by AKMAR ANNUAR
THE contrast between nature and the industrial world is a focal point in Inbetween Worlds, Faizal Yunus’ newest solo exhibition, set to be showcased at Galeri Sasha from Oct 19 to Dec 1.
“Inbetween Worlds reflects my own evolution as an artist,” Faizal said. This evolution is evident in how his work oscillates between abstraction and realism, never fully committing to either but instead finding a space where the two can coexist.
Each piece in Inbetween Worlds carries an evocative title that adds a deeper emotional layer to the visuals. Faizal’s art hovers between two worlds — one rooted in the lush rural landscapes of his childhood in Kuala Lipis, Pahang, and the other shaped by the urban sprawl of his adult life in Selangor.
Drawing on his years in the automotive industry, Faizal uses airbrush techniques and automotive paints to create works that explore the convergence of organic forms and industrial structures. His process begins with the spontaneous pouring of paint, which transforms under precise masking and airbrushing into surreal landscapes that speak to memory, dream and reality.
These titles, like the paintings themselves, invite the viewer to delve beyond the surface and explore the emotional and psychological landscapes Faizal navigates in his work. They act as signposts, guiding visitors through the exhibition’s themes of memory, transition, and the space between past and present.
Reflecting on his artistic journey, Faizal said: “My earlier works were more abstract and freeform. But over time, I’ve felt a pull towards realism, striving to balance the chaos and fluidity of nature with the structure and order of the mechanical world.”
His signature airbrush technique, honed during his years working in car repair shops, lends a high-gloss sheen to his works that contrasts with the rugged textures of the landscapes he portrays. The result is a body of work that feels simultaneously fluid and rigid, capturing the push and pull between natural forces and human intervention.
Faizal’s use of industrial materials is more than a nod to his personal history; it’s an integral part of the dialogue he creates between nature and machine. The automotive paints he employs provide a slick, polished finish that contrasts sharply with the organic forms depicted in his landscapes.
As Faizal navigates the space between these two realities, his work offers a meditation on how we all straddle the line between past and present, tradition and modernity, nature and industry. It’s a journey that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
For those looking to engage with Faizal’s thought-provoking work, Inbetween Worlds will be on display at Galeri Sasha, from Friday to Sunday, 12pm to 7pm.