Wan Jaafar Wan Derahman (Waja, 1955-2014)’s Untitled (acrylic and ink on art block paper, 2005). Photos: National Visual Arts Gallery
Contrary to what some people may think, you don’t necessarily have to go to art school if you want to be an artist. Yes, getting artistic training does have benefits.
However, creating art without any formal training has long been a time-honoured tradition. There is even a name for it: ‘naive art’, or outsider art. There is therefore no need to take offence if you are called a naive artist. In a way, it’s a compliment.
