Hamidi Hadi (B.1971)
Hamidi Hadi is regarded as one of the most prominent abstract artists of his generation, and is well-known for his experimental and explorative use of material. Over the years, his practice has formally migrated from pictorial representation of the objective world, into abstraction and the synthesis of complex materials and methods, to describe his emotional and spiritual responses to the world. He investigates the natural phenomenon of the world and uses this in his imaginary landscapes, through the application of industrial paint, resin, wax, linseed oil and charcoal in layers, allowing gravity and movement, to create surface tension. As we contemplate his abstract works, we begin to connect the reference points that give us clues to the artist’s inner landscape, and his contemplation of his place in the world.
Through ‘Saring’ (2019), Hamidi introduced a new technique that combines paper and wire mesh. There is a dual meaning behind the idea and action of “filter” here. The first is to remove all unwanted and unnecessary material, something which is straightforward and applied through the method of recycling paper using a wire mesh. This is a process that involves mixing finely shredded paper in water and straining it through the aforementioned mesh to form a new sheet of paper. To Hadi, this is a metaphor for letting go, both of the past, and all the matters that no longer serve him well. This eloquently leads into his second definition of ‘filter’, which is the act of moving forward in a specific direction. As if passing through the mesh himself, each filtration takes him a step closer to his ‘higher self’, trusting that this is the path that will allow him to raise his inner consciousness.
His latest body of work, ‘Saring II: Sublimity’ (2021) also serves as the artist’s medium to ponder his relationship with our Creator. Through an episode of solitude in the forest, he realised how the sublimity of nature can make us realise the greater power of our universe. Nature has therefore inspired him to work on becoming a more developed individual; to filter all the areas that no longer serve him well, and to embrace what he truly believes. By reminiscing and focusing deeply on the transformative aspects of his life, he has managed to create a positive mindset, which he hopes to convey to his audience.
Hamidi Hadi received the UOB Painting of the Year (Malaysia) – Bronze Award, Established Artist Category in 2018, the Bank Negara’s Kijang Award in 2004 and the Philip Morris ASEAN Biennale Art Award in 2000. His works have also been collected by both public and private institutions and corporations. Amongst them are the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, Setia Berhad, and the National Art Gallery of Malaysia. He has exhibited extensively both within Malaysia and on international platforms, with exhibitions in Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, China, the Philippines and the United Kingdom.