Monday June 19, 2006

A glimpse into the past via art

By LIM CHIA YING
Photos by ROHAIZAT DARUS

IZAN Tahir's works may first appear a simple interwoven tapestry of colours but upon looking closer, the pieces seem to tell a story. 

More than just an artist, Izan is akin to a storyteller, one who uses the technique of printmaking to narrate her stories of past events and experiences in foreign lands. 

Though a Malaysian by birth, Izan spent much of her life as a full-time artist in London and the idea for her latest works stemmed from what loss and rediscovery meant to her. 

“People live in an era of emigration and mobility. When we move, we lose things, lose home and lose the memories of people we once loved. 

Izan showing off her Mind Map series.

“When I had to make a decision between staying in London or coming back to Kuala Lumpur, this idea of loss struck me. But I realised at the same time, I am rediscovering things too upon moving to a new place. 

“These memories are so valuable that I wish to safeguard them forever. And this was what inspired me to come up with my ‘Recollection’ instalment,” said Izan. 

“Recollection'' explores the rediscovery and recollection of these lost treasures, the bygone days that have been deeply touching and emotional for Izan. 

Often, memories and photographs are all one has left once an event is past.  

A monoprint titled ‘Buttercup Time in London’ by Izan.

For Izan, it is about sharing these past lessons with her audience through creation of her own palettes of marks and impressions which are assembled into singular, unique images or monoprints. 

Poignant text excerpts and snippets from love letters and poems she received in the past were made into collages of prints that would prompt people to reminisce about their own past loves. 

“I want people to reach a point that when they look at my works, they can have a conversation together.” 

One of the interesting pieces themed “Where Are You?'' describes how she felt upon her return to Malaysia.  

Izan’s “Garden” series sees her employing the natural surroundings as materials for her stories. The frangipani and bougainvilleas planted in her mother’s garden are featured prominently as “these plants have touched my life immensely.” 

All 34 works under “Recollection” are a departure from traditional printmaking, where pieces are usually presented in multiple editions. 

She described her current works as being labour-intensive but worth the effort spent. 

“Printmaking is very much a technical thing to do – you have to cut the wood, set the press and damp the paper. It took me an average of four days to complete a piece.” 

Despite not having any particular favourites as they are all my ''babies,” Izan said her most memorable work was most likely her “Mind Map” series. 

“The mind map pieces are the last which I did for this collection. It was inspired by what I saw from an aeroplane. 

“When I looked down, I thought of a map and started creating maps in my head as to which direction I am heading towards. 

“It is also to tell of life’s long journey full of twists and turns,” said Izan. 

“Recollection” is Izan’s first solo exhibition in Malaysia, having exhibited her works in the United Kingdom, France and South Africa over the last 10 years. 

The exhibition is at Wei-Ling Gallery in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, and is on until June 28. 

For details, call 03-2260 1106.