and yearnings.
This showcase will conclude Fadli’s participation with the 3M Studios, also known as HOM Art Trans’ intensive studio programme. As one of the artists selected to undergo the programme, Fadli was provided with a studio space for three months, where he was able to focus on the development of this body of work. With ample room to experiment, he was able to work on a scale larger than previously accomplished. Out of the 11 featured art works from mind(E)scape, five are canvases ranging from 122 x 153cm, to 100 x 100 cm, with the remaining six art works on paper; works from this series will be open to the general public at HOM Studios between the 24th to 31st of March 2021.
Fadli’s use of technique and approach to his work had been largely influenced by his time in Japan, where he was based for four years. It is evident he has actively pursued growth and sought out opportunities to share his work with the world with four solo exhibitions on his belt, three of which were showcased in Japan, and multiple exhibitions locally and internationally. Presently, he resides and works between Pahang and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Sesuatu Yang Tidak Diketahui
Monotype, Image Transfer, and Collage on Canvas
122 x 153cm
2021
RM 3,000
Potret Diri sebagai sebuah Monumen
Monotype, Image Transfer and Collage on Canvas
122 x 153cm
2021
RM 3,000 \ Sold
Bicara Bapak Dengan Anak Bilamana Ibu Menghijau
Monotype, Image Transfer and Collage on Canvas
122 x 153 cm
2021
RM 3,000
The Enlightened Morning
Monotype, Transfer Image and Collage on Canvas,
122 x 150 cm
2021
Collection of HOM Residency
Amna in Her Own World
Monotype, transfer Image and Collage on Canvas
100 x 100 cm
2021
RM 1500
Bahang Jiwa,
Monotype and Collage on Paper
28.5 x 39 cm
2021
RM 900
Homecoming
Monotype and Collage on Paper
28.5 x 39 cm
2021
RM 900
Jahanam
Fadli Mokhtar
Monotype and Collage on Paper
28.5 x 39 cm
2021
RM 900
Sacred Mountain
Monotype and Collage on Paper
28.5 x 39 cm
2021
RM 900
Menanti Si Godot
Monotype and Collage on Paper
28.5 x 39cm
2021
RM 900
Globalization
Fadli Mokhtar
Monotype and Collage on Paper
28.5 x 39 cm
2021
RM 900
Fadli Mokhtar (b.1986) was born in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia; he currently lives and works between Pahang and Kuala Lumpur. Having pursued his formal fine art training from Universiti Teknologi Mara Malaysia (UiTM), he currently holds an MFA. Fadli’s artistic endeavours has provided him with opportunities to exhibit his work on both local and international scale; he has been featured in group shows in China, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Colombia, Serbia, and Indonesia.
Notably, he spent four years in Japan, where he held three solo exhibitions between 2015 to 2018. His artwork is included in the collections of National Visual Art Gallery Malaysia, Gallery of Japan Artists’ Association Japan, Gallery Tuanku Nur Zahirah , Malaysia , Faculty Of Art & Design UiTM Shah Alam, Malaysia, Faculty Of Art & Design UiTM, Kelantan Malaysia , Gallery Malaysia National University UKM Bangi, News Straits Times Berhad Malaysia, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMSC), Malaysia
Artist Statement
My work serves as a metaphor of my spiritual journey as a man and an artist, exploring the concept of life as a journey and process of self-discovery. I believe that the need to understand the reason of our existence are tendencies inherently tied to human nature; perhaps our constant craving to question and reason aligns with our need to find peace and balance in our lives. This suggests the necessity of self-reflection in acceptance of the impact of significant events in our lives.
Despite our differences, we are all somehow connected to one another, united by how we relate our past to our present and our constant desire for more. Human beings are always looking for ways to better understand themselves and their life’s purpose. With this in mind, my practice remains to be instrumental in the process of identifying my needs and my place in this world. This perception of human nature translates into my practice, drawing inspiration from fragmented memories of my own life experiences, as I attempt to navigate my own thoughts and memories. Using my own memories and experience as my chosen subject matter, my work is essentially a collage of my history.
My work comprises of layered imagery and surreal elements, and this series can be best described as a mindscape symbolising an escape from reality. Investigating memories, dreams, hopes, uncertainties, and more, this series explores the complex manner in which our thoughts and experiences actively shape us. Through the use of semiotics, abstraction, and representation, I attempt to walk the line between reality and our desires, portraying the themes of everyday life through mundane objects. Evidently, my work is a meditative way to address these soul-searching questions, and to achieve harmony and balance between my mind, body, and soul.
My Process
As the creation of my work acts as a means of self-discovery and reflection, I would like to highlight that the arrangement of my collages is highly spontaneous and intuitive. My work is a combination printmaking, collage, and paper cutting, all of which play an important role in reaching the end product. My background in print has instilled a deep-rooted appreciation in me, for the unique marks produced in printmaking. Using monoprinting as a printmaking technique, I experiment with several types of paper; the differing properties of the various types papers used creates diversity in the results. The type of ink, surface, and pressure used to print are also contributing factors to the distinctive marks and patterns produced.
The hands-on process of creating and building my composition is intuitive, almost second nature. I start by cutting shapes and forms from the monoprints created, and proceed by collaging them on to my chosen surface- be it paper or canvas. Most often, I am only able to pinpoint the relevance of certain forms and shapes nearing completion of a composition. It is comparable to putting together puzzle pieces to construct a picture without an image for reference; similarly, the shapes and forms that make up each of my works, are puzzle pieces of my thoughts and memories.
