Artwork inspired by the silence and serenity experienced during the pandemic wins the 2021 UOB Painting of the Year (Malaysia) award

KUALA LUMPUR, 26 OCTOBER 2021 – UOB Malaysia today presented the 2021 UOB Painting of the Year (Malaysia) award to 41-year-old Mr Saiful Razman for his artwork titled, ‘Walk in Silence, Don’t Walk Away in Silence’. As the winner of the prestigious award, Mr Razman received a cash prize of RM100,000 and stands a chance to win a one-month residency programme at either the renowned Fukuoka Asian Art Museum in Japan or the UOB Art Gallery in Shanghai, China.

Pushing the limits of imagination and ingenuity, Mr Razman’s artwork created during the COVID-19 pandemic was inspired by the quietness and serenity experienced during self-isolation. Through his mixed media piece, he experimented with thin-rolled tissue paper and gauze to create ethereal, opaque and tonal layers. At the centre of his artwork lays a haven that is pure and peaceful, designed using simplified shapes to illustrate a house. Surrounding it is a backdrop of dimensional landscape patterns symbolising mountains. They are displayed in a high contrast environment depicted by the shades of colours.

Explaining his artwork and commenting on his win, Mr Razman said, “‘Walk in Silence, Don’t Walk Away in Silence’ is a minimalistic and monochromatic artwork that subtly captures the attention of the viewer while invoking equivocal narratives. I am honoured to win the 2021 UOB Painting of the Year (Malaysia) award and I am delighted that my artwork will represent Malaysia for the overall UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the Year award.”