AOTM: Langkawi Senja by Latiff Mohidin

“I aimed for simplicity and fundamental form, to convey depth, vastness, and stillness.” – Latiff Mohidin

Latiff Mohidin is a visionary artist who deftly harnesses the power of simplicity and fundamental forms. With a profound understanding of his craft, Latiff set out to evoke a sense of depth, vastness, and serenity through his remarkable artworks.

Enter the enchanting realm of Langkawi Senja, a masterpiece within Latiff’s illustrious Langkawi Series. This captivating artwork boasts a central canvas, capped by semicircular pieces. A gentle gradient washes over the composition, lending it a harmonious aura. At the heart of the piece, a square “window” beckons, inviting viewers to peer into its depths and embark on a transformative journey. A remarkable blend of minimalism and artistic finesse, Latiff’s work radiates clarity and purity.

But don’t be deceived by their apparent simplicity—closer inspection reveals the meticulous attention to detail that Latiff pours into his creations. The paintwork, executed with controlled energy, takes inspiration from Pollock’s signature style. Using his thumbs as his brushes, Latiff sprinkles paint in carefully calculated splatters, achieving mesmerising gradients and textures reminiscent of tenun, the traditional Malay weaving technique.

When the Langkawi Series emerged in the 1970s, sculpture was a rarity due to limited access to sculptural materials  such  as  silver  and   bronze. However, Latiff fearlessly embraced a fresh perspective, utilising readily-available local materials such as wood instead. This bold artistic exploration heralded a significant redefinition of sculpture within the annals of Malaysian art. As hailed by art historian Zakaria Ali, Latiff’s creations embody the essence of “wall sculpture”, skillfully blurring the boundaries between two-dimensional and three-dimensional forms.

Born in 1941, Latiff Mohidin’s artistic journey was deeply influenced by his immersive travels throughout Southeast Asia. Between 1964 and 1968, he traversed the landscapes of Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia, absorbing the rich tapestry of nature and culture that surrounded him. It was during this transformative period that the iconic Pago-Pago series was born, forever etching Latiff’s name in the annals of artistic greatness.