On finding artistic inspiration from everyday lives and gallery work
By Ho See Wah

Faizal Yunus. Photograph by Hafizah Idris.

A&M's Fresh Faces is where we profile an emerging artist from the region every month and speak to them about how they kick-started their career, how they continue to sustain their practice and what drives them as artists. Read our profile on Malaysian artist Faizal Yunus here.

Could you talk about your background? And at what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in art?
I was born in Pahang, a state in the east coast of Malaysia. Currently, I am based in Kuala Lumpur. Growing up in a small town, I would climb up and spend hours on my favourite tree to observe the surrounding landscape. I enjoyed creating my own playground, such as making a hole in the ground as a nook for myself and things like that... creating my own world, you might say.

When I was assigned to the science stream in secondary school, I had to convince my teacher to switch me to the art stream instead as I just wasn’t interested in the science subjects. There and then, I knew that art was the right direction for me, as it fitted perfectly with my interests and pushed me creatively.

After that, I pursued my degree in Fine Arts at the University of Technology Mara, Shah Alam with a major in printmaking. When I was in university, I got a better understanding of what art was all about. Working with various media during my course of study, like printmaking, sculpture and painting, also helped in defining my understanding of my own practice.

Faizal Yunus, ‘Pacific Vortex X’, 2018, 75cm (diameter), oil, lacquer construction net and Polyurethane foam on canvas. Image courtesy of the artist.

Could you share how you’ve maintained your practice after graduation? What are the important factors that have kept you going?
It was not easy to practise full time after graduating. I was thrown into the industry without any guidance. I was lucky that I managed to get a job in a gallery, allowing me the opportunity to observe and learn. Meeting successful and inspiring artists and being surrounded by people who were supportive were all invaluable to my career as an artist. From all these experiences, I also learned how to manage my time properly in order to maintain my practice in spite of the difficulties. I enjoyed the whole process and the learning curve.

Faizal Yunus, ‘Matrix’, 2016, exhibition installation shot. Image courtesy of Richard Koh Fine Art.

How did the opportunity for your first solo show come about? What was the process like preparing for it? 
I was, and still am, working at Richard Koh Fine Art. The gallery asked if there were any works that I would like to show in a general hang, as they were supporting young Malaysian artists and were trying to provide a platform for them. A while later, the gallery offered me the chance to have my first solo show in 2016, ‘Matrix’.

During that period, I had limited resources, space and time to produce the artworks. At the same time, I was getting into the habit of collecting objects around me. I felt that using objects that are commonly associated with the everyman’s routine would create works with a heightened sense of desolation. That is why my first solo has a special place in my heart. It was a starting point in my art practice, where I began to look for inspiration from my daily life.

Who has been a mentor or what has been an important artistic influence? And why?
My surroundings from my daily routine plays a vital artistic influence. As the saying goes, "experience is the best teacher". Every interaction and mistake that I have made through this journey provided me with invaluable lessons. It could be from the people that I meet on a daily basis to the strangers that I speak to. I love to observe from these different angles as it gives me a broader perspective.

Studio view. Image courtesy of the artist.

What was one important piece of advice you were given?
This isn't really an advice but when I first started, I was often asked by my senior artist friends, “Where are your artworks?” It’s the kind of question that you would want to have an answer to, right? I chose to accept it as a challenge and make sure that I always have artworks on hand, with stories worth sharing. My actions are inspired by a quote from Henri Matisse, “creativity takes courage”.

Could you share your favourite art space or gallery in Malaysia? Why are you drawn to the space and what does it offer to you/ your practice?
There are few state-run galleries in Malaysia but I am more familiar with private galleries that are run by independent organisations.

For me, it would be the gallery that I am working with, Richard Koh Fine Art, as it provides me with insights into what it takes to sustain a practice. It also gives me an understanding of what a well-rounded art practice should be like. I’m lucky to be in a situation where I am constantly given advice and mentored.

Additionally, I’ve learned to improve my art management skills and this has helped me tremendously with my studio management. It has also taught me that putting up an exhibition is not just about making the works and then leaving it with the gallery involved. There are so many other components to consider, so as to produce a successful exhibition.

Faizal Yunus, ‘Hypocrisy’, 2019, oil enamel and lacquer on canvas, 135 x 135cm. Image courtesy of the artist.

What are your hopes for your own local art scene, and regionally as well?
I hope that it can be more accessible to the public at large and not just to a certain segment of the population, especially at this current stage where the art scene in Malaysia is still developing. I also hope that the current COVID-19 situation will make the art scene better through adapting well to the situation instead of just postponing physical shows. Perhaps, for example, we can think about a new manner by which art can be viewed, besides the current trend of everything going online?

Are there any upcoming exhibitions or projects that you would like to share more on?
I was going to be involved in a few interesting group shows this year. However, due to the current pandemic, most exhibitions have been put on hold until a later date.

For the last two months, I have been making pieces in reaction to the pandemic by re-looking at how it exposes the fragility of the world we live in. Finding inspiration from my environment has been the basis of my narrative since my first solo show.