Rahiman is a learned artist who has experimented in many forms of visual arts during his further studies, which include drawing, painting, print making, batique, ceramic, sculptures and installations. Now a visual artist, his artworks has been widely featured in Brunei, and has also exhibited his creations in Japan.
We at Creative Space Art Gallery & Studio are honored to have Rahiman as an artist for our upcoming exhibition: EMERGE4: SYNESTHESIA, which opens on Sunday, the 10th of September. We asked Rahiman to tell us more about his practice and what he hopes to achieve as an artist.
“Although I have work with several different art forms and mediums in the past, I now focus more on Islamic art which has been my interest since young age. If we are to see Islamic art in the contemporary context, we will have various categories of Islamic art such as sacred art, religious art and classical art of Islamic world. My work involves religious aspect, and the use of sacred element of the religion to produce my work. I want my artwork to show not only the aesthetic component, but also, to show the concept and message behind my work.
I consider my work to be simple and straightforward as we can literally see the shape and form of the subject matter. Modern and contemporary methods also can be used to visualise Islamic art such as paintings, installations and also technology incorporated, I think these kind of approach makes my practice unique. I hope to promote the practice of Islamic art in Brunei, both classical and contemporary. Hopefully one day, Brunei too will have its own Islamic art gallery that collects various number of artworks produced by local and international artists around the world.”
We have invited artists to showcase artworks that explore the unique world of synesthesia by combining audio material and their artworks together to create a unique gallery experience. The artist’s featured in EMERGE 4: SYNESTHESIA have chosen audio materials which provide them the inspiration behind the creation of their respective artworks, the audio materials range from ambient sounds, musical scores to pieces of scripture.
Rahiman shares his thoughts on the theme of the upcoming EMERGE 4 exhibition and what was the inspiration behind the artworks he is showcasing.
“Synesthesia involves another way of perceiving things, and in this context, perceiving through the hearing sense (sounds) that inspires visualisations. It triggers and challenge the creativity aspect through imagination in producing the art piece. By hearing certain sounds, it helps you to visualise in your mind on the use of subject matter, image, technique, colours, composition and the message that you are going to state in your work. I think the challenging part of this particular theme is to see how we perceive, think and finally visualise it into our works.
I am inspired by the sound of Adzan (the call for prayer) in Islamic religion that reverberate five times a day, the beautiful words and meaning contained in Adzan. The sound of Adzan also gives me the experience of calmness and concentration hearing the words recited with beautiful melody and tone. I want to create, show, relate and execute that calmness feeling aspect by using the concept of minimalist, which is using simple elements in the artworks.”
EMERGE 4: SYNESTHESIA opens Sunday 10th of September 2017 to 8th of October 2017. The public are invited to immerse themselves in the world of synesthesia, and with headphones/ earphones in hand to enhance their gallery experience with the audio material accompanying the respective artworks.
EMERGE is an initiative by Creative Space Art Gallery & Studio to provide a platform for local emerging artist to showcase their artworks to the public The aims of the EMERGE project includes transforming artist’s creative endeavors into a sustainable activity and to contribute to the development of the local contemporary art scene.
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