Tucked on our living room wall is a seascape that never fails to catch the eye. But it’s no ordinary painting – its rippling grooves mimic frozen currents, and tiny crystals sparkle like air bubbles adrift.
Deep blue, violet and green sweep across the canvas, with flickers of red, white and yellow dancing like light through water. The textured surface resembles coral, making it feel more like a piece of ocean than paint on canvas.
My parents acquired it in the early ’90s, and their love for art sparked my own curiosity – about the piece, and the soul behind the brush.
By a stroke of luck – or perhaps destiny, considering the field I work in – I finally met the painter about three decades later.
ART THAT ASKS TO BE FELT
For Pengiran Timbang bin Pengiran Haji Tuah, 66, art is not something to be simply looked at – it must be felt.
Stepping into his humble abode, one is immediately greeted by immaculate works of art adorning every corner – from the lounge and living room to, surprisingly, the kitchen. His paintings are anything but flat; they’re textured, layered and almost sculptural, inviting viewers to run their fingers along the grooves, ridges and raised edges that bring each piece to life.
“I want people to ask, ‘Why?’ or ‘How?’ That curiosity is what keeps art alive.” Though his artistic roots lie in realism, his present-day work leans towards contemporary expression. “I don’t like to be boxed in,” he said.
“Landscape painting is beautiful, but it limits you to that environment. Contemporary art gives you the space to be truly free.” That freedom extends to the materials he uses – from scrap wood and broken furniture to sculptural forms and mixed media.
“Each piece I make is unique. Even if I tried to remake it, it wouldn’t be the same. That’s the beauty of it.”
Sometimes, inspiration arrives swiftly – one piece took him only 15 minutes to finish. Others take longer; one even stretched over two years. “It depends on where my head and heart are,” he shrugged.
“Sometimes I go fishing just to find my next idea. When I paint the sea, I don’t just look at it – I “dive” into it,” he explained. “My spirit plays there, swims there. That’s why I often feel mentally and physically drained afterward, because of the full focus I give to a piece.”
This, he noted, is what sets modern contemporary art apart from realistic painting.
He believes firmly in the importance of not restricting creatives or confining them to rigid frameworks.
For true innovation and expression to flourish, artists must be allowed the freedom to explore, create and break boundaries.
FROM A GLIMPSE THROUGH THE WINDOW
Pengiran Timbang’s artistic journey is one steeped in persistence, freedom and individuality. But long before he became one of Brunei’s most recognised names in the field, his path was sparked by a moment of innocent curiosity.
“My sister was in Year 6, and I was still small. I used to peer through the window and watch her teacher drawing on the blackboard during art class. After school, I’d go home and try to draw whatever I remembered.” That early spark never died.
As he progressed to secondary school, Pengiran Timbang began entering competitions, a tradition he still continues today. He first ventured into national-level contests as a Form 5 (Year 11) student – although his early works, often constructed from discarded materials, stood out for their unorthodox style.
“Most of my pieces were made from things people threw away,” he shared. “They were different. Not everyone got it.”
But he never let rejection extinguish his flame. “Maybe they didn’t understand it yet,” he would tell himself.
Then, in 1985, he was chosen to represent Brunei Darussalam at the ASEAN Youth Painting event – a turning point that would redefine his artistic compass.
“It opened up my mind,” he recalled. “I learned from a Master Painter there, and when I came home, I started to explore abstract art more seriously.”
That exploration bore fruit – he won first place in a competition with a piece made entirely from torn paper.
Since then, his work has travelled across borders and cultures.
From Thailand to Bangladesh, Japan to Oman, Pengiran Timbang’s art has made waves internationally.
Being a seasoned artist, Pengiran Timbang observed a stark contrast between international and local recognition – with countries like Japan and Oman valuing his artistic contributions.
He presses on through exhibitions, mentorship, and message-driven pieces that respect the Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) philosophy.
In Brunei, where artistic expression demands sensitivity, he turns to texture and symbolism to explore social themes without confrontation.
PASSING THE BRUSH
With decades of experience, Pengiran Timbang also sees himself as a mentor. Many aspiring artists, especially university students aiming to become Master Painters, have sought his guidance.
“They bring their work to me, and I teach them because they are the future of this craft.”
Alongside showcasing his work, he has also been invited to teach, notably spending three months as a resident artist in Japan during the 1990s, and later teaching Contemporary Art at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman for a month after retiring as a Chief Set Designer at Radio Televisyen Brunei (RTB).
For Pengiran Timbang, art is not simply a form of self-expression – it’s a form of freedom. “Art teaches you discipline,” he said.
“But it also teaches you how to see the world differently. And that’s something worth sharing.”
He added; “Art connects people globally. When your work is unique, it makes you stand out. Realism is beautiful, but for some, it has become too familiar.”
“When we present something that challenges conventional thought, people gain a new respect for us,” added Pengiran Timbang, further encouraging young artists to strive to create something that’s has never been done before if they truly want to succeed in this field.
His advice for young artists is simple but heartfelt, “Keep drawing. Keep asking. Learn from your elders – not just about art, but the business behind it. Attend exhibitions. See where you stand. Grow constantly.”
On the future of Brunei’s art market, Pengiran Timbang is candid, “It starts with us. Art has to be made accessible. Too many young artists set high prices without a foundation.
“A degree isn’t enough – people look at your journey, your awards, your recognition. That’s what gives art its value. Start from the bottom and build upwards.” – Izah Azahari
