Community
Published: Wednesday April 16, 2014 MYT 12:00:00
AM
Art with a primal message
BY JEREMY
TAN
INDIGENOUS local artist Shaq Koyok hopes to shed light on issues
affecting his community, and effect a positive change through the wonder of
art.
The 29-year-old, born in the orang asli settlement of Kampung Pulau
Kempas in Banting, Selangor, has a strong connection with his roots, and uses
his talents to raise awareness.
Though he has lived in modern cities since the age of 13, he is
disturbed by the plight faced by his people today — from the loss of land to
the destruction of the surrounding, natural habitat.
“Art allows me to express what I cannot put into words. Orang asli
communities face many problems with modernity; they’ve been slow to embrace it.
“I feel it’s my responsibility to spread the message, and tell their
side of the story.
“I hope the world can see what’s happening, as there’s a story behind
every painting,” said Koyok, whose immediate family still lives in the Temuan
tribe settlement.
The affable artist, currently based in Seremban, Negri Sembilan, said
this at the opening ceremony of his ongoing, self-titled solo art exhibition at
the G Art Gallery in G Hotel, Penang, recently.
It features 32 pieces, done using acrylic and mixed media, in his
signature, vibrant style. Each captures his concern about the world of the
aboriginal people in Malaysia, through emotive expressions on the face of his
subjects.
Among them, a monochrome piece, ‘Smells Like a Burnt Spirit’, stands
out. It is a poignant commentary on the grave effects of deforestation and land
clearing, through open burning.
“I picked up a piece of still smouldering charcoal, and later used it to
do the sketch piece.
“It’s heart-wrenching for me, because these places were once lush and
green. They were pristine and untouched by pollution. It used to be my
playground,” he lamented.
Koyok started painting at the age of five using oil pastels, largely
inspired by an older brother who is now a forest ranger.
He indulged his passion throughout boarding school, and graduated with a
Fine Arts degree from University Teknologi Mara.
To date, he has exhibited his works in Britain, Australia, the United
States and throughout Malaysia.
One with his head firmly planted on broad shoulders, he is also a
speaker at many workshops and events, telling his story to anyone who would
listen.
During the ceremony, guests were also asked to scribble on a blank
canvas, any words that came to mind at the mention of ‘orang asli’. Koyok later
put on a live demonstration, painting over the piece.
In his speech, G Hotel general manager Michael Hanratty said he was
impressed by the artist’s spirit, and the strong message behind his works, when
he first met him two years ago.
“Our gallery will continue to showcase the best of Malaysian artists,
and give them a platform to shine,” he added.
The Shaq Koyok
Contemporary Indigenous Artist exhibition continues until June 30, at the
gallery located on the hotel’s Level 1 Link Bridge. It is available around the
clock and admission is free.
