Ahmad Zakii Anwar is one of Malaysia’s most established artists. Born in 1955 in Johor, he began his career as a graphic artist, before switching to fine art, where his virtuosity and command of a wide array of mediums led him to national acclaim. He is known for his photo-realist still-life paintings and portraits.

Amongst the frenzy of installation, conceptual and new media art, Zakii’s new work is modern in the classical tradition. Created during a residency at STPI in February 2005, the works are a continuation of Zakii’s interest in a universal representation of human nature. They include powerful portrayals of the classical human figure, portraits of the Mak Yong northern Malay performers and images of Buddha.

Selected solo exhibitions include Valentine Willie Fine Art, Kuala Lumpur (2012); AndrewShire Gallery, Los Angeles (2011); Nadi Gallery, Jakarta (2010); NUS Museum, Singapore (2009); GALERI PETRONAS, Kuala Lumpur (2008); The Drawing Room, Manila (2006); Amanjiwo, Jogjakarta (2004); Plum Blossoms, Hong Kong (2001); and Barbara Greene Fine Art, New York (1999).

Click here to find out more about Zakii’s solo exhibition at STPI.