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Artist Isa Ishak’s first solo show depicts life journey to capture relatability

The painter had spent years as a blue-collar worker before making the successful transition to art in 2016. Now, he presents his work through ‘Kisah Isa Ishak’

Updated 2 years ago · Published on 27 Nov 2021 4:00PM

Artist Isa Ishak’s first solo show depicts life journey to capture relatability
Artist Isa Ishak notes the heaviest burdens that we carry in our hearts are the thoughts in our heads. 'My heart and head are filled with artworks and my ability to showcase the best works that reflect my feelings.' – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, November 27, 2021

by Amalina Kamal

GROWING up learning symmetries, and observing closely the work of his father who – up until this day – is a builder, painter Isa Ishak tells the start of what sparked his artistic pursuit of imprinting his colourful imaginations onto canvases.

The 26-year-old walked us through the collection of paintings from his first solo exhibition titled ‘Kisah Isa Ishak’, hosted at Zhan Art Space in Petaling Jaya.

Although the works that we get to see from him today are not architectural blueprints specifically but more contemporary masterpieces of explorative brush strokes instead, Isa could not deny the days spent having similarly played a role as a blue-collar worker building kampung homes, following the footsteps of his elderly father, has shaped the outlook of his visual interpretations.

26-year-old Isa Ishak photographed at his first solo exhibition. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic
26-year-old Isa Ishak photographed at his first solo exhibition. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic

“Building houses is much more predictable, meaning the creation process itself follows certain specifications, and has very minimal room for one to be explorative. I turned to canvas with oil paintings because I do not want to be restricted,” he shared.

“There are still certain disciplines to uphold when working on my paintings, but there is certainly freedom, not to mention the allure of expressing through brush strokes is addictive.

“I was greatly inspired by my father. Regardless if the output of our project(s) may be different, our works exist somewhat on the same plain, which is ‘Seni’,” added the fine arts graduate.

‘berhujah (2021)’, oil on canvas. Artist description: Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and there will always be someone that agrees or disagrees with us. But at times, the debate may be with ourselves instead. – Pic courtesy of Isa Ishak and Zhan Art Space
‘berhujah (2021)’, oil on canvas. Artist description: Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and there will always be someone that agrees or disagrees with us. But at times, the debate may be with ourselves instead. – Pic courtesy of Isa Ishak and Zhan Art Space

As the painter shared his motivations, we took a closer look at the paintings featured, in which Isa presented to highlight his journey as an emerging artist, new father, a son, doting husband and what it means to find a sense of belonging while capturing the idiosyncrasies of life.

The collection of work summons up themes of belonging, struggle, pleasure and conflict.

Isa explores ideas of belonging and his battles to fit in a society that feels polarised and isolated, inviting viewers to reflect on their points of view and shared humanity.

There are 16 abstract figurative art pieces as part of the first half of his exhibition ‘the self’ which demonstrates his search for connection, exploration, questioning, and documentation of key milestones in the painter’s personal life.

'keliru (2021)', oil on canvas (left) and ‘dilema (2021)', oil on canvas. – Pic courtesy of Isa Ishak and Zhan Art Space
'keliru (2021)', oil on canvas (left) and ‘dilema (2021)', oil on canvas. – Pic courtesy of Isa Ishak and Zhan Art Space

“You can also see a lot of references of the thoughts and the ‘day in a life’ of a person passing time during the pandemic,” highlighted Isa.

The second half, ‘self-discipline’, is amplified through nature and inspired by the art of bonsai and the tree’s structural beauty which resembles his invisible processes and growth as an artist. 

The 10 pieces of bonsai artworks take a quieter look at human connection through portraiture of the bonsai trees. This in particular is also a personal take of the painter as he grows and cares for bonsai(s).

‘terjun dalam minda (2021)', oil on canvas (left) and ‘antara dua (2021)', oil on canvas. – Pic courtesy of Isa Ishak and Zhan Art Space
‘terjun dalam minda (2021)', oil on canvas (left) and ‘antara dua (2021)', oil on canvas. – Pic courtesy of Isa Ishak and Zhan Art Space

Finding relatability and connection

“The past months (and year) of going through the start of the pandemic and now the social realities that we needed to come to terms with has been a time of contemplation for many of us, and ‘Kisah Isa Ishak’ is a result of my journey,” expressed Isa.

“It is not necessarily a narcissistic approach by deciding to put myself as the ‘persona’ but more on telling the story authentically, and seeing whether anyone else can relate on a personal level – this I feel is quite interesting to witness.

“The figure that you see across all of the artworks in ‘the self’ can act as a shared identity,” he added.

Painter Isa Ishak explores identity and connection in his first solo exhibition at ZHAN Art | Space featuring 26 artworks until the end of December. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic
Painter Isa Ishak explores identity and connection in his first solo exhibition at ZHAN Art | Space featuring 26 artworks until the end of December. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic

Detailing further on why he chose to pursue art full-time despite the challenges of having to deal with changes during unprecedented times, “I have had this passion since I was in Form 6, or at least that was when I first got the push from teachers”.

“I had the pleasure of learning from great artists that helped me in keeping my burning interest of becoming an artist myself. 

“Suhaidi Razi (who is a lecturer in UiTM Machang) is among them,” shared Isa.

There are 16 abstract figurative art pieces as part of the first half of his exhibition ‘the self’ and 10 other ‘self-discipline’ bonsai artworks that take a quieter look at human connection through portraiture of the bonsai trees. – Pic courtesy of Isa Ishak and Zhan Art Space
There are 16 abstract figurative art pieces as part of the first half of his exhibition ‘the self’ and 10 other ‘self-discipline’ bonsai artworks that take a quieter look at human connection through portraiture of the bonsai trees. – Pic courtesy of Isa Ishak and Zhan Art Space
 ‘pemerhati (2021)’, oil on canvas. Artist description: Many Malaysians and I are waiting for a higher order, be it God or the government to decide our fate during this pandemic. The plane represents their decision to take flight, or crash land and all we can do is just sit by and observe. – Pic courtesy of Isa Ishak and Zhan Art Space
‘pemerhati (2021)’, oil on canvas. Artist description: Many Malaysians and I are waiting for a higher order, be it God or the government to decide our fate during this pandemic. The plane represents their decision to take flight, or crash land and all we can do is just sit by and observe. – Pic courtesy of Isa Ishak and Zhan Art Space

“But the decision to pursue this career full time came after pursuing my degree internship in Bandung for three months, taking care of a gallery there. It was when I was introduced to the [artistic] world and its potential.

“When I got back, I trained under Fauzul Yusri who until this day I view as my sifu, if one wants to put it in such a way. It is through all these experiences that my awareness and sentiment towards the arts solidified itself,” he added. – The Vibes, November 27, 2021

A gallery visitor admiring ‘Kisah Isa Ishak’ paintings. The painter expressed that he works within an incomplete workspace, a space with no windows or doors installed as it helps his mind to be open and be readily seen by others. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic
A gallery visitor admiring ‘Kisah Isa Ishak’ paintings. The painter expressed that he works within an incomplete workspace, a space with no windows or doors installed as it helps his mind to be open and be readily seen by others. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic

*The Kisah Isa Ishak exhibition is currently running at Zhan Art Space, The School, Jaya One from November until the end of December. It features 26 artworks ranging between RM500 to RM6,000. To reserve a spot, direct message @zhanartspace on Instagram.

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