Veteran artist Awang Damit poses alongside his painting titled 'Bergandingan', which will be auctioned at Make-A-Wish Malaysia's WishBall 2024. Photo: The Star/Yap Chee Hong
Renowned Malaysian artist Awang Damit Ahmad is extending his legacy of generosity by donating a new artwork to Make-A-Wish Malaysia, a non-profit that brings transformative wishes to children facing critical illnesses.
This piece will be up for live auction at a charity dinner hosted by Make-A-Wish Malaysia in partnership with VCI Global.
The event is set for Nov 14 at the Majestic Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, promising an inspiring evening in support of a charitable cause.
“In my studio, I have paintings that are ‘unfinished’ or awaiting a spark of inspiration,” Awang shared in a recent interview.
“Rather than starting from scratch, it felt fitting to breathe new life into this piece (mixed media on canvas) for this cause.”
The artwork Awang, is offering for auction is titled Bergandingan, meaning "togetherness" or "shoulder to shoulder."
Light and colour
Originally begun in 2008 and left unfinished, Awang revisited the piece this year with a fresh perspective, infusing it with vibrant colours that bring new life to his signature abstract style – a mastery he has honed over more than 40 years.
“In this artwork, my aim is to add glimmering light and colour,” explained Awang.
“It’s like a birthday party filled with balloons and decorations, yet the candlelight on the cake catches everyone’s eye when the song begins – that’s the brightness I wanted to capture.”
Make-A-Wish Malaysia’s CEO, Irene Tan, views Awang’s donation of this painting as a testament to both his artistic talent and his commitment to giving back to the community
“Artworks have always drawn significant attention at auctions,” said Tan.
“Two years ago, a piece by Stephen Menon was donated by a collector who had it in their collection. We deeply appreciate artists and collectors who are willing to part with treasured pieces for a meaningful cause,” she added.
A closer look at Awang Damit's painting 'Bergandingan' (mixed media on canvas, 2008-2024), which will be auctioned at Make-A-Wish Malaysia's WishBall 2024. Photo: The Star/Yap Chee Hong
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers, representing Awang in this collaboration, has organised charity auctions in support of causes such as the National Cancer Society Malaysia, the Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Foundation, and Mercy Malaysia.
Still young at heart
At 68, Awang remains as passionate as ever about creating and sharing his art.
This Thursday (Nov 7), he heads to Singapore for his upcoming solo exhibition, Estetika Timur – Rentas Sempadan (Eastern Aesthetics – Cross Border), at Art Seasons Gallery.
Estetika Timur was first showcased earlier this year at KL's Galeri Puteh, but the Art Seasons Gallery's month-long exhibition marks Awang’s long-awaited return to Singapore after 30 years.
“I was drawn more to Eastern aesthetics than to purely Western ideas,” said Awang.
“In this series, I sought what I call ‘form’ and ‘soul.’ It’s something I often notice in Asian artists who move abroad, to places like New York, yet still carry that sense of identity in their work.”
Awang creates his works in series, as demonstrated in his previous collections such as Essence Of Culture, Marista, Iraga, Payarama, Payarama Baru, and GarisMega, which concluded in 2021. The GarisMega exhibition was notably accompanied by a biography of Awang, authored by Prof Dr Muliyadi Mahamood.
Awang's artistic journey has not been without its challenges; he experienced a stroke followed by a minor heart attack in 2018.
A group of art lovers seen at Pantau Iraga Art Space in Selangor, Awang Damit's personal sanctuary, where he paints most of his artworks. Photo: Handout
Nevertheless, he continues to persevere, using vibrant colour and texture to express profound emotions and explore the complexities of the human condition.
“In terms of painting technique, nothing has changed for me,” said Awang.
“What shifted were mainly my ideas and personal reflections. However, once I recovered, I dove back into painting and completed a significant number of artworks. I remained actively productive throughout this time.”
Peaceful space to create
Awang’s son, Muhammad Iqbal, 33, helps manage his father’s artistic endeavours while pursuing his own career as a ceramic artist.
Together, they can often be found at their private art gallery, Pantau Iraga Art Space, located in Sijangkang, Telok Panglima Garang in Selangor.
Iqbal also runs Bangkita Art Studio, which features handmade ceramics, organises exhibitions, and conducts workshops. Nestled amidst greenery and away from the hustle and bustle of city life, their space is open to visitors by appointment only.
“Although I hail from the rural town of Kuala Penyu, Sabah, I believe that the city is where more artists congregate. This environment challenges me to grow as a painter and stay in tune with the innovations of the newer generation of artists,” concluded Awang.
