WHETHER it is due to generational tradition(s) being passed down through lineage or newfound artistry, Malaysia’s cultural creativity is indeed attributed to the country’s diverse pool of talents.
On that note, it’s hard to imagine a more special group of artists than those representing our Orang Asli community, that have risen to the forefront of their respective creative spaces purely because of their impeccable skills.
Some may focus on treasured narratives that only they are able to rightfully share, while others create art that reflects broader life experiences, which includes stories that bind the society through common themes of expression.
Let’s spotlight a few of these indigenous artists representing prominent scope and style of interpretations onto your radar, if they are not already, to celebrate their contributions that make the local scene exciting.
Artistic magic
Leny Maknoh aka @lenypencildrawing is a traditional Malaysian artist from the Temuan tribe of Negri Sembilan and is known for producing creations that border on hyperrealism.
Leny’s mode of expression is working with graphite and colour pencils on paper where her portrait sketches – almost 100% – of the time resembles closely to real photographs instead. This uniqueness truly marks her natural gift in drawing and she has noted that she finds herself comfortable with it as it best represents her people.
She has graced known exhibition spaces such as White Box Publika and George Town Festival to name a few. Those who have witnessed Leny’s artworks up close can guarantee the same magnetic pull her masterpieces give off virtually.
In the artist statement section on her website, she notes, "In every piece (of art) I created, the faces, the secrets, the stories, hold emotion(s) that captivate me. As an indigenous person myself, nature speaks to the very essence of my being and of my people. That is what I want to portray and impart in my work. To share my wonderful and beautiful culture with the world".
Growing with the times, she has instilled a modern way of exercising her artistic practice, believing that her community can still celebrate the past by injecting its essence in the present (and future) reality. This is the very reason why this self-taught artist can portray new-age practicality well in her art form.
Art is power, art is expression
This contemporary indigenous artist from the Temuan tribe of Selangor needs no introduction mostly due to his art/activism, raising the bar of Orang Asli voices in the country.
Growing up, Shaq always resented land developers (motivated by greed) responsible for encroaching the jungle around his village, and his experience is well depicted in his many works. This ‘childhood trauma’ of his (as the artist puts it) fueled his passion to fight for the land rights of his people further.
In his artist statement, Shaq highlights, “In a rapidly modernising Malaysian state, I’m always trying to capture the tension and pressure faced by my people, whose lives interact with and respect the natural environment. My work emphasises the inequalities that exist between modern consumerism and traditional sustainable ways of life.”
“My paintings reflect my people and the rainforest in which I grew up, and to show the importance of nature to the Orang Asal.
“The presentation of my artworks also captures a contemporary view of such struggle faced by Malaysia’s indigenous people, which contributes to a deeper understanding of a multiracial Malaysia.”
Driven with the passion to explore many art mediums from contemporary painting to installation art, Shaq has since professed that without [art], he would not have the courage to speak out.
Everlasting storytelling
Born in 1953, Mahat China aka ‘Akiya’ is a successful writer of indigenous descent (Semai) hailing from Kampung Erong, Ladang Ulu Bernam, Hilir Perak.
He grew up with great responsibilities being the eldest and was obliged to work in the rubber fields and collect rattan. This was in addition to taking the honour of ‘the first child’, assisting with household chores and sibling responsibilities. Akiya got through the first decade of his life experiencing the advantages of nature and learning survival techniques living in a small village. He would later attend his first formal education at the age of 10.
Some of his works include the collection of short story Tuntut (2001), the novel Perang Sangkil (2007), and the collection of poetry Suara dari Dalam (2009). All of which involve matters relevant to the Orang Asli community and heritage.
Akiya’s ability in storytelling stems from the great influence of his mother, who would charm children with tales of the old, including fables and myths of the aboriginal world.
This ‘gift’ was relayed by his mother in the most compelling way that his generation (and the new) never forgot. Akiya himself would later preserve them down in permanent form as he grew and thrived in his career as a poignant writer.
We hope that our readers are able to take in the motivations that drive each artist/creative featured to ultimately realise the powerful work they produce.
No doubt there are more indigenous artists in today’s contemporary format to be highlighted. For now, this (list) is where we start but it most definitely won’t be the last. – The Vibes, February 6, 2022
