Muhamad Zaim’s ‘Resolute’ exhibition pays tribute to unity and patriotism

Zaim hopes to spread a message of unity through his first solo exhibition, “Resolute.” (Muhaimin Marwan @ FMT Lifestyle)

PETALING JAYA: As Malaysians prepare to celebrate Merdeka, 25-year-old Muhamad Zaim commemorates our country’s 67th independence anniversary with his first solo art exhibition, ‘Resolute’.

The visual artist from Kuala Krai, Kelantan, has created 19 intricate works in ballpoint pen on raw canvas. His works, exhibited at Artas Gallery in Kota Damansara, reflect a deep love for the nation and a hope for a united Malaysia.

“I hope to spark a new love for the country among Malaysians and prioritise unity among the many races here,” said Zaim, a fine arts graduate from UiTM Shah Alam.

Zaim used over 400 pens to incorporate Malaysian elements into his art, including the coats of arms of each state, state mottos, lyrics from “Negaraku” and lines from Rukun Negara. It took him 18 months to complete the collection.

Each work is meticulously crafted, each brushstroke executed with such precision that each one resembles a printed work.

The exhibition will be chaired by Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Zafrul Aziz on Monday.

Zaim used more than 400 ballpoint pens to create his 19 works. (Muhaimin Marwan @ FMT Lifestyle)

Inspired by the 2007 film “National Treasure: Book of Secrets,” Zaims said the title of the exhibit is derived from the Resolute desk used by U.S. presidents and featured in the film.

“I like this movie because it’s about the search for national treasures, how the character tries to clear his name while also wanting to show his love for his country,” he explained.

“Resolute” is not just an exhibition, it is a visual call to action: Zaim’s work highlights the importance of unity, strength and national pride as pillars of a strong Malaysia.

To illustrate this point, he draws on ancient Rome to “realize the concept of patriotism,” which he says is not a tangible thing. He uses the four types of ancient Roman columns as metaphors for unity and strength.

“The Roman Empire was a powerful empire. I decided to go further and use the human torso, another element of ancient Rome, as an element of the columns to show the important role that people play in the strength and stability of a nation,” Zaim explains.

The artworks are inspired by ancient Roman columns to represent strength. (Muhaimin Marwan @ FMT Lifestyle)

One of the most striking pieces, titled “Rukun,” pays homage to the Rukun Negara. At 300cm x 165cm, it is the largest piece in the collection, and took him nearly two months to complete.

This majestic work resembles the facade of a large house, solidly built on five pillars. The corner pillars are supported by human torsos representing the people, while the middle ones are supported by the metal structure located above the seat of the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, symbolizing the members of parliament.

“I wanted to show that the community and MPs must be united to create a strong nation,” Zaim added.

To further solidify the piece, Zaim inscribed the five principles of Rukun Negara at the base of each column, with the national coat of arms and wooden floral carvings found at Dewan Negara atop the artwork.

Another notable work, the Independence Wall, captures the essence of Merdeka. Shaped like an arch, the year of Malaysia’s independence forms the base of the pillars, which also frame the Jalur Gemilang.

“Independence Wall” is a remarkable work representing the gate of freedom. (Muhaimin Marwan @ FMT Lifestyle)

Zaim’s art recalls the values ​​that unite Malaysians, offering a vision of a future where every citizen is resolute in their love for the country.

And through his exhibition, the artist hopes to create a space where everyone can come together, reflect and engage in meaningful conversations.

“This is what Merdeka means to me: to be free from disharmony. If there is unity among races, that is true freedom.

“I hope my exhibition will be a meeting point between races and that my works can serve as a point of reflection for many,” he concluded.

“Resolute” runs from August 26 to September 17. For more information, visit the Artas Galeri website websiteand follow them on Facebook And Instagram.

Art gallery

36-3, rue PJU 5/20D,

Damansara Town, Petaling Jaya

Hours of operation : 11am-5pm (Tuesday to Saturday)

For the location, Click here.