THE STAR Friday September 16, 2011

Artist uses fishing nets and padi husks to create different textures

Story and photos by CHOONG MEK ZHIN
mekzhin@thestar.com.my

THOUGH the ‘bubu’ (fish trap) has been his inspiration for the past 20 years, Anassuwandi Ahmad is still finding ways to interpret it into art as seen in his first solo exhibition “Perangkap” (Trap) at House of Matahati.

Known as a mixed-media artist, Anas as he is better known, says he likes using items that has normal everyday value.

“I like taking things from its functional form and turning it into an art form. I particularly like using items we can still find in Malaysia, to create something I can show as Malaysian,” the 44-year-old said.

Among the various materials one can find in his artwork include fishing nets and even padi husks to create different textures.

Artful design: Mohd Yusof (right) and curator Faizal Sidik (left) listening to artist Anas give his interpretation of his “Trap Series: Circle No. 2” piece after the official launch of the solo exhibition.

The bubu, something very common in Anas’ childhood where he stayed in Kuala Kedah, Perlis and then Penang, reflects an aspect of life common to all and that is being trapped.

“Fish are trapped in bubu and they have no way of getting out. It is the same with us, being trapped and caught up in all kinds of things in life, even traffic jams!,” he said.

Other aspects of his art include the circle pattern which reflects life that is a continuous journey.

Anas said that for him, his greatest joy comes from creating art.

Hidden images: “Trap Series: No. 6” was created in 2009 highlights the red and black that shows careful structural composition planning while the net brings to mind again the true inspiration for the work.

“It does not matter if I finish the piece or not because what is important is doing it. I do not think I have exhausted the subject of the bubu and I may be experimenting with more materials for future art pieces,” he said.

He said that inspiration and creativity was important in creating art pieces.

“There are some pieces among the 15 on display at this exhibition that were created in a week as I worked on it day and night while others were created over some months. I work on my pieces when inspiration strikes,” Anas said.

For him, the difference in doing a solo exhibition and the many group exhibitions he has participated in previously is how strong a message he can send to the visitors.

“In a group show, one’s own message tends to get mixed up with others. In a solo exhibition, I can focus my own message and display clearly to others what my art is about,” he said.

Anas finds joy in creating artwork that inspires thought, emotion and discussion.

“While I can tell people the meaning of my pieces, I would also like them to find their own interpretation of my pieces,” he said.

National Art Gallery director-general Datuk Mohd Yusof Ahmad who launched the exhibition said that “Perangkap” reflected the society of today.

“This is the artist’s manifestation of the contemporary problems in our society today,” he said.

The exhibition is on until Sept 24 at House of Matahati, 6A, Jalan Cempaka 16, Taman Cempaka, 68000 Ampang, Selangor.

Admission is free. The gallery’s opening hours are 11am to 6pm on weekdays and 1pm to 6pm on Saturdays. More details are available at houseofmatahati.blogspot.com.