This year’s theme invites visitors to engage with the artwork not just as a visual experience but as a medium for inspiration and education
by AKMAR ANNUAR
THE launch of CIMB Artober on Oct 24 at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur opened the doors to a spectacular display of colour and creativity, solidifying its place as a standout event in Malaysia’s art scene.
Honouring the launch, Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah Queen of Malaysia brought attention to the event’s expanding role in Malaysia’s vibrant cultural scene.
This writer felt the venue’s energy, filled with attendees who appreciated the arts and yearned for an authentic cultural experience.
The programme spanned three transformative days, with a remarkable collection of over 1,000 artworks from more than 100 artists, making CIMB Artober 2024 a spectacle of colour, style and imagination.
In his opening remarks, CIMB Group Holdings Bhd chairman Tan Sri Mohd Nasir Ahmad shared the bank’s unwavering commitment to empowering the Malaysian arts scene.
“CIMB Artober continues to gain wider recognition each year, serving as a platform for Malaysian artists to showcase their works to a broader audience, and we are committed to further empowering the local creative economy,” he said.
We have seen healthy impacts across the creative landscape, from artists and artisans to gallery owners, says Mohd Nasir
As of now, CIMB Artober has injected over RM15 million into Malaysia’s creative economy, benefitting more than 200 artists and galleries across the nation.
This year alone, it is anticipated to generate nearly RM20 million to-date, illustrating the significant economic and cultural impact CIMB has had on the arts sector.
Beyond the numbers, CIMB Artober is a cultural experience that taps into Malaysia’s rich artistic and cultural traditions, bringing an international spotlight to local creativity and craftsmanship.
A Vibrant Creative Ecosystem
In reflection, CIMB Artober serves as more than a gallery of artworks: It is a platform where economic empowerment and cultural engagement intersect, creating tangible value for artists, gallery owners and artisans.
With CIMB’s support, artists find themselves gaining visibility and access to a wider audience than ever before, underscoring the importance of private-sector investment in the arts.
“We have seen healthy impacts across the creative landscape, from artists and artisans to gallery owners,” Mohd Nasir noted.
CIMB’s involvement goes beyond financial support — it also plays an integral role in creating spaces where cultural exchange and artistic expression thrive.
This year’s edition showcases an impressive selection of more than 30 galleries, including contributions from Malaysia’s most iconic artists like Fauzan Omar, Raja Azhar, Syed Thajudeen and Datuk
M Nasir.
Art enthusiasts can also immerse themselves in a journey through the AFK Collection, which brings together 30 seminal pieces from 19 pioneering Malaysian artists such as Ahmad Shukri Mohamed, Yusof Ghani and Ahmad Fuad Osman.
This vibrant collection, bridging the historical with the contemporary, provides attendees with a window into Malaysia’s artistic evolution.
Anuar (left) showing some songket to Raja Zarith Sofiah (centre) during her visit to the BungaLado’s gallery
Cultural Engagement
CIMB Artober has crafted a multifaceted programme that includes art, fashion and thought-provoking discussions, reflecting Malaysia’s broader cultural identity.
This year’s theme, “Art & Soul” went beyond visual appeal, inviting visitors to experience art as a medium for learning, inspiration and discovery.
For those who might see art as a niche interest, Artober’s commitment to engaging and educating the public on the arts is refreshing, as it creates a space that is accessible to all Malaysians, regardless of background.
Among the many highlights, ZHAN Art | Space’s dynamic, rotating collection stands out as a must-see.
Founded by Desmond Tong, ZHAN Art offers an innovative twist, with a new collection displayed each day of the fair, ensuring there’s something fresh for returning visitors.
“At our space, the artwork changes daily, so visitors should pop by regularly or snap up a piece they love right away,” Tong advised, encouraging the public to immerse themselves fully in Artober’s evolving artistic journey.
Nigel Sense
Australian artist Nigel Sense, one of the artists represented by ZHAN Art|Space, is a personal highlight of this writer at CIMB Artober. Making his debut at the fair, Sense brings an exuberant and cheerful energy that has already resonated with Malaysian audiences.
His paintings, such as “Soy Sauce Makes Me Thirsty” and “Coconut Shake Shop”, have become crowd favourites, priced at RM15,525 each, and capturing the essence of Malaysian
culture through a playful lens. His work speaks directly to the viewer, offering a refreshing take on contemporary life with humour and bold, bright colours.
Sense’s art is more than visual pleasure:
It’s an expression of joy, spontaneity and the everyday nostalgia that connects us to our surroundings.
A self-described nomad, Sense has lived and worked in various countries, each experience leaving a lasting impression on his art style
In conversation, Sense reflected on the journey that led him to Malaysia. A self-described nomad, he has lived and worked in various countries, each experience leaving a lasting impression on his style.
His connection to Penang, in particular, was immediate and profound.
“I just saw the island and felt at home,” he shared with The Malaysian Reserve (TMR). This deep affinity with Malaysia’s landscapes and culture informs his work, giving his paintings an authentic touch that Malaysian audiences appreciate.
Sense’s style is grounded in his quest for happiness and positivity, and his decision to embrace brighter colours and playful themes was solidified during the pandemic.
“The environment was sad, so I didn’t want to go into my studio and create depressing art. I wanted joy and I wanted that joy to be shared,” he explained, capturing the ethos of his work and the impact he hopes it has on his audience.
Sense’s work embodies the vibrancy and spontaneity that define his artistic philosophy. A significant part of his process involves music, which serves as both inspiration and rhythm for his brushstrokes.
“I paint with music in the background and it really sets the tone,” he shared, explaining how rock legends like David Bowie and the Rolling Stones bring energy to his paintings.
This rhythmic, instinctual approach brings a unique dynamism to his art, allowing him to capture the essence of his experiences while inviting viewers to interpret each piece through their own lens.
For Sense, art is about more than just colour; it’s about connection. His use of everyday objects and cultural references resonates with Malaysian audiences, bridging the familiar with a fresh perspective.
His work is influenced by his nomadic lifestyle, each painting acting as a visual journal of his travels, memories and encounters.
Sense’s commitment to creating art that uplifts and engages is evident in the positive feedback he receives from his buyers.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my work brings joy to others,” he said, adding that his ultimate goal is to inspire happiness through his art.
Syed Thajudeen
Syed Thajudeen Shaik Abu Talib’s work captures a delicate fusion of Indian and Malaysian artistic traditions, expressing a unique cultural duality that defines his signature style.
Born in South India and raised in Penang, Syed Thajudeen’s education at the Government College of Arts and Crafts in Madras provided him with a foundation in traditional Indian art forms, while his life in Malaysia has led him to deeply resonate with local themes and identity.
His paintings often draw from the vivid colours and intricate details of Mughal art and the ancient Ajanta cave murals.
“My work reflects the hues and motifs I first encountered in India, yet the spirit and soul are Malaysian,” Syed Thajudeen said, explaining how his compositions blend his heritage with the essence of his adopted homeland.
Born in South India and raised in Penang, Syed Thajudeen’s work captures a delicate fusion of Indian and Malaysian artistic traditions
Through a vibrant palette and romantic themes, Syed Thajudeen establishes a visual bridge that unites these cultural influences, creating art that feels both nostalgically Indian and distinctly Malaysian.
At the core of his artistry is a fascination with Malaysian subjects, particularly evident in his well-known series on the kebaya and his large-scale murals.
These works celebrate Malaysian identity while maintaining an Indian artistic sensibility, bridging two heritages.
“My art is a journey — a dialogue between my past and my present,” he shared with TMR, acknowledging how his work engages viewers to explore this blend of memory and identity.
Syed Thajudeen’s art has graced many prominent spaces, from the Bauhaus Gallery in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, to international exhibitions, securing his place as a global ambassador of Malaysian art.
At 81, his works continue to carry a time-lessness that resonates across cultures. Whether portraying large murals or intimate portraits, Syed Thajudeen’s pieces evoke both unity and romance, preserving an Indian legacy within a Malaysian framework.
As this writer departed his “studio”, it became clear that Syed Thajudeen’s vibrant canvases encourage viewers to see history and memory coexisting, illustrating a shared Malaysian identity while honouring his Indian roots.
M Sahzy
In stark contrast to traditional canvases and brushstrokes, the artist M Sahzy channels his creativity through materials found in the jungle.
Known for his preference to go by M Sahzy without sharing his full name, he is a “jungle sculpture artist” who brings discarded natural materials into the world of fine art.
Each of his pieces is a testament to his dedication to environmental sustainability and his ability to transform nature’s remnants into intricate sculptures, blending organic textures with artistic intention.
M Sahzy’s process involves trekking through forests and rivers, gathering wood and other materials to create large-scale sculptures.
His recent work uses ironwood, a durable material typically reserved for house construction, which he assembles piece by piece to form 7ft sculptures.
“I collect one piece at a time from different rivers,” he said, highlighting the dedication and physical demands of his craft.
M Sahzy’s recent work uses ironwood, which he assembled piece by piece to form 7ft sculptures
M Sahzy’s journey across the jungles of Sarawak is not without risk, as he faces challenges like wild animals and difficult terrains, yet his connection to nature fuels his resolve.
As a naturalist, he believes in creating art that raises awareness about the beauty and resilience of the natural environment.
His art is also about storytelling — each sculpture representing a dialogue between nature and imagination.
M Sahzy incorporates his family’s heritage and cultural history into his pieces, ensuring that each sculpture carries a narrative that audiences can connect with on an emotional level.
“I share awareness, I share the story through my sculpture,” he informed TMR.
His works are a visual reminder of nature’s strength and adaptability, encouraging viewers to reconsider discarded materials and see them as potential canvases for cultural expression.
Beyond his work in Malaysia, M Sahzy has exhibited internationally, with materials gathered from places as diverse as Japan and Spain.
His sculptures, built from recycled and natural materials, not only tell stories of environmental preservation but also challenge traditional notions of art, inviting viewers to see the potential beauty in nature’s forgotten fragments.
Awang Damit
Prof Awang Damit Ahmad, a prominent abstract artist from Sabah, uses his childhood memories as the foundation for his art.
The son of a farmer and fisherman, Awang Damit’s early life was steeped in the sights, sounds and textures of nature.
“My early experiences growing up as the child of a farmer and fisherman became the narrative shaping the landscape and world of my abstract art,” he told TMR.
The rural landscape of Sabah, coupled with his deep connection to nature and the people around him, informs his use of rich textures and vibrant colours, creating a sensory depth that invites viewers to connect with his memories.
Awang Damit’s work is also a deeply emotional journey, anchored by the “Emotion of Awareness.” He uses colour, form and texture to convey personal stories and reflections, crafting an abstract language that bridges past and present.
The rural landscape of Sabah and Awang Damit’s deep connection to nature and the people around him inform his use of rich textures and vibrant colours
Awang Damit described his art as a “symbol within my abstract visual language”, wherein the challenges and joys of his childhood find a new form on canvas, evoking a sense of nostalgia and resilience.
This emotional layering provides his work with universal appeal, allowing audiences to experience his self-reflection on the natural world through his abstract compositions.
For the 66-year-old, art is also a spiritual act. Each piece begins and ends with prayers of “Bismillah (In the name of God)” and “Alhamdulillah (praise be to God)”, a practice that shapes his creative journey with purpose and mindfulness.
“This is my creative process as a Muslim artist,” he reflected to TMR, seeing each pieceas a thoughtful contribution to the community.
BungoLado’s Debut Fashion Show
CIMB Artober 2024 embraces not only visual art but also extends into the world of fashion, bringing together traditional craftsmanship and modern design.
The BungoLado fashion show by Royal Sembilan added a unique cultural twist to Artober, showcasing the potential of fashion as a tool for community rehabilitation.
Directed by Anuar Faizal, the show presented a collection of songket pieces woven by inmates from Marang Prison, Terengganu, an initiative that highlights the transformative power of art in uplifting lives.
The BungoLado fashion show by Royal Sembilan showcases the potential of fashion as a tool for community rehabilitation
This collaboration reduced the typical weaving time from six months to a mere five weeks, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of traditional artisanship when given the right support and resources.
The BungoLado collection, which incorporates the distinctive motif of Negri Sembilan’s cultural heritage, represents the intersection of traditional artistry and contemporary relevance.
Anuar shared his excitement for the future of the collection, revealing that BungoLado will make its international debut at Thailand Fashion Week in November, followed by a showing at New York Fashion Week next year.
This milestone positions Malaysia’s textile heritage on a global stage, showcasing the depth of local craftsmanship and its appeal in the modern fashion arena.
Educational Engagement
In addition to visual and fashion art, Artober includes a rich line-up of educational discussions and art talks, curated to deepen public understanding of Malaysia’s artistic landscape.
The programme includes sessions led by prominent figures like Khairy Jamaluddin and Datuk Tiffanee Marie Lim of Lim Kok Wing This writer was struck by the fair’s commitment to engaging visitors beyond mere aesthetics; Artober encourages a reflective, intellectual approach, where attendees can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural narratives that shape Malaysian art.
These conversations provide an invaluable context for the artworks on display, connecting audiences to the stories and inspirations behind each piece.
Artober’s free admission also aligns with CIMB’s goal to make art accessible to a broad audience.
For young Malaysians, students and art enthusiasts, this initiative breaks down traditional barriers to entry, allowing more people to experience and appreciate art firsthand.
- This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition
