[ad_1]
In response to inquiries about a censored work of art a few years ago, Izat Arif made a speed limit sign, not unlike those seen in the back of a truck. This was his first attempt to appropriate signs.
Gentle reminders, his current solo exhibition with Richard Koh Fine Art in Kuala Lumpur, continues this exploration with a new body of work dedicated to signs.
Done in a super flat finish using automotive painting techniques, the jobs are instantly recognizable as a replica of common signage. But it is the accompanying text, served with a strong dose of irony, that offers a modification of what, at first glance, seems everyday.
“You don’t have to worry about the idea of making a masterpiece. Instead, draw a portrait of your collector for fun, ”says a“ poster ”.
In another, “the ‘oppressed’ artist seizes the opportunity to express his unfortunate circumstances safely in the gallery.”
ALSO READ: Budget 2021: Is RM15 thousand Enough To Revive The Ailing Arts Industry?
‘Air Tenang Jangan Disangka Tiada Buaya (Don’t assume there are no crocodiles in calm waters)’ by Izat Arif (2K automotive paint and lacquer on MDF board, 2020). Photo: RK Fine Art
Izat, 34, says his love of irony came from his grandmother, who often employed irony while giving life lessons to young people.
“I am constantly looking for alternative ways to tackle certain problems and I find irony and humor to be very accessible methods. The traffic sign is a picture that I see every day, on the way to the studio or when I run errands. These are temporary signs used to warn road users about obstructions due to the overwhelming amount of new and unnecessary development and construction, “says Izat.
“I am quite serious in my practice, but I am surrounded by funny situations and interactions. For example, a friend of mine, after telling a joke, keeps telling me that it is funny. This amuses me,” he adds.
Over the years, we have seen this multidisciplinary artist dabble in a variety of media and techniques, from installations to drawings to videos.
ALSO READ: Penang artist’s colored pencil-drawn works offer a certain meditative calm
‘Life Still Goes On for the Rest of Us’ by Izat Arif (2K Automotive Paint and Lacquer on MDF Board, 2020). Photo: RK Fine Art
Izat’s first solo exhibition was held a decade ago, shortly after completing a fine arts diploma at the Malaysian Institute of Art. Museum Piece 2, Irritability in Animals was held at 12 Gallery in Kuala Lumpur.
Gentle reminders It is his second solo exhibition and the first with Richard Koh Fine Art.
“I feel that this is just an opportunity to show my ideas and my work without having to respond to a particular topic dictated in a group show setting. It can probably serve as a step forward in my professional career as an artist, ”says Izat.
Assembling this body of work to Gentle reminders He has presented her with a working method that he enjoys and with which he intends to continue.
ALSO READ: Tales of Abandoned Factories: For Every Object, There’s a Story to Tell
Izat’s series of signs is a humorous and ironic version of the world around him. Photo: Nor Harith
“I am excited about the possibilities of this particular process of making super flat ‘paintings’. I’m also excited to see what the art world has to offer if we can overcome this pandemic. For the last year or so, I have been interested in the bastarization of culture. I intend to explore more on this topic in future works ”, he shares.
Izat has been in numerous group exhibitions, with some recent ones such as Generator set at Gajah Gallery in Singapore, and Localization of Malaysian Contemporary Art: Echo Boomers at Richard Koh Fine Art.
In 2019, he was part of the Domestic happiness exhibition at Ilham Gallery in Kuala Lumpur.
“I think the most interesting and rewarding aspect of my trip, even if I don’t really like the word ‘trip’ as it is used too often to unnecessarily justify the artist’s practice, is finding many different people and ideas as a result my job. Being able to make art is a privilege and I am grateful to be able to continue making art, ”he says.
Gentle Reminders is at Richard Koh Fine Art, No.34-1, Bangsar in Kuala Lumpur until November 28. Opening hours: 10 am-7pm (Tuesday to Saturday). More info here.
[ad_2]
