Relaxed Tunku portrait steals spotlight at Merdeka Art Exhibition

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 2 - Among the highlights of the Merdeka Art Exhibition 2026 "Beautiful Malaysia" running from Aug 25 to Sept 16 is a relaxed portrait of Malaysia's founding father, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj. Unlike typical historical portraits, this 80 x 60-centimetre acrylic-on-canvas piece captures the statesman in a more familiar, accessible manner.

Artist Shasharizah Mohd Said, 52, chose to feature the Tunku's walking stick and the national flag in the background to emphasize themes of independence and national pride. The portrait, completed in about two months, enlisted detailed attention to Tunku Abdul Rahman's facial features, physique, and attire. The artist aimed to shift the approach to historical portraiture towards a more relaxed portrayal while maintaining the dignity of the revered figure.

Shasharizah expressed particular satisfaction when Tunku Noor Hayati, the daughter of the late Tunku Abdul Rahman, commented that the portrait closely resembled her father's actual appearance. This and other notable works are part of more than 100 pieces created by nearly 100 diverse local artists exhibited as part of Malaysia's National Month, National Day, and the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign.