Syazwan (second from left) receiving the Spotlight 2025 trophy from Lee in front of ‘The Fault Lines’. With them are Ooi (right) and Ng.
WHILE stuck in heavy holiday traffic, an artist from Perak received news that made his heart pound.
Muhammad Syazwan Abdul Rahim was en route to the Spotlight 2025 Finalist Showcase in George Town, Penang, when the organiser called to ask his whereabouts.
His work “The Fault Lines” had been chosen as the grand-prize winner and a trophy was waiting for him at the opening ceremony.
“I was quite nervous about my chances,” said the father-of-two from Taiping.
“I never imagined getting the good news on the road.”
Arriving to warm applause, Syazwan received his prize from head judge Lee Khai and later revealed the inspiration for his 107cm x 107cm acrylic and gel ink ballpoint pen on canvas artwork.
He overlaid topographic map-like contours with a lattice pattern to highlight the perils of uncontrolled development and the outcomes of climate change.
‘In Absence of Choice I Fall’ by Izhar Yursin.
He knows the issue all too well as flooding occurs frequently in Taiping’s low-lying areas, with the most recent flood in late October.
“Over-urbanisation is a factor we can no longer deny,” he said.
He stressed that floods underscored the urgent need for sustainable urban planning.
It took him two weeks to create his winning piece.
The box-like patterns created by the lattice represent the formulaic spaces societies now live in, while the gradient points symbolise hillslope development.
“Every time we carve out spaces for human habitation, the environment pays a price,” Syazwan, 31, said.
The Jury’s Choice Awards were presented to Fisshy Yee Yun Ping for her work “Secret World Ontology”, Lim Yong Wei for “Sunbracer”, Fakhrur Maricar for “Penang, Untitled #1”, Cassandra Menon for “The Red Gaza” and Izhar Yusrin for “In Absence of Choice I Fall”.
The eighth edition of Spotlight was organised by Penang Art District (PAD) with support from UOB Malaysia and the Penang Institute that was represented by its executive director Datuk Ooi Kee Beng.
The competition drew 102 submissions which included paintings, sculptures, mixed media and experimental works.
PAD general manager Kenny Ng said the Spotlight programme was designed not only to recognise artistic excellence, but also to create meaningful pathways for emerging artists.
A gallery visitor reading the exhibition booklet which provides info on the artists and their artwork.
“We are proud to provide a platform that supports artists’ growth, visibility and creative confidence.
“It is a space for them to experiment, reflect and find their voice.
“The works seen here reflect their thoughtful engagement with contemporary issues,” Ng added.
Lee said each edition of Spotlight revealed the incredible range of creativity found among emerging talent in Malaysia.
“What sets this programme apart is that the winner is not only recognised for a single work but also given opportunities to grow through a mentorship and future solo exhibition.
“This reflects our belief that artistic development is a process rather than a moment,” added Lee, who has been on the judging panel since Spotlight’s inception.
The exhibition at MassHaus Gallery, 147A, Victoria Street in George Town, showcases the works of 20 finalists.
It runs from this Thursday to Sunday, noon to 5pm.
Admission is free.
