There’s a certain quiet thrill in appreciating art, isn’t there? It’s one of those wonderfully sophisticated ways we can truly savour the finer things in life. Imagine standing before a thought-provoking piece, its silent presence inviting you to contemplate its meaning, learn from its philosophy, and ultimately gain valuable insights, all just from the simple act of looking. It’s a pastime that’s both engaging and remarkably calming. And what makes it even better is when we shine a spotlight on the brilliant contemporary art created by our very own local artists.
One such artist is Khabir Roslan, currently holding his debut solo exhibition at the esteemed Wei-Ling Gallery. Available until 21st June 2025, his exhibition, aptly titled “Sukma: Megah, Tundok,” is intriguing right from its very name. Drawn from Malay words, “Sukma” translates to Soul, “Megah” to Greatness, and “Tundok” to Humility. This powerful combination of words isn’t merely a title; it’s a direct reflection of Khabir’s profound contemplation on the cyclical rhythms of creation and the quiet, continuous rhythm of care.
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As we step into the realm of Khabir’s creations, we’re immediately struck by their profundity. These aren’t simply paintings, nor are they sculptures in the traditional sense. Instead, they gracefully blur the boundaries between object and gesture, inviting its viewers to reconsider the very definitions of art. The materials Khabir employs are as unique as his vision, perhaps even more so: he utilises compost soil.
Khabir’s choice of material is deliberate and deeply philosophical. Beyond its rich texture and earthy hues, he chose compost soil because, in his words, it “holds memories.” He views it as a living body, a microcosm that mirrors a human’s own existence. This very soil, rich with traces of food waste and the vibrant pulse of microbial life, is applied directly onto canvases and cotton bandages. Through this intricate process, textured surfaces emerge, each telling a silent story of care, time, and erosion. It’s as if the earth itself has become a storyteller, its surface a wrinkled page revealing the passage of moments.
Khabir constructs large-scale, tactile works, each piece highlighting slowness as both a method and a philosophy. They are layered and shaped with meticulous care, a deliberate commitment to repetition and the intimate touch of hand-shaping. Each material within his works is imbued with time, echoing this core philosophy of his. Viewers are invited to experience a delicate yet powerful balance between fragility and resilience, prompting a fresh perspective on the continuous process of becoming – like a flower pushing through the soil, constantly transforming.
Throughout the pieces in the exhibition, hexagonal shapes reappear, a subtle yet potent reference to the traditional Singgora clay roof tiles found in Malay Archipelago architecture. These shapes are carefully cut, rearranged, and stitched by hand, suggesting both fragmentation and a resilient continuity. In some pieces, bandages are sectioned and then resewn, creating seams that resemble either the lines of scars or the shifting contours of terrain, subtly implying themes of healing and repair.
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Pigments, too, are given new life, mixed with soil and oil to create surfaces that bear the traces of care, the passage of time, and the subtle wear of erosion. Imagine the muted palette of a seasoned landscape, rich with untold histories. Physically and thematically anchoring the exhibition is a large, soil-stained scroll, crafted from stitched cotton bandages and cloth. It stretches the full height of the main space, showcasing the layered processes of healing and repair – like an ancient manuscript slowly revealing its secrets.
Interestingly, while the human body isn’t explicitly depicted in Khabir’s art, its presence is profoundly felt. It resonates through the rhythmic repetition in his work, the comforting embrace of cocoon-like forms, the deliberate gestures of binding, and the slow, meditative pace of his creation. It’s a silent, powerful acknowledgment of human experience, woven into the very fabric of the art.
To book an appointment for viewing the exhibition, contact +60322601106 or e-mail [email protected]
*All pictures courtesy of Wei-Ling Gallery
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