Hidden Beyond Yesterday by Azam Aris


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