Iconic architect Hijjas Kasturi reveals his personal artistic journey

Iconic Malaysian architect and Asia’s Most Influential honouree Hijjas Kasturi talks about his personal artistic journey

Hijjas Kasturi is known for architecting some of Malaysia’s most iconic modern buildings. From the dynamically twisting Menara Telekom to the elegantly tapered Tabung Haji Tower, the architect hose distinguished career spanning more than five decades has played a crucial role in shaping the vision of contemporary Malaysian architecture.

In an era when many Malaysian architectural endeavours leaned towards reinterpreting traditional elements to express national identity, Hijjas chose a path of “universal architecture” that skillfully incorporated local traditions. With graceful forms and meticulous attention to detail, his buildings seamlessly blend into their urban surroundings and are paradigms of sustainable tropical architecture.

In recent years, Hijjas, now in his 80s, has taken a step back from his architecture firm even though he actively participates in conferences. He also spends more time painting and has been one of the artists featured in the 4 Sad Architects art exhibition since it debuted in 2020. As 2023’s edition kicked off in mid-November, Tatler Homes sat down with Hijjas to talk about his third artistic act.

Above Hijjas Kasturi’s studio

What has your artistic journey been like?

Like many kids of my time, we were taught to draw and copy comic books for fun, but later, I continued art as a subject in school and joined an art club for a brief period, as well as an evening art class, before pursuing my architectural education overseas through the Colombo Plan Scholarship, sponsored by Australia.

In art studio class, we did outdoor sketching and watercolours occasionally. It was exciting and satisfying; I always looked forward to venturing to new places and seeing new faces.

4 Sad Architects was first initiated by Architect Greg Dall and his senior staff to try our luck in a new venture that we had been apprehensive about; in a way, to resuscitate our pent-up desire to show our skill in art that we had neglected. I was not sure whether my art was good enough for the public. However, I entered anyway with some of my old oil paintings for exhibition and not for sale to test the waters. The response was good and encouraging.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the opportunity presented much time to start painting again. Initially, I began to loosen my artwork to paint realistically with surrounding landscapes and objects in small formats and gradually changed the subject matter into abstract expressionism on larger canvasses. Sometimes, I experienced the feeling of agony after making self-criticisms and felt at a loss for the subject matter. It took perseverance and persistence to go forward. The economic doldrums helped by allowing art to fill up our idle time.

Above A poster of the 2022 art exhibition

Have you always painted?

From time to time, before I made this serious attempt, I had always wanted to paint, but being busy with my architectural practice, I never did. Art has to be given time to flourish. On occasion, I attempted some sketches when on holiday and during downtime.

What is your preferred style and medium?

I feel natural and comfortable using coloured felt-tipped pens and acrylic. They flow easily, and the colours that are vibrant and solid suit my style.

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Above Large scale paintings in Hijjas latest exhibition

Do you approach architecture and art very differently?

Art and architecture are two different entities in terms of their results and products, although they share the same design principles. They use the same grammar of visual language, such as shape, proportion, scale, etc. But they differ hugely in terms of usage.

Architecture is a functional art; it is a commodity, whereas art and sculpture are not. The latter is meant to stimulate the imagination and our emotional state. Therefore, they must be treated differently. In art, you have a blank canvas or paper to convey whatever picture you like according to your imagination, without restriction. It gives you complete freedom to convey images without fear or favour—except when entering restricted or taboo territory.

Architecture, on the other hand, has a definite objective to accommodate people or goods. Building codes, rules and regulations, and the economics of building govern it. The aesthetic only comes as a secondary consideration.

Above Abstract expressionism is evident in Hijjas' work

Above Powerful brushstrokes

What is your process when you approach either project?

In both cases, the process is similar, except art gives you more freedom than architecture, which comes with many constraints, namely rationalisation, whether the architecture is a suitable solution, and then only the consideration of aesthetic value.

The theme for this year’s exhibition was Deconstruction of Form—how did you interpret the theme?

We are trying to break tradition and convention in our deliveries, not only in terms of ideas but also medium and styles.

Above HIjjas Kasturi and other artists from the exhibition

Does your work in this exhibition reﬂect key aesthetic concerns in your architectural practice?

My art allows me to venture into unchartered waters to search constantly for new ideas and images, as shown in the exhibition.

As an art patron for many years, what about art resonates with you?

Art and architecture, besides music and the other arts, are food for thought, enjoyment and stimulation. They form a significant part of our culture and civilisation. I am very fortunate and honoured to be part of this scene.

What and who inspires you?

I have had many influences, and most of them are dead and gone! From the West, I was influenced by Turner, Buffet, Kline, Pollock, de Kooning, Stella, Lloyd Wright and Gropius. From the East by Cheong Soo Pieng, Kazuo Shiraga, Affendi, Hendra Gunawan, Ibrahim Hussein, Khalil Ibrahim and Latiff Mohidin.

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Credits

Photography

courtesy of Hijjas Kasturi

Topics

Hijjas Kasturi 4 Sad Architects Artist's Way Architect Malaysian Architecture

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