Art exhibition explores how nation has bloomed since Merdeka

Syed Zamzur Akasah and Arman Rizaudin, artists featured in the group exhibition Mekar, see the concept of blooming as more than just a reference to flowers. For them, it represents Malaysia's history, freedom, people, and the beauty that has emerged in the decades since independence.

Arman, born in Kelantan and a graduate with a bachelor of fine art from UiTM Shah Alam, explains that a flower only reveals its beauty once it reaches maturity. Similarly, he believes Malaysia's independence was a result of his ancestors' struggles and hard work, and blooming symbolizes the freedom Malaysians enjoy today. Arman's artwork "Jalur Gemilang (Behind the Story)" combines the Malaysian flag with an image of the National Monument, using his stamping technique to create a unique representation of the flag. He uses leaves in the artwork to represent the many voices of Malaysians.

Syed, born in Kampung Bharu and a master's degree holder in fine art and technology, interprets "Mekar" in a more personal way. For him, it is not about Merdeka itself but how Malaysians see and create art. His works, made with paper clay, are therapeutic and meditative processes that allow him to observe, reflect, and translate his experiences of Malaysia into art.

Syed's personal connection to independence stems from traveling to countries where he witnessed hardship and feeling grateful for the security and freedom he has in Malaysia.

Arman notes a shift in Malaysian art since independence. While early artists responded directly to colonialism and political struggles, contemporary artists now explore beauty, harmony, and everyday experiences. He believes that the beauty in today's art reflects Malaysia's growth and freedom, where artists can create without fear and express their ideas in a more harmonious environment.

For both artists, Mekar offers a unique way of marking Merdeka. Rather than focusing solely on the struggle for independence, their works emphasize what happens afterward - the growth, change, and new possibilities that arise when a nation is free to express itself. As Arman puts it, "Mekar" asks what happens after the struggle, and what becomes possible when a nation is free to find its own voice. The exhibition Mekar runs until September 12 at Artas Galeri.