The Uciran Calak Brunei exhibition at the Brunei History Centre is a showcase of the vibrant talents of eight local artists. Running until October 7, the exhibition features abstract interpretations of Bruneian culture, history and values.
One of the featured artists is Pengiran Abdul Wahab Hassan Al-Abbas, a veteran with over 60 years of experience. Pengiran Abdul Wahab has been painting for over 60 years. His passion for art began in his school days and has continued throughout his life, even after retirement. His work reflects his deep connection to Brunei’s history and culture, often exploring themes of patriotism, family and traditional life in Kampong Ayer.
Pengiran Abdul Wahab has created thousands of drawings and paintings over his career. While many of his masterpieces remain private collections, he dreams of opening his own gallery to showcase his life’s work. His artistic journey has taken him across Asia and he hopes to exhibit his work in Europe in the future.
Pengiran Abdul Wahab believes that modern technology and social media have made it easier for people to learn and create art. He noted that anyone can now access online courses and tutorials to develop their skills, unlike in the past when it took years of formal training.
Another featured artist is Dr Zakaria bin Haji Abdul Hamid, a retired lecturer from Universiti Brunei Darussalam. Dr Zakaria’s artistic journey began after graduating from an art school in England. He has developed a distinct style, transitioning from abstract art to works based on his imagination.
Dr Zakaria’s artistic style has evolved over time. Initially, he focused on drawing without considering specific themes. However, he later shifted his attention to exploring his imagination and creating more intentional pieces.
Dr Zakaria’s creative process is influenced by his mood, the time of day and a calm environment. He often spends significant time working on his paintings, and sometimes, the final result is quite different from his original vision.
Throughout his career, Dr Zakaria has created over a thousand pieces of art. Some of his works have been sold even before they were completed. The most expensive piece he has sold fetched BND20,000. Pricing artwork can be challenging and depends on factors like the complexity of the painting.
Dr Zakaria’s passion for art has led him to participate in exhibitions and workshops around the world, including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, China, the Philippines and Australia. He typically attends two to three international exhibitions each year.
Both Pengiran Abdul Wahab and Dr Zakaria have dedicated their lives to art, creating hundreds of pieces that celebrate Brunei’s cultural and historical identity. Their work is a testament to the power of art to connect us to our past and inspire our future. – Rokiah Mahmud
