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DATO’ SYED AHMAD JAMAL (SENIMAN NEGARA KE-2)
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Introduction and history
Dato' Syed Ahmad bin Syed Jamal, born on 19 September 1929 in Bandar Maharani, Muar, Johor, is a distinguished figure in Malaysian art. He received his early education at Sekolah Tambatan Rendah and Sekolah Tambatan Tinggi, followed by Ngee Heng English School, Bukit Zahrah English School, and later at English College, Johor Bahru. He married Datin Hamidah Mohd Noor and had two sons.
Widely regarded as a pioneer of abstract expressionism in Malaysia, Syed Ahmad Jamal excelled in multiple roles, including artist, art educator, arts administrator, writer, and cultural observer. His contributions over four decades profoundly shaped the development of modern art in the country.
Throughout his career, Syed Ahmad Jamal held several influential positions:
Leader of the Wednesday Art Group and the Malaysian Arts Council in the early 1960s.
Guest lecturer at the University of Malaya from 1957 to 1979.
Founding Director of the University of Malaya Cultural Centre (1979–1983), later transformed into the Asian Art Museum.
Director of the National Art Gallery from 1983 to 1991.
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METHODS AND INNOVATIONS
Syed Ahmad Jamal was renowned for his innovative approaches to art, such as:
Integrating traditional Malay elements into abstract expressionism.
Employing dynamic brushstrokes and bold colour palettes.
Designing public sculptures that encapsulated Malaysia's cultural identity.
He worked across various media, including:
Oil and acrylic paints for his paintings.
Charcoal and pencil for drawings.
Metal and wood for sculptures.
Syed Ahmad Jamal received numerous accolades, including:
National Artist Award (Anugerah Seniman Negara) in 1995.
ASEAN Cultural Award in 1987.
Sultan Ibrahim Award in 1995.
Among his iconic works are:
Pohon Nipah (1957), an exploration of early abstract expressionism.
The Bait (1959), reflecting his abstract expressionist approach within the context of Malay culture.
His book Rupa dan Jiwa (1992) critically examines the aesthetics of Malaysian visual art, further solidifying his intellectual legacy.
Reference Source
Bahan Bacaan
Arkib Negara Malaysia. (n.d.). Datuk Syed Ahmad bin Syed Jamal. Pustaka Ilmu. https://pustakailmu.arkib.gov.my/index.php/ms/pustaka-ilmu/kenali-tokoh/datuk-syed-ahmad-bin-syed-jamal
ILHAM Gallery. (n.d.). Syed Ahmad Jamal. Dicapai pada 21 Disember 2024, daripada https://collection.ilhamgallery.com/bm/artists/syed-ahmad-jamal-217?utm_source=chatgpt.com
The Art Spore. (n.d.). Syed Ahmad Jamal. Dicapai pada 21 Disember 2024, daripada https://theartspore.com/featured-artists/syed-ahmad-jamal/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Location
State JKKN Contact Information
Puan Norazlina binti Othman
Cultural Officer
Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara, Johor
Aras 6 Kiri, Wisma PERKESO
No 26, Jalan Susur 5
Off Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, Larkin
80200 Johor Bahru
JOHOR DARUL TAKZIM
07-224 8270 / 223 1249
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