Both artists are among the four featured in “Mekar”, a group exhibition presented by Artas Galeri in conjunction with Merdeka.

The exhibition, which also features works by Faez Fahmi and Nadzrin Haziq, uses flowers and nature as metaphors for Malaysia’s diversity, resilience and continuing growth.

For Arman, 27, born in Kelantan and a graduate with a bachelor of fine art from UiTM Shah Alam, the connection between the concept of blooming and Merdeka is straightforward.

“A flower blooms when it reaches maturity and reveals its beauty. Before it blooms, we may not see its colour or beauty,” he said.

“It is the same with independence. Our ancestors struggled and worked hard to achieve independence, and after all that effort, it finally bloomed.

That idea is most evident in “Jalur Gemilang (Behind the Story)”, a large acrylic work that combines the Malaysian flag with an image of the National Monument.

The work, Arman said, is intended to remind viewers of the struggle that preceded the freedom Malaysians enjoy today.

Rather than only reproducing the familiar colours and shape of the Jalur Gemilang, Arman applied his own stamping technique, using layers of acrylic and leaves to build the work. The leaves carry another meaning. “Each of the leaves represents the many voices of Malaysians,” he explained.

For Syed, 38, the meaning of “Mekar” is less literal. Born in Kampung Bharu, Syed holds a master’s degree in fine art and technology, and has a multidisciplinary practice rooted in sculpture and ceramic art.

“I am not talking about Merdeka itself, but rather how I, as a Malaysian, see things and make my work,” he said.

For Syed, the exhibition became an opportunity to see “how four of us could interpret the same theme through our individual practices, techniques, and perspectives – how we bloom as artists.”

That approach is reflected in Syed’s works, which use acrylic and paper clay. He describes his process as therapeutic and meditative, often beginning with observation and sketching before the final form is developed.

Yet his understanding of independence is deeply personal. Having travelled to countries where he witnessed hardship, Syed said those experiences made him more grateful for the security and freedom he associates with home.

“When I come back, I feel at home. I feel safer. I feel very fortunate to be in Malaysia,” he said.

Talking about art and freedom, Arman sees a shift in Malaysian art. “While artists in the early years after independence responded directly to colonialism and political struggles, artists these days explore beauty, harmony and everyday experiences,” Arman mentioned.

“The beauty in the works of artists today reflects Malaysia itself,” he said, describing the country as one where artists can create from a place of greater harmony and freedom.

For both artists, then, “Mekar” offers a different way of marking Merdeka. Rather than looking only backwards at the struggle for independence, their works ask what happens after the struggle – what grows, what changes and what becomes possible when a nation is free to find its own voice.

And perhaps that is what it means for Malaysia to keep blooming.

‘Mekar’ (until Sept 12)

Artas Galeri
36, Jalan PJU 5/20D,
Kota Damansara,
47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

For more information, visit Artas Galeri’s website and follow the gallery on Facebook and Instagram.