Malaysian Artist Wins Top UOB Art Prize with Durian Tree’s Lifecycle Painting
Hasanul Isyraf Idris, a contemporary artist from Penang, Malaysia, has been awarded the 2024 UOB Painting of the Year (UOB POY) for his captivating gouache painting, Durio. The 46-year-old artist has a deep-rooted fascination with nature, which he incorporates into his work as symbols reflecting the intricate relationships between life, death, and the environment.
Durio illustrates the life cycle of the durian tree, scientifically known as Durio, from flowering to fruit maturation. The detailed depictions also highlight the essential role of stingless bees in pollination and how pollen serves as a source of nutrient for bees. Hasanul’s four-year journey documenting the biodiversity surrounding his retreat studio in Selama, Perak, served as the inspiration for this masterpiece.
As the winner of the 2024 UOB POY (Malaysia) competition, Hasanul received RM100,000 and will represent Malaysia in the 2024 UOB South-East Asian POY award. The award ceremony will take place on Nov 13 in Singapore, where the winner will receive a S$13,000 (approximately RM43,000) cash prize and a chance to attend a UOB-sponsored overseas art residency.
Hasanul has previously won the gold prize in the 2023 UOB POY (Malaysia) award in the Established Artist Category for his nature-inspired painting, How to Disappear Under the Brightest Star. He now joins notable past UOB POY main winners like Chong Kim Chiew, Saiful Razman, and Sabri Idrus, who have gained international recognition since their wins.
In the Established category, Hug Yin Wan won Gold, followed by Muhamad Amsyar Ramly (Silver) and Mairul Nisa Malek (Bronze). Nurul Shahida Ibrahim won the Most Promising Artist in the Emerging Artist category for her piece Baruh, which portrayed life’s harsh realities beneath a serene rural landscape. Other Emerging Artist winners included Ahmad Muhamad Mohamed Kamal (Gold), Lee Yaw Chu (Silver), and Aer Loo Xin Theng (Bronze).
The winning artworks from the Established and Emerging Artist categories of the 2024 UOB POY (Malaysia) competition will be exhibited at The Linc in Kuala Lumpur from Oct 29 to Nov 4.
Ng Wei Wei, chief executive officer of UOB Malaysia, praised Hasanul’s work, stating, “This year’s winning piece Durio beautifully illustrates that despite our differences, we are united in our connection to nature and we must preserve this delicate balance for future generations.”
Hasanul’s Durio painting is a testament to the power of art in raising awareness about the importance of preserving ecosystems and the delicate balance of nature. The recognition he has received through the UOB POY award further highlights the value of his work and the impact it has on promoting environmental consciousness.
