Hidden Beyond Yesterday
by Tan Sei Hon
Azam’s current 4th solo exhibition was inspired by a number
of artists, among them M.C. Escher (1898-1972), the Dutch graphic artist known
for his meticulous print works blending geometric patterns, decorative motifs,
realistic images with elements of optical illusion. He also cites the works of
composer Benedict Drew (b.1977) and installation artist Ilya Kabakov (b.1933)
as important influences for some of these works. Entitled ‘Hidden Beyond
Yesterday’, this exhibition sees Azam in a reflective mood as he recollects, by
selecting random memories or thoughts while focusing on the intensity of those
experiences from his past to channel into his latest output. Showcasing a
series of 11 paintings, mixed media works and installations, ‘Hidden Beyond
Yesterday’ also marks one decade of Azam’s career as an art practitioner. It is
indeed no coincidence that Azam chose to have this exhibition at HOM Art Trans
where he was given his very first solo ten years ago.
In this latest outing, which includes previously unfinished
works, now completed in the form that is agreeable to the artist and at a time
that is fitting to his current state of mind, Azam sees many of the pieces here
as bridges between the past and the future in terms of possible artistic
directions, especially his post residency works. As a contemporary artist, Azam
has at his disposal a wide array of styles and approaches, limited only by his
imagination or those set by his subject matter. One important aspect underlying
almost all of Azam’s past and present works is the element of humour. No matter
what or how serious the issues tackled by the artist, humour, couched in the
absurd actions or situation of the characters in his works reveal the utter
idiocy or self inflicted wounds that are due to ignorance, arrogance or greed.
Besides the issues affecting the individual or society and his reactions, Azam
also found interesting aspects to his personality from his journey inward to
his past which surprised and delighted him. The ideas and views which he held
or took for granted, when looked again from different perspectives or approach
from another angle sheds new light which becomes refreshing. There are the
colourful pieces where empty spaces or rooms of walls tessellated with cubic or
polygonal shapes play host to ghostly hands and feet, floating in and out of
walls. There is an emphasis on contrasts, where geometric forms, perhaps representing
cold, impenetrable logic or precision are paired with the ghostly or the
grotesque, something mysterious, part of the natural world, perhaps irrational
even, like human behaviour. It is as though Azam has found the yin to his yang
and vice versa. There is also a beautiful tribute to our National Art Laureate,
Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal (1929-2011) entitled ‘Escape to Valhalla’, referring to
the late artist’s Modernist sculpture ‘Lunar Peaks’ that was hastily demolished
by the previous government, claiming it was an ‘eye sore’ that was in the way
of the massive gentrification program taking place in the heart of the city.
An eclectic amalgamation of past works reworked and new ones,
this exhibition reflects the growing maturity of an innovative artist who is
not afraid to experiment and explore different approaches. The invigorating
discovery of something new in something ‘old’ also contributes to his enjoyment
of the creative process and art making. In fact, the words enjoyment and
pleasure are stressed by the artist who feels like a jazz musician improvising
on his instruments to a familiar tune or inventing totally new ones while at
it. What was hidden beyond yesterday, has revealed itself after a decade in obscurity.
This revelation, though not final, indicates to the artist that he is exactly
right where he is supposed to be today.
Artworks
The Little Man Who Wasn’t There
Acrylic on canvas
157 x 127cm
2018
RM 11,000 | Reserved
Pintu Keluar
Acrylic on canvas
154 x 129cm
2018
RM 11,000 | Reserved
Room To Dream
Acrylic on canvas
158 x 128 cm
2018
RM 11,000
Escape to Valhalla
Acrylic on canvas
202 x 153 cm
2018
RM 18,000
Nephilim: The Guardian Of Valhalla
Acrylic on canvas
61 x 61 cm
2018
RM 2,000
Nephilim: The Guardian Of Valhalla
Acrylic on canvas
61 x 61 cm
2018
RM 2,000
Ladies-in-Waiting: Valhalla
Acrylic on canvas
120 x 80 cm
2018
RM 7,000
Di Sepanjang Terusan: Sebelum
Fabric, acrylic on canvas
166 x 128 cm
2018
RM 11,000
Di Sepanjang Terusan: Selepas
Fabric, acrylic on canvas
166 x 128 cm
2018
RM 11,000 | Private Collection
The Eyes
Watercolor on paper with plastic laminate
120 x 120 cm
2018
RM 7,000 | Reserved
Eyesore
Pencil, acrylic on canvas with neon light.
Variable dimension
2018
RM 20,000
Ketawa Kopitalis: Post Performance
Mixed media
Variable dimension
2017-2018
Artist's Collection