JALAINI ABU HASSAN
CHRONOLOGY
A COLLECTION OF MASTERPIECES FROM 1988 – 2024
Jalaini Abu Hassan, known affectionately as “Jai,” is a prominent Malaysian artist renowned for his innovative contributions to contemporary art. Born in 1963 in Selangor, Malaysia, Jai’s career has been marked by his exploration of cultural identity, social issues, and the interplay between tradition and modernity in Malaysian society. Often using mixed media and drawing inspiration from his heritage, Jai’s art captures the evolving dynamics of Malaysian culture.
Jai was introduced to art at a young age and developed a strong passion for painting and drawing. He pursued formal art education at the prestigious Mara Institute of Technology (now Universiti Teknologi MARA), where he obtained a Diploma in Fine Art. Following this, he continued his studies at the prestigious Slade School of Fine Art in London, earning his Master’s degree. Later, he also attended the Pratt Institute in New York, which expanded his perspectives and artistic techniques. These experiences shaped Jai’s unique style, blending Western art education with Eastern sensibilities.
Jalaini Abu Hassan’s time at The Slade School of Fine Art profoundly shaped his artistic foundation and exposed him to an entirely new spectrum of experiences. Studying under influential figures such as Bruce McLean, Uan Uglow, and Mick Moon, Jai developed his craft and began exploring bold thematic directions. It was during this period that he created his impactful Bondage series— figurative works using self-portraiture to convey a social statement, in part reacting to the South African boycott in Britain in 1987. Following his studies in London, Jai traveled through Europe, West Asia, and Pakistan, broadening his worldview. Upon returning to Malaysia, he taught at the Mara Institute of Technology (ITM) for three years before he married and was awarded a second scholarship, this time to study at the Pratt Institute in New York.
In New York, Jai’s artistic freedom expanded as he began breaking traditional boundaries and embracing a newfound sense of personal and creative autonomy. Remarkably, in the energetic and highly competitive art scene of New York, he managed to hold a solo exhibition in Brooklyn and won first prize for drawing in the Murray Hill Art Competition.
At the time, Jai observed American art’s continued fascination with legends like Jackson Pollock, Jasper Johns, Roy Lichtenstein, and James Rosenquist, and noted a somewhat decadent atmosphere still revering the all- American dream. This immersion in the New York art world left a lasting impression, instilling in him the drive and courage that would define his work moving forward.
Jai is probably the first Malaysian artist to experiment with bitumen in his artworks, having studied the medium during his time in New York. Being a more affordable medium compared to acrylic and oil, the experiment led him to being a master of the medium today. It worked magically and has proven to stand the test of time.
During his time at Pratt Institute, Jai developed Life Form, a compelling series of large-scale charcoal drawings that captured biomorphic shapes inspired by shells, cocoons, and plants. This collection, his first significant body of work, delved into deep philosophical questions, reflecting themes of birth, life, decay, and the sensual and spiritual dimensions of nature. In 1994, Jai and his wife, Jas, returned to Malaysia, fulfilling a long-standing wish. Back in a much more subdued art scene, where artists faced ongoing struggles to find their voice and recognition in society, Jai encountered a new set of challenges—ones that called him to shape the growing Malaysian art landscape.
Jalaini Abu Hassan is celebrated for his distinct use of mixed media and the symbolic themes that recur in his work. Known for expressive brushstrokes and layered compositions, he often incorporates materials like canvas, metal, and paper, creating textured, visually compelling pieces. His work tends to straddle the abstract and the figurative, exploring elements like traditional Malay symbols, folklore, and contemporary Malaysian issues.
In particular, Jai’s artworks frequently touch on themes of identity and heritage. He delves into social issues, traditional narratives, and the fusion of old and new cultural elements. His paintings often feature symbolic motifs, such as the “sirih” leaf, traditional artifacts, and imagery from rural Malaysian life, which serve as metaphors for the country’s historical and social landscape. His works has also been a great influence to his students at UITM, evidently seen in the works of Hamir Shoib, Fuji Anggara, Najib Bamadhaj and Ahmad Shukri.
Notable Works and Exhibitions
Jai has had numerous solo exhibitions, both in Malaysia and internationally, cementing his reputation as one of the region’s most influential contemporary artists. Some of his notable exhibitions include:
“Taman Nurani” – This exhibition, translating to “Garden of the Soul,” showcased his deep reflections on personal and collective identity. The works incorporated symbolic objects and natural elements to represent introspection and cultural memory.
“Tanah Air” – This body of work, translating to “Homeland,” reflects his connection to Malaysia, exploring themes of nationhood and cultural identity. It also features a wide range of materials and textures, symbolizing the diversity of the Malaysian landscape.
“Mixing Cultures” – Exhibited internationally, this series presented themes of cultural fusion and transition, addressing globalization’s impact on traditional Malaysian values.
Jailani Abu Hassan’s work is deeply rooted in the Malaysian experience, yet it resonates universally due to its exploration of identity, heritage, and change.