Back From Planet Luvox – Hasanul Isyraf Idris

“We all have memories of our childhood, surely you do too?” – Hasanul Isyraf Idris

One part tribute, one part reminiscence and another part a sharing about the journey in life, Back From Planet Luvox is Hasanul Isyraf Idris’s second successful solo exhibition. Fluvoxamine – is a type of antidepressant drug that has helped Hasanul recover from a dark moment in life ignited by the unfortunate passing of his mother. This exhibition shares the artist’s on-going search for the balance between the physical and the spiritual.

Paying homage to the garden at home and the seaside, Hasanul brings his childhood memories to the canvas with intricate details of his time spent with his late mother and brother. In “Down to the Garden to Pray” and “Flower Fairies of the Summer”, flora and fauna, invertebrates and flying creatures are magically spun into a mythical and dream like setting.

Abstract philosophical concepts of death, sin, reward, memories and fantasies are explored. Often, all these elements are infused altogether, creating the image of a complex environment that represents life itself.

Through diligent experimentation, Hasanul’s choice of medium adds texture and dynamics to his subjects. The use of enamel on paper is particularly striking on the colourful images. Spray paint, glass paint, customised markers are some of the more eclectic tools in addition to the acrylic, ink and pen medium.

In “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”, Hasanul describes the coming together of all the figures as a gathering of his observations (and representations of them) during his experiences throughout his travels.

The detailed subjects are reproduced from sketchbook to paper, with uncompromising precision and accuracy. Subtle additions of culture add soft touches to his work, such as traditional Balinese patterns, Rhinestones and bottle caps from Borneo.

Back From Luvox is definitely an exhibition not to be missed. Visit the Richard Koh Fine Art gallery for the exhibition which is running from 17 to 30 April 2014.

Richard Koh Fine Art (www.rkfineart.com)

Lot No.2F-3, Level 2, Bangsar Village II, Jalan Telawi 1, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur.

*Images Courtesy of Richard Koh Fine Art