"You could say that I wanted to stage that kind of effect in my paintings, the drama, the tensions, the sense of expectations through the use of space, lighting through pauses... showing and hiding both at the same time."
– Ahmad Zakii Anwar
Ahmad Zakii Anwar (b. 1955, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, based in Johor Bahru, Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) creates figurative drawings and paintings shaped by his interest in the metaphysical and spiritual dimensions of urban life. Often rendered with a cinematic quality, his hyperrealistic representations of human figures, still-life arrangements, cultural artefacts and traditional performances evoke a sense of suspension and quiet contemplation.
Zakii began his career as a graphic artist in advertising, a foundation that sharpened his sensitivity to detail and composition. His celebrated Still Life series, developed in the 1990s and still ongoing, depicts sensual, minimalist arrangements of objects—polished vessels, potted plants, peeled fruits—perched on a table and set against ash-toned walls. In his Smokers series from the 2000s, solitary figures are depicted with their faces obscured by smoke from their cigarettes, creating an air of mystery and pensiveness. Zakii’s masterful rendering of light and shadow create an atmospheric effect and sense of depth that invite a closer, longer look.
Zakii obtained his BA from the School of Art and Design, MARA Institute of Technology, Shah Alam in 1977. His work can be found in numerous collections including the National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur; Singapore Art Museum; NUS Museum, Singapore; and Long Museum, Shanghai.
Notable exhibitions include Being (2009), NUS Museum, Singapore; Malaysian Art Now (2004), National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur; Culture Colour Connection (1998), Fremantle Arts Centre; Malaysian Drawings (1997), National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur; and Salon Malaysia (1979), National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur. The artist has also participated in major international festivals including the 14th Asian International Art Exhibition (1999), Fukoka and 12th Asian International Art Exhibition (1997), Macau.
Zakii had his residency at the STPI Workshop in 2005, resulting in the exhibition Primordial Dream (2005).