CORE contemporary art

Introspektif

Solo Exhibition:-

Syahmi Jamaluddin

28th February – 24th March 2024

Core Design Gallery, SJCC Gallery

*Click on images to zoom in

Syahmi Jamaluddin was born in 1993 in Batu Pahat, Johor. He graduated from UiTM in 2016 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art, majoring in painting. As a young artist in the Malaysian contemporary art scene, Syahmi gained recognition even before graduating, exhibiting in several group shows and earning awards. In 2022, Syahmi was honored as one of the 5 winners of the MEA Award by CIMB Foundation. Consequently, his latest solo exhibition, “Introspektif,” is featured as part of the MEA Award showcase.

Unlike traditional painting techniques that typically focus on layering paints to depict a single subject, Syahmi Jamaluddin’s artistic exploration leans towards utilizing diverse mediums and techniques to construct layers of multiple narratives on a single canvas surface. This experimental approach prompted him to extend his painting practice into the realm of silkscreen printing, culminating in a collection of works showcased at his inaugural solo exhibition, “Boundary: Dream and Survival,” held at Core Design Gallery.

Within “Boundary: Dream and Survival,” Syahmi further enriched these layers through the integration of silkscreen printing, allowing for the incorporation of a myriad of imagery, symbols, and visual elements onto the canvas. This expansion of technique facilitated a multifaceted exploration of themes and narratives within a unified visual space.

Syahmi further explored the depth of visuals containing interconnected or overlapping narratives in his second solo exhibition, “Self-Evident.” Using multi-colored shades of acrylic glass, he depicted observations of everyday life’s cyclical nature. By painting and printing his imagery on canvas as the base layer and adding another imagery-printed acrylic glass layer on top, Syahmi achieved a three-dimensional depth to his visuals.

Known for artworks reflecting socio-political observations, self-expression, and personal opinions, Syahmi continued this exploration in his latest solo exhibition, “Introspektif.” Combining techniques from his previous exhibitions, he introduced a new element: backlit LED strip lights to enhance visuals within colored acrylic glass.

Inspired by the Malay proverb “Hujan Emas di Negeri Orang, Hujan Batu di Negeri Sendiri” (translated: “Golden rain in foreign lands, stone rain in one’s homeland”), Syahmi’s works “Hujan Batu Di Negeri Sendiri I and II” delve into contentment as an artist in his home country and the sociopolitical environment’s impact on the art scene. “Ruang Pulang” explores the concept of home, incorporating symbols of faith, family, and survival. “Gelanggang” depicts a fighting arena, symbolizing societal upheaval hindering progress. “Pemangsa” and “Penyelamat” reflect on human behavior, with concerns about safety and authenticity.

In “Introspektif,” using apartment windows as a metaphor, Syahmi aims to distill complex thoughts and opinions into clear narratives. Unlike his earlier works with multiple layers, the use of windows provides insight into these thoughts, allowing for a concise expression of ideas.

without lights

with light

without lights

with lights

Top