Thursday August 2, 2007
An artist with a mission
By LIM CHIA YING
Photos by DARRAN TAN
ARTIST Hamir Soib@Mohamed's paintings may not just be everyone's cup of tea. The artworks, which depict images like serpents, bones, and mostly out-of-thenorm representations of humans and the environment in black swirls of paint, are quite frankly, not paintings you would want to hang in your living room.
But Hamir remains unperturbed, according to him his artworks are 'visual commentaries' on social and political issues, that he feels 'socially responsible' to convey to people.
“An artist, I think, should not be money-driven,” opined the 38-yearold. “They must create the excitement and experience for viewers, and not just concerned about making paintings that sell.
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| Are we there yet?: Artist Hamir Soib with one of his paintings titled 'Rapuh' that questions the behaviour of Malaysians. |
“I believe in pushing the limits of the mind so that people can read messages between those lines, and to see things beyond just beautiful paintings.
“There are so many social and political ills happening today that I feel the need to socially contribute by saying something. These works, hence, are my personal interpretations based on my observations,” Hamir continued. The Muar-born artist's second solo exhibition, aptly titled 'Imbasan' (which means reflection) is currently being shown at the Wei-Ling Gallery.
Hamir said that if people appreciate even just one of his artworks, it will make him happy. “They don't have to understand (my works), but just as long as they enjoy and appreciate, I'm fine with that. And if I can affect a change in the society through my work, it's great, otherwise at least I know I'd done my part,” he said.
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| Environmental concern: This piece aptly called ''Just A Matter Of Time' which shows land erosion and trees tumbling as a result of environmental problems. |
One of his works called 'Rapuh' depicts the image of a brittle biscuit engraved with the words 'Merdeka 50 Malaysia'.
The message behind, said Hamir, is that despite 50 years of independence, the behaviour of some Malaysians are still disappointing. “A simple example - traffic offenders. Even when the traffic light shows red, you can still see cars zooming past.
“This is a fine country to live in but if only everyone could be a bit more considerate and change for the better, then I think it would be lovely.
“Then, there is the 'Mat Rempit' issue. The root of any problems starts from home and school, and if we don't address this early, then it would continue growing for the next 10 years.
“It's not suffice to be just literate, we have to be civic-minded too,” said Hamir.
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| Not your typical painting: Another out-of-the-norm artwork with hidden messages titled 'Membuang Tiang Seri (Unfinished)'. |
Another painting called 'The Counsellor' speaks of Hamir's annoyance with politicians who abuse their power.
His concern for the environment is reflected in the painting titled 'Sepat Oh Sepat'. In the piece, the black 'sepat' fish, which is popular among children from the village, is stained with red spots on its head. “The sepat fish can be found in drains. I used to catch them when I was young. The blemished fish in the painting indicates that pollution is already near our homes!” said Hamir.
On questions whether his artwork is controversial, Hamir replied that his paintings are merely his opinions, done subtly without opposing anything.
“It's a democratic country but I'm not doing anything radical. Social ills are not acknowledged by many and if we don’t address them now, how can we create a better future for our children?” he said.
Gallery director Lim Wei-Ling said it took Hamir close to 13 years to achieve some form of acceptance in the local art scene.
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Morbid: Not something that you would consider for your living room. |
“He has been painting for the last 16 years, yet it took him 13 years to have his first solo exhibition outside his own gallery, Gudang, in Damansara Jaya.
“Despite these difficulties, Hamir persevered, refused to conform to the norm and stayed on the right path. “We are thrilled to be supporting an artist who continued his own independent artistic journey, distancing himself from the status quo of the time, which is itself a trait to be admired,” said Lim.
The exhibition continues on until Aug 10. Wei-Ling Gallery is located at 8, Jalan Scott, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur.
For appointments, call 03-2260 1106 / 017- 8877216.