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Ruzzeki Harris

Born 1984 in Penang, Malaysia

 

Profile PhotoPop Surrealism is the visual conduit used by emerging artist Ruzzeki Harris to communicate his observations and express his angst concerning the world around him. Whether touching on events and issues that are more localized to Malaysia, or broader global phenomena, the raw visceral imagery utilized in his works resonates with viewers universally.

Inspired by surrealist greats such as Salvador Dali and René Margritte, the figurative style employed by this artist is quite distinct, and no holds are barred when conveying a message. Ruzzeki’s works speak directly to the viewer, without the need for feigned niceties, capturing what artist himself describes as the “raw emotion of the street” (as stated in the introduction to his 3rd solo exhibition Point Blank).

Ruzzeki pointedly critiques the many idiosyncrasies he observes using of raw pop culture iconographies and symbolisms, and their strategic surreal utilization within his works. Politics, governance, and social behavior are among the many contemporary subjects that he addresses in his art.

His more recent works are a confluence of artistic skill, a dark sense of humor, and expressions of concern by an individual well aware and who possesses a potent dose of healthy cynicism.

As an artistic voice of his generation, Ruzzeki feels almost duty-bound to express his disquiet through his art, particularly with issues that affect him, either directly or indirectly. While some of the idiosyncrasies portrayed may be uniquely Malaysian in nature, much of the criticism involves behaviors that are universal.

Being an artist has taught me to be patient and tolerant. Communication is very important in my work. An effective knowledge transfer is crucial to ensure my audience captures every bit of information clearly. To ensure this, I practise effective, systematic and strategic approaches. An excellent learning session is a result of balancing giving people what they want, versus what we want them to receive...

Education

Bachelor (Hons.) Fine Arts, Majoring in Painting, MARA University of Technology (UiTM), Shah Alam, Malaysia

Awards

2013

YOUNG GUNS Award, HOM Art Trans, Kuala Lumpur

2009

Malaysia Emerging Artist Award (MEAA) 50 finalists, Kuala Lumpur

2007

3rd Prize, ‘Salon Meets Art’ competition, by Swarzkopf, Elle Six Gallery Kuala Lumpur
Consolation Prize, The Tanjong Heritage 2007 Art Competition, organized by Tanjong PLC
Finalist for PACT MACT Art Competition, Gurney Plaza, Penang
Consolation Prize, My Wildest Dream Global Transportation, Global Logistic Art Exhibition, KL City Library, Kuala Lumpur

2006

Consolation Prize, The Tanjong Heritage 2006 Art Competition, organized by Tanjong PLC

Solo Exhibitions

2016

Possessed” – Art Taipei 2016, Taipei World Trade Center, Taipei, Taiwan (with Artemis Art)

2015

GONE VIRAL, Wei-ling Gallery, Kuala Lumpur

2014

POINT BLANK, Chan Hampe Galleries, Singapore

2011

DICTUM, RA Fine Art, Kuala Lumpur

2008

Gravitate, HOM Art Trans, Kuala Lumpur

Group Exhibitions

2016

Voice of the Voiceless, G13 Gallery, Kelana Jaya, Selangor
Vice Versa, Artemis Art @ Galeri Rumah Jati, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

2015

Art Kaohsiung 2015, Pier 2 Art Center, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
18@8-Heirlooms, Wei-Ling Contemporary, The Gardens Mall, Kuala Lumpur
Stories of 11 Artworks, HOM Art Trans, Kuala Lumpur
FLUSH (group exhibition by Sebijipadi), G13 Gallery, Kelana Jaya, Selangor

2014

YOUNG GUNS Award Group Exhibition, Chan Hampe Galleries, Singapore
CHAIRITY – Art & Design Against Cancer, The Edge Gallerie, Kuala Lumpur

2013

ART BASEL, KL-MIAMI, Miami, Florida, USA
YOUNG GUNS Award Group Exhibition, White Box, MAP@Publika, Kuala Lumpur
Charity Show For Haiyan Disaster, White Box, MAP@Publika, Kuala Lumpur
18@8 KUL-SINGAPORE, Wei-Ling Gallery at ION Art, Singapore

2012

Transit A4 Exhibition, HOM Art Trans, Kuala Lumpur
Bright And Young, Wei-Ling Gallery, Kuala Lumpur
Precious Little Pieces, Wei-Ling Gallery, Kuala Lumpur

2011

Art Expo Malaysia 2011, MATRADE Exhibition & Convention Centre (MECC), Kuala Lumpur
The X Residence, HOM Art Trans, Kuala Lumpur

2010

Fragment (Exhibition #7, Malihom A.I.R. Programme), Malihom, Penang

2009

Uncut, Shambala Gallery, Copenhagen, Denmark
MEA Award, Soka Gakkai Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
Dazed in Mazes, Valentine Willie Fine Art, Kuala Lumpur
Contemporary Rhetoric, Valentine Willie Fine Art, Kuala Lumpur
B.A.C.A., RA Fine Art, Kuala Lumpur

2008

Young & New : Part 2, HOM Art Trans, Kuala Lumpur
Open House Raya, Galeri Chandan, Kuala Lumpur
Young & New : Part 1, HOM Art Trans, Kuala Lumpur
Quddinandfriends ’08, McCann Worldgroup, Wisma LYL, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Bukak Mata Studio, Dikala Jingga, Shah Alam
Loveartpassion, 360studio Gallery, Kuala Lumpur

2007

Mana Batik?, Annexe Gallery, Cenrtal Market, Kuala Lumpur
Open Show, Galeri Shah Alam, Shah Alam
So Sound (Experimental Music Group Performance), Pati Satu Studio, Puncak Alam, Selangor
PACT MACT Art Competition, Gurney Plaza, George Town, Penang
The Tanjong Heritage 2007 Art Competition, organized by Tanjong PLC, Kuala Lumpur
Global Logistic Art Exhibition, KL City Library, Kuala Lumpur

2006

Open Show, Galeri Shah Alam, Shah Alam
The Tanjong Heritage 2006, Art Competition organized by Tanjong PLC, Seri Melayu Restaurant, Kuala Lumpur

2004

USM Penang Public Sculpture Exhibition, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang

Residency Experience

2012

NAFA’s Artist in Residence Program, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

2010

Malihom Artist in Residence Program, Penang, Malaysia

2008

Matahati Art Residency, HOM Art Trans, Kuala Lumpur

Other Activities of Note

2008

Mural Painter, Albukhary International Univeristy, Kuala Lumpur Graffiti Clinic Instructor Rakan Muda Klang and Puchong, Selangor

2011 to 2012

Lecturer of Fine Art, MARA University of Technology, Seri Iskandar Campus, Perak

In The Media

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2009

2008

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