Art historian Theresa Tan talks about the ways of seeing abstract art for the series “Estetika Timur – Rentas Sempadan” (Eastern Aesthetics – Cross Border). Tan will guide you through his journey, explaining how “Estetika Timur” has evolved from previous works and where he envisions it heading in future series.
Awang Damit Ahmad (1956) is one of Malaysia’s foremost contemporary artists. His work is deeply rooted in his personal experiences, cultural background, and the broader Malaysian socio-political landscape. His journey as an artist began with a formal education in the arts at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) in the late 1970s. His transition into the art world was marked by the intersection of traditional Malaysian culture with modernist concerns, a thematic focus that would later culminate in his renowned Essence of Culture (EOC) series and later to his Estetika Timur series.
Estetika Timur - Rentas Sempadan” (Eastern Aesthetics - Cross Border) - Awang Damit Ahmad is presented by ART SEASONS and Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers (HBAA).
Estetika Timur – Rentas Sempadan (Eastern Aesthetics - Cross Border) series emphasises Eastern aesthetics, but not merely in a superficial or ornamental sense. It reflects an engagement with the cultural and philosophical traditions of the East, particularly in the context of Malaysia’s diverse and pluralistic society. The artworks are rooted in a reflective self-referential experience, representing a journey that captures the essence of a farmer's humble livelihood. Through the principles of simplicity, harmony, and balance, these works balance figuration and abstraction, exhibiting a dynamic range between the intimate and expressionistic, as well as the intellectual and intuitive. The artworks explore fundamental human values, alongside broader societal, cultural, and environmental concerns, informed by rigorous research, personal experiences, and memory. Collectively, they form an ongoing artistic exploration, continually seeking deeper meaning and value in life.
