This month, we feature artwork from Muzium & Galeri Tuanku Fauziah.
By Fadillah Ghani
Dzulkifli Buyong, Bermain Gelang Getah, 1963, Pastel, 58cm x 58 cm. Image courtesy of Muzium & Galeri Tuanku Fauziah.
Dzulkifli Buyong’s stunning artwork brings to life the beautiful simplicity of childhood memories and the vibrant culture of Malay society. One look at his paintings transports the viewer to a time when life was free from technology and social media.
In Bermain Gelang Getah, he perfectly captures the carefree joy of childhood through his depiction of three children playing “gelang getah” together. He uses cool colours of blue and soft pink to create a harmonious and playful atmosphere that takes the viewer back to the innocent days of childhood. The painting demonstrates his use of the elements and principles of art, evident in the symmetrical balance of the figures, with two girls on the left side and another girl lying down on the right side, creating a sense of stability and harmony. The use of perspective adds depth to the composition, making it seem like there is an image in the foreground, middle ground, and background.
Dzulkifli’s work testifies to the fact that the most profound beauty can be found in the most ordinary of things. His unique style and ability to bring childhood memories to life make his artwork a delight to behold. His paintings serve as a reminder of the beauty of Malay culture and the simple joys of life that we all too often take for granted. What is more interesting about his work is his distinct style of figures, which are oriented towards the image of children in the form of naive art. Instead of creating realistic figures, he stylises them into cartoon-like images, adding a unique touch to his artwork.
Dzulkifli Buyong was born in 1948 in Kuala Lumpur. He was called an “extraordinarily talented child” while studying at Victoria Institution, Kuala Lumpur and gained fame and admiration from a young age. He received guidance from Patrick Ng Kah Onn and formal art education at Mara Institute of Technology to advance his career in visual art.
Whether you are an art enthusiast or someone who simply appreciates the beauty of life, his artwork is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Fadillah Ghani is currently in her final year of a Bachelor’s (Hons) of Fine Art in Universiti Sains Malaysia. Apart from her academic commitments, Fadillah has taken her artistic journey into her own hands. She spends her free time creating artworks, participating in various art competitions, residency and exploring new art organisations. Recently, she was awarded a consolation prize in the prestigious SetiaKarya Hotel Art Contest 2022.