Journey: Latiff MohidinTill 17 May, Singapore Art Museum |
 Latiff Mohidin’s passion for painting and drawing was evident as early as 1951, when he held his first exhibition at Kota Raja Malay School in Singapore, after which he earned the nickname, “the magical boy with gifted hands” at the tender age of ten. From 1960 to 1964, Latiff studied art in Berlin, and did further residencies in Paris and New York. During this time, he perfected the various techniques of pen, ink, charcoal, pencil and etching for drawing portraits, still life and landscapes. He returned to Southeast Asia in 1964, where he started to explore a new visual language by drawing inspiration from the places he visited in the region. Mohidin’s drawings, which range from sketches to works on paper, document a significant augmentation in the artist’s career. Showcased both locally and internationally, Mohidin’s works are appraised as, both, distinctive and representative of the history of art in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Mohidin is also a poet and a writer who has received honours and awards such as the Southeast Asian’s Writer’s Award in 1984, in Bangkok. ‘Journey to Wetlands and Beyond’ presents the five series that Latiff developed from 1964 to 1998: Pago-Pago, Mindscape, Langkawi, Gelombang and Rimba. Inspired by natural and architectural elements, each series is a compendium of the artist’s European experiences and the rediscovery of his homeland. The second section, titled ‘Voyage’, presents some of the latest, unexhibited works by Mohidin. Travelling has been a determining activity for Mohidin, especially for series realised on-site, such as Guilin, Isfahan, Samarkhan and Bukhara. When the artist is not travelling, he sketches from memory; Voyages, the Wells, and Wetlands have originated from the artist’s inner vision and interpretations of the world and nature. Besides showcasing a lifetime of works on paper, the purpose of this exhibition is to demonstrate the importance of drawing for Mohidin; it is a central activity, a daily practice. Professor T.K. Sabapathy, a prolific art historian, observes that Mohidin’s relentless pursuit of drawing, and his commitment to drawing as an autonomous art activity, have given rise to “a body of works that is probably unmatched by any other artist in Malaysia and in Southeast Asia.” The exhibition will be enhanced by the launch of the book Latiff Mohidin, Journey to Wetlands and Beyond, as well as a significant donation of 120 drawings to the Singapore Art Museum. This is the first extensive exhibition of drawings and works on paper by renowned Malaysian artist Latiff Mohidin. A selection of 130 artworks introduces the viewers to Latiff Mohidin's artistic journey.
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Singaporean photographer Choo Meng Foo and sound designer Jason Ang Mingqi collaborated for this video to complement the exhibition.
