Engku Iman

Tonight we have a young, bold local illustrator who isn’t shy of being in the forefront to raise questions on topics which we think are sensitive and might even been taboo in our culture. Her name is Engku Iman and she’s one of the rising stars of Malaysia’s contemporary art scene.

Engku Iman started off with a diploma in architecture from Taylor’s College. She had a fallout of interest from it but she learnt the styles of multiple artists during her college days. She saw them and knew that was what she wanted to do. Iman is not a classically-trained artist but she copes with the lack of technicality with her strong sense of cynical humour and satire.

Iman travels around Asia to learn about the different cultures and art forms created. She honed into Indonesia as her favourite location as she always returns with new images of a much more mature art scene and new lessons for her to apply to her work. She also cites Ai Weiwei, Jean Michel Basquiat and also skateboarders due to their determination in the park as her inspirations.

Iman was one of the artists featured during My Story My Strength: Doodle For A Change earlier this year. Her work Karya Yang Melindungi, it was a telekung with abusive words sewn inside. Taken from an imam to his wife. After Iman’s work was complete, the wife got the courage to file a divorce noting Iman changed her life. Iman will be having an artshow in Penang later in November.

 

For the record, Iman scored 17!

If you liked what you've heard, catch more via the website here! That Time Of Night