Ismail (front row, fourth from right) with the participants
The Centre for Foundation Studies of Sungai Long Campus (CFS), in collaboration with Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM), organised a talk titled “Splendours of Malaysia—Paintings of Ethnic Cultures of the Land” on 4 December 2018 at Sungai Long Campus.
Invited to deliver the talk was a renowned local artist, Ismail Embong, who is also a National Art Consultant. He was famous for drawing historical and cultural scenes and was awarded the Tokoh Negara (National Figure) award, Pelukis Negara (National Artist) award and Tokoh Dunia Melayu Dunia Islam (Great figure in the Malay and Islamic World) award.
Ismail sharing his art skills and techniques
During the talk, Ismail shared the experience of his life as an artist and talked about how he fully committed himself in the world of art. He found the need to paint the historical and cultural part of Malaysia after travelling to Europe and seeing a lot of great paintings in the museums. Together with his talented daughter Emma Maembong, who is also a famous local actress, Ismail spent six years to complete 59 artworks depicting the different traditions and cultures of Malaysia. Every piece of his paintings was unique, featuring different beautiful faces from different Malaysian ethnic groups with the backdrop of their traditional homes as well as elements such as traditional costume, houses and craft.
Sharing the story behind the artworks, Ismail elucidated the process of making his work and highlighted the importance of preserving ethnic heritage. He also provided some guidelines on how to construct the elements of art and encouraged the participants to recognise the uniqueness of the idea of their artwork. “There is no failure. You are the one who fails yourself. If you want to be great, push forward with your idea,” he said, adding that the art was not about copying others.
The talk ended with an interactive Q&A and a group photography session, followed by a visit to “Moving Studio” which showcased the artworks of Ismail. Prior to that, the Splendours of Malaysia—Paintings of Ethnic Cultures of the Land Exhibition was held at Wisma Kebudayaan SGM from 13 October 2018 to 2 December 2018, with the aim of stimulating and driving the emergence of original creativity among Malaysian as well as spreading the awareness of the arts and the ways of living of Malaysia. The exhibition was hosted by SGM, a lay Buddhist organisation that actively promotes peace, culture and education through personal change and social contribution.
Students queuing to visit the “Moving Studio”
Ismail introducing his artwork to the students during their visit to the studio
The artworks display rich Malaysian culture and diversity
© 2019 UNIVERSITI TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN DU012(A).
Wholly owned by UTAR Education Foundation Co. No. 578227-M LEGAL STATEMENT TERM OF USAGE PRIVACY NOTICE