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The problem is that not many artists are
willing to make art their full-time career. I
want to show people that art can be a job
where you can do what you love while
earning good money as well. It is possible
to live your dreams. This group exhibition
is my first step towards achieving that.
If you didn’t become an artist, what
would youmost likely be doing instead?
I’ve always loved fashion so it would
most probably be something fashion-
related.
Sowhat’s next for you?What canwe
look forward to fromyou?
I’m looking forward at a collaboration
with local up-and-coming phone casing
brand, Just In Case. It would definitely be
interesting to see my artwork on a phone
case instead of a canvas. I’m glad that I
was given the opportunity to have an
exclusive collection of my own. Besides
that, I’m also hoping to break into the
international scene in the near-future.
Win It!
Just In Case is a Malaysian brand that offers a range of stylish
in-house designed hand phone casings and exclusive artist
collaboration collections. 3 lucky winners will be able to win
a piece from the
Haris Rashid X Just In Case
limited edition
collection simply by answering these 2 questions:
1. What is the name of Haris Rashid’s group exhibition at
theNewStraits Times Gallery?
2. What is art to you?
Send in your answers togetherwith your name and contact details to
info@wordlabs.com.my.
Only available for iPhone 4, 5, 6&6Plus, SamsungGalaxyS3, S4&S5 andSamsungNote 2&3.
various things that I made myself such as
bookmarks, badges, silk screen bags and
t-shirts. My main intention wasn’t just to
earn money but to get my name out there
as well. It was also a good way to build
my connection and to gauge the public’s
interest in my art.
Who inspires you?
My number one inspiration would
definitely be Taiwanese American visual
artist, James Jean. There’s no words to
describe howmuch I admire his beautiful
artwork. His style and success inspires
me. Another person who inspires me is
also local Malaysian singer, Yuna. Not
only does she have a beautiful voice,
but she has shown that Malaysians are
capable of finding success internationally
as well. I hope to ahieve the same level
of success that she has.
What is art to you?
I try not to take it too seriously. It doesn’t
have to have a deep meaning for me. I’m
just a person who appreciates beauty. If
people can find meaning in my artwork
then that’s great. Art is always up to
different individual perspectives and
interpretations. I do it more for beauty
instead of anything else.
What do you likemaking art of?
I love nature and animals, particularly
fierce animals as to me, they embody
strength and survival. Besides that, I also
have an affinity towards patterns that
are symbolic of Asian culture, such as
Chinese calligraphy, Islamic art and batik
motifs. I try to combine all these modern
and traditional elements in my artwork.
Which piece are youmost proud of?
The piece that is most nostalgic for me
would be Alexandria, as it is my grand-
mother’s favourite piece. Every time I
look at the painting, I am reminded of her.
Another piece that I love is titled Killing
Beauty, as it signifies how I have grown
as an artist and developed my skills.
What are some of your proudest
moments?
The most memorable experience frommy
career so far would be a group exhibition
that I organized and curated, called
Untamed Bloom that was held at the
New Straits Times Gallery. I personally
handpicked four other local talented art-
ists to join in the exhibition. I also had a
television interview on The Art Gallery
by Hypp TV – the whole episode was
about myself and my art, and it was a
real honour. Besides that, it is great that
brands are also starting to take notice of
my work as I was invited to participate in
collaborations with various local brands.
What do you think of the local Malaysian
art scene?
A few years ago back when I was a
student, it was quite slow. People’s
perception towards art was also very
limited. People were familiar with either
manga or fine art – nothing in between.
Many people were not so open to the
scope of what art could be and I always
had to explain what it was that I did as
mixedmedia and illustration as art wasn’t
so common.
It’s much better now as when I partici-
pated in Rantai KL, there were plenty of
illustrators that were just like me. It made
me realize what an incredible talent pool
of local artists we have here in Malaysia.