Ahmad Shukri’s debut solo exhibition showcases ecosystems

WALKING into a gallery filled with Ahmad Shukri Mohamed’s paintings is like taking a walk into nature.

There can be no doubt that nature has had an impact on this contemporary artist, as each and every piece of his art depicts nature and ecosystems. His artistic skills are playfully shown with the colours and techniques used in every artwork.

Themed Golden Gate, this is Ahmad Shukri’s first solo exhibition since the last was held in Singapore in 2005.

“Ecology, medicine and subjects like sociopolitics can be related to nature, so academically, nature has left a profound impact on me. It’s something priceless and that’s why I call it ‘gold’.

“As for the term ‘gate’, it does not refer to a physical door so much, but a door towards knowledge,” said the 43-year-old, who grew up in a village in Kota Baru, Kelantan.

Ahmad Shukri believes that one should do what is closest to them, as only then will they enjoy it most.

“Painting is a never-ending story, it is a series of images. I constantly think about producing good artwork and, although it’s a long journey, it’s more of an expectation you place upon yourself,” said Ahmad Shukri, who is known as a mixed media artist.

The term mixed-media art is a broad definition that covers many arts and crafts, including collage, assemblages (both 2D and 3D), altered objects, including books and boxes, handmade greeting cards, artist trading cards (ATCs) and tags, and art journalling among others.

Having obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Institut Teknologi Mara (now UiTM) in 1992, Ahmad Shukri did his first residency locally, followed by stints abroad.

“I have been to Europe, the United States and the Middle East for workshops, and I got to work with artists from all over the world,” said Ahmad Shukri, who has had 25 years of experience in art.

Talking about his artworks in the exhibition, especially the piece called Chandelier, Ahmad Shukri explained that the piece is about the jungle and how he added man-made elements like the chandelier to illustrate the transformation from interiors and exteriors.

“It tells one about modernity and how we live today. Before, we had trees, jungles, natural sounds and birds flying under the moonlight. But, today it’s artificial lights.

“I’ve created two moods — the mood of the jungle and what it feels like being at home. It is a bit of a cliche, but the visuals make it unique,” he said, adding that in terms of technique, he included layering, image transfers and hand-painting, which makes the piece a collage work.

Ahmad Shukri further illustrates that the butterflies represent the forest and the beauty of nature, while goldfish remind people of domestic environment, which he has used as a contrast to nature in his works.

“I used to be a full-time lecturer with UiTM, but decided to come out of it and focus more on my career as an artist. I still take on part-time academic work at UiTM,” he said, adding that when he was a student, his mentors were mid-career artists like Fauzan Omar.

“I enjoy mentoring students as they aspire to be great artists and I try my best to teach them the skills to survive in their chosen field, apart from teaching them ways to deal with collectors, gallery owners and writers,” he said with a smile.

Ahmad Shukri said painting is more than just a hobby — if a painter has talent but no passion, the ability to create art cannot be sustained.

He is married to 36-year-old Umi Baizurah Mahir @ Ismail, a well-known ceramic artist and has two children.

Ahmad Shukri is one of the co-founders of the non-conformist Matahati group, which has since become the voice of the future of Malaysian Art.

He is today one of the leaders in ground-breaking contemporary art in Malaysia and has exhibited his work extensively worldwide. Not confined by style, material or subject matter, he revels in forming multi-layered collages with oil paint, industrial crate plank, aluminium foil, canvas, paint and paper.

Shukri maintains that the only constant thing in his art is change.

He is currently showcasing his solo exhibition from now till Feb 18 at Pace Gallery, 64 Jalan Kemajuan 12/18, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. For details, contact 03-7954 6069.