This spirit of discovery is at the heart of “Alir” the latest exhibition at Artas Galeri here, where artist Iskandar Murad unveils his deeply personal body of work.
A fine art graduate from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), the Perak native specialises in sculpture. “Alir” which translates to flow, encapsulates his philosophical musings on adapting to life’s challenges and appreciating the overlooked.
Through this exhibition which took over a year to put together, Iskandar translates these ideas into striking visual forms – primarily metal sculptures depicting a recurring “metal man” in various positions and sizes.
Water, an integral part of Parit Buntar with its sprawling paddy fields, is a symbolic thread in Iskandar’s creations. Just as water adapts to obstacles and flows freely, Iskandar’s sculptures reflect resilience, fluidity, and an acceptance of life’s imperfections.
Using minimal tools and a hands-on approach, Iskandar bends and twists metal rods into shapes resembling limbs, postures and faces.
“Usually, you’d need to heat the metal to soften it, but this type of metal is already pliable,” he told FMT Lifestyle. “I bend it repeatedly and form it without using fire, into the figure I envisioned.”
A closer look revealed that each piece is not just a simple bend of the metal but a complex arrangement of continuous curls – chaotic yet coming together to form a cohesive figure.
Iskandar’s sculptures are characterised by their imperfections – deliberate, unpolished designs that reflect the unpredictability of life. In his philosophy, these “perfect mistakes” mirror the unexpected twists and turns of one’s personal journeys.
“After I graduated and returned to my hometown to care for my mother, the passion to create art was still there,” Iskandar shared.
The sculptures in Alir seem to grow organically, each piece exuding a raw, textured authenticity. One standout work, “Resilient Spirit”, features the metal man slouched on a wooden stool, a flag resting against his shoulder.
Iskandar shared: “At first glance, it might look like a symbol of surrender or exhaustion. But for me, that flag represents my inner spirit – still strong, still passionate about creating art. People might see the outer shell as weary, but inside, the fire to create is very much alive.”
This duality extends to the exhibition’s larger works, like “Mr Muscle”, a massive figure with arms spread wide, exuding strength and presence, or “Ascending with Determination”, where metal man climbs a flight of floating wooden steps.
While the metal forms take centre stage, Iskandar also incorporates materials like wood and brass, adding layers of depth to his creations.
The physical act of shaping metal is a meditative practice for Iskandar, offering both solace and focus. “Twisting the metal helps me relax,” he revealed. This repetitive, hands-on process anchors him in the present.
“I’ve been making art since I was a child. I’ve always been someone who enjoys solitude, and creating art allows me to express myself to the world.”
Despite his quiet demeanour, Iskandar’s life is anything but idle. And his work isn’t just about creating art; it’s about sending a message of resilience and determination.
“I hope this exhibition inspires the youth, especially those juggling many responsibilities.”
He added, “I take care of my mother daily, making sure she’s fed and cared for before working on my art. I don’t have a large studio; I work in front of my house. I also run a small eatery in my town, so my day is packed,” he reflected.
“I want this solo exhibition to show that no matter the challenges, you can create something meaningful.”
The sculptures in “Alir” invite viewers to contemplate life’s complexities – its struggles, triumphs, and quiet moments of reflection. Each twist of metal is a testament to resilience, and every piece tells Iskandar’s story.
For a small-town artist, “Alir” is a remarkable achievement. It is a reminder that art, like water, can carve its path from the most unassuming of beginnings.
Whether it’s the flow of water or the twisted metal, the message is clear: life, in all its unpredictability, continues to move forward, shaping people as they go.
Iskandar Murad’s Alir is on display at Artas Galeri from now till Nov 29.
For more information, check out Artas Galeri’s website, or follow it on Facebook and Instagram.
Artas Galeri
36, Jalan PJU 5/20D
Kota Damansara
Petaling Jaya
Selangor