Artists aged 14 to 77 unite in colourful exhibition

Creativity knows no age boundaries, as demonstrated by Malaysia's art scene, which showcases four artists ranging in age from 14 to 77 in a group exhibition titled "Infinite Expressions" at the Mentari Art Gallery in Putrajaya. The exhibition, which runs until September 30, features the works of Dr Hashim Yaacob, 77; Ahmed Ghazie Ibrahim, 73; Azwa Rahwi, 44; and teenage artist Muhammad Mu'az Mohamad Zakuan, 14.

Dr Hashim Yaacob, a veteran artist with six decades of experience, began painting at the age of 60, describing his journey as an "accidental" one after his first solo exhibition in 2010. His art focuses on flora and fauna, with pieces like "Fly On" showcasing his love for colour and texture. The exhibition aims to inspire newcomers like Muaz by highlighting the talents of artists like Hashim.

Ahmed Ghazie Ibrahim, with 60 years of experience in the art world, has developed his own unique style of painting landscapes. His approach differs from others, as he directly applies his ideas onto the canvas without sketching, allowing the composition to develop naturally. Despite painting less these days, Ahmed remains deeply attached to the craft.

Azwa Rahwi, at 44, brings a contemporary perspective to the exhibition with her Merdeka-inspired artwork "Rama-Rama." The piece incorporates four colours from Malaysia's national flag - the Jalur Gemilang - and features a hidden butterfly symbolizing transformation and freedom. Azwa's artistic journey began during the pandemic, driven by experimentation and self-learning.

Teenage artist Muhammad Mu'az Mohamad Zakuan, 14, contributes a fresh perspective to the exhibition. His works, such as "The Lego Tetris World" and "White Stars in Rainbows," reflect his imagination and fascination with building blocks, planets, and galaxies. Muaz spends around five to seven days creating each piece, painting for two to three hours daily. For him, painting offers a means of communication beyond words, often incorporating personal experiences and pop culture references.