Celebrating the Rebirth of a Nation Through Art

In conjunction with Hari Merdeka and Malaysia Day, The One Academy’s Fine Arts graduate, Aiman Zamri, was commissioned to have his paintings displayed at the ‘Merah Putih Biru Kuning’ exhibition at G13 Gallery, Kelana Jaya. The group exhibition, named after the colours of the national flag, emphasised on the rebirth of a nation through art and featured artworks by 20 emerging and established local fine artists. In the spirit of a new Malaysia, aptly called Malaysia Baharu, matters such as wealth gap, educational background, race and religion, physical attributes, gender identities, and political views should not segregate nor divide the nation.

The 22-year-old Aiman Zamri who hails from Klang, started working on his oil on canvas paintings ‘Kindred’ and ‘Colours We Sought’ a month before the exhibition. He was offered the opportunity by the curator of G13 Gallery who saw his graduation exhibition artworks. For the exhibition’s theme, he wanted to highlight the multiple races of Malaysia because it is the reason why our country is so unique and special. He wished to portray the unity of its people who, despite much racial tension and issues, come together as one to make a better future for themselves.

“This is a really challenging exhibition for me, because most of my artworks and paintings are based on my self-reflection, emotions and depression. When it came to this, I had to give my perspective on the Malaysia Baharu. It was a new topic for me and it challenged my knowledge about what I can do and think out of the box,” he said about his preparation for the exhibition.

“The main highlight for these paintings is not just about the unity of the people, but a continuity of union for Malaysia to reach its goals. Malaysia stands because of its people; they have to continue their unity to reach the goals of Wawasan 2020. The people are the ones who make Malaysia successful,” he continued.

He used to doodle a lot as a kid. When he grew up, he wanted to be a scientist but his grades were inadequate. He decided to take Arts in secondary school and that was when his interest in art returned. Furthermore, he kept getting good grades in the subject which convinced him that art may be his calling, and continued to pursue arts after graduating by enrolling at The One Academy’s School of Fine Arts. He is grateful to his lecturers who helped unveil his full potential and hidden talent, and in discovering his own unique style.

Many of his artworks contain the element of humanity, and he is fond of using the colour red, which he claims is therapeutic for him as it conveys a variety of emotions. Red is used to express affection, but it is also the colour of blood and gore. It is all up to individualistic interpretation when one looks at his paintings. As an artist, he does not limit or set a standard for himself that he has to achieve. Instead, he takes joy in the artistic process and tries a variety of art such as sculpture. As a preferred medium, he mostly uses oil painting and sometimes mixed media in which he combines oil paint, oil pastel or acrylic.

“When you become a fine artist, you start to look at the world differently. It’s not like what it seems to be. When you see something as simple as a pencil, you think deeply about it. Instead of thinking it’s just a pencil, you think of what’s behind it. It changes the way you think, and the way you see things. Fine arts can be a really rewarding career if you know what you’re doing and keep to your passion. Passion and discipline are really important to keep you going,” shared Aiman Zamri about his favourite aspect of his profession.

The One Academy is committed to providing the best art education programmes and continues to nurture its students passionately through its ‘Masters Train Masters’ coaching philosophy, which has been practised for the past 27 years, by providing diploma and degree courses namely Advertising & Graphic Design, Digital Animation, Digital Media Design, Film Visual Effects, Interior Architecture & Design, Illustration, Fine Arts and Paris Fashion Design & Pattern Making. For more information on The One Academy, visit www.toa.edu.my or call +603-5637 5510 or e-mail your enquiries to [email protected].