
SEASON 4
Syahbandi Samat
sembilan's Foreword
Syahbandi Samat - a self-taught artist from Sibu, Sarawak - is fast gaining recognition in the local art scene after winning the "Malaysia Emerging Artist Award "(MEAA) in 2011. He has since participated in numerous group exhibitions, preferring to work exclusively with ballpoint pens.
During secondary school years, Syahbandi developed a keen interest in the arts and began experimenting with various mediums. He soon settled on the unlikeliest of mediums – the humble ballpoint pen (following his discovery of works by Juan Fransisco Casas).
Using a medium that is widely available worldwide - Syahbandi has successfully created world-class art pieces that explores various social contemporary issues. The quality of artwork produced by Syahbandi using the humble ballpoint pen serves as visual evidence that the potential of any medium is limitless in art – so long as passion, dedication and hard work persists.
Syahbandi has exhibited with various esteemed art institutions in Malaysia such as Pelita Hati, Art Accent Gallery, National Art Gallery, Matahati, Taksu and Gallery Chandan.Q&A
1) Rewinding back in time, can you please talk about how you got started in art?
[Artist to provide text]
2) What led you to sembilan and where were you in your art career at that time?
[Artist to provide text]
3) What were your expectations prior to joining and were your expectations met?
[Artist to provide text]
4) Would you join (or have you joined) any other art residencies since - who, where, when?
[Artist to provide text]
5) What would be your advice to an artist who is considering to join an art residency program?
[Artist to provide text]
6) In relation to the entire art ecosystem, are art residencies important and why?
[Artist to provide text]
7) Finally, where are you at with your art career at the moment and what's next for you?
[Artist to provide text]
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