Interview: Azaikmal Rashid on the sophistication of forms in art
Delving deeper into the power of forms in the simplistic art realm.
There are many words in the dictionary that can be used to describe works created by an artist whose creativity radiates from within. For Azaikmal Rashid, the Kuala Kangsar-born abstract expressionism artist, that word is simple.
What would you say are the key elements of your current project?
I try to differentiate my work from one series to another by infusing various elements and techniques. I feel like as an artist, it’s best to show some versatility in your work without compromising your own DNA. In my latest series, I’m putting form as the main focus. Hence, you’ll find forms such as line, shape, value, colour, texture and space here and there. These visual tools bring about abstract expressionism and minimalism that I want to actualise with the series.
It’s not easy to put a timeframe on your paintings because they could be from another era. Do you feel the same?
If it’s sorted by era, I think much of my work belongs to modern art. The term is usually associated with art in which traditions of the past have been thrown aside in the spirit of experimentation. Modern artists experiment with new ways of seeing and with fresh ideas about the nature of materials and functions of art. A tendency to stay away from the narrative, which differs from traditional art, in favour of abstract characteristics defines modern art.
Could you tell us about the real but fantastical world your subjects inhabit?
I like the idea of simplicity in life. I don’t like to complicate things, and I try to apply that to my paintings. To make it happen, I only work with art forms and embellish them with colours, textures and other added values. I think many would find them ambiguous as there are many things to process at one time when they look at my artwork, and to me, that’s what art is all about; deep and beyond description by nature.
Many would find them ambiguous as there are many things to process at one time when they look at my artwork, and to me, that’s what art is all about; deep and beyond description by nature
Culturally, what cheers you up?
I just got myself acquainted with alternative music. I love how versatile it can be especially when the artists blend different types of genres into a solo, idiosyncratic piece.
Would you say that feeds into your creative process?
Very much so. I feel that in a way my work is influenced by pop culture, which includes music. Like Lunatic’s music, I find that my work sharing similar traits. They both don’t go by the rules and rely heavily on creative intuition. Alternative music also calms me and puts me in the right frame of mine when I’m working.
What’s next for you?
My solo show is coming up in August and October. I can’t reveal too much about it but what I can say now is that there are a few new, never-before-seen stuff from my end.
Photography Herbe Yap
Creative direction and styling Syazil Abd Rahim
Makeup Joey yap
Hair Nicole Ng
Photography assistant Floyd
All outfits by COS
