Syahmi Jamaluddin lights up an introspective journey through art

Syahmi posing in front of a new work titled 'Hujan Batu Di Negeri Sendiri', inspired, in part, by a Malay proverb surrounding loyalty to one’s homeland and how roots run deep. Photo: The Star/Izzrafiq Alias

Syahmi Jamaluddin likes his exhibitions to be plugged-in affairs.

His latest solo show Introspektif at Core Design Gallery, Subang Jaya City Centre (SJCC) in Selangor sees seven painting installation works rigged up to power points, with glowing lights and floral patterns adding to the LED atmosphere.

“Even in my early works, I always knew there was room for me to add new things, and develop fresh creative ideas,” says Syahmi, 31.

“In this new show, I specifically used LED lights because they suit the theme I was going for – there are works that look inwards, and also pieces that look ‘outside’, to see the bigger picture,” he adds.

Learning to fit electrical components for his light frames was worth it for Syahmi, who found himself picking up the skills to set up simple circuits. Photo: The Star/Izzrafiq Alias

As a doting father, who found the time to introduce his works to his three-year old daughter at a recent gallery visit, Syahmi agrees that becoming a parent often marks a profound shift in an artist’s perspective.

As an individual (and parent), he is embracing this new chapter of growth and maturity. On the artistic front, this Introspektif exhibition also captures Syahmi’s innermost thoughts and emotions. From the works presented, viewers will notice how they resemble windows on an apartment building.

A close-up shot of of Syahmi's piece ‘Pemangsa’, where he says the purity in animals make them easier to depict in artworks compared to humans who can have ulterior motives. Photo: The Star/Izzrafiq Alias

Just as a window frames and illuminates the world beyond, these new works from Syahmi navigate complexities with newfound wisdom gleaned from experience and introspection.

He explains in the artwork Ruang Pulang that being a father makes him more considerate about the environment his daughter grows up in, especially since they moved to a new neighbourhood.

Circuits and wires

Unlike traditional painting techniques that focus on layering, Syahmi chose diverse mediums and techniques to create the works in this Introspektif exhibition.

In his previous exhibitions, he experimented by using silkscreen printing and canvas (Boundary: Dream and Survival), followed by multi-coloured shades of acrylic glass in Self-Evident.

Introspektif features backlit LED strip lights that enhance the visuals within coloured acrylic glass. If you ask the gallery staff, they can also turn off the LED lights of the artworks, revealing different patterns within the frames.

A look behind the canvas as Syahmi fits the LED light to one of his paintings. Photo: Core Design Gallery

The challenge of learning to fit electrical components for his light frames was worth it for Syahmi, who found himself picking up the skills to set up simple circuits as he progressed with the new artworks.

The Klang, Selangor-based artist recalls taking about two weeks to complete a single artwork.

“There was a bit of trial and error at the start. I remembered a little from my 'kemahiran hidup' classes, on how to attach wires and such.

"The people at the hardware and electronics store were also helpful, giving me opinions on how best to approach my art,” says Syahmi with a chuckle.

Visitors intrigued by a detail from an artwork by Syahmi at the 'Introspektif' show. Photo: The Star/Izzrafiq Alias

“They taught me a lot, especially on how I could rig up a painting, run wires through it,” he adds.

The creative process, though a bit tricky, also proved to be a satisfying experience for Syahmi.

“For me, I want to be surprised when I completed each of the new works. If I already know how they were going to look like, then there’s almost no point making them. Nobody likes watching a movie when you know the ending,” he says.

Syahmi’s Introspektif exhibition is part of the Malaysia Emerging Artist Award by CIMB Foundation, where he was one of the five winners in 2022.

Introspektif exhibition is showing at Core Design Gallery, Subang Jaya City Centre (SJCC) in Selangor until March 24. Open: Monday to Sunday, 9.30am to 6pm.