Azmi, 40, passed away on Wednesday evening after complaining of chest pain and exhaustion upon returning home from the Ramadan bazaar in Paya Terubong. Doctors at the Penang Hospital confirmed his cause of death as a heart attack.
He was laid to rest at the Masjid Hashim Yahya Muslim cemetery in George Town yesterday. He is survived by his wife and three children.
Azmi began his career as a street caricature artist at age 29, and soon gained recognition for his “Tanjong Life” cartoon series. He entered the Malaysia Book of Records for Most Number of Live Caricatures in 24 Hours (2017), The Longest Coffee Painting in Malaysia (2019), and The Longest Single Comic Strip produced in Malaysia (2021).
His second comic book, “The Little Mamak” (2016) was listed among Malaysia’s 50 best books by the National Book Council. He was also awarded the Pekomik Kembara award in 2018 and the Penang Cartoonist Figure award in 2021.
His artwork can be seen in murals around George Town, including at City Stadium.
Notably, “Tanjong Life” (2015), Azmi’s first book that depicted “the typical Penangite’s life, the city’s festivals and the delicious food”, was launched by Lat, who had asked the younger artist why he didn’t create a series about himself à la “Kampung Boy”.
“I shrugged it off, explaining that there was nothing special about me and that no one would read such a story,” Azmi told FMT Lifestyle in 2021.
“I remember (Lat’s) words clearly, telling me that everybody is somebody and that I needed to recognise what was special about me.”
Georgetown Festival director Joe Sidek said he first met Azmi after the artist had applied twice to the festival. The two ended up meeting for coffee and later became close.
“I am so proud of what he has become. He was one of the nicest and most unassuming Penang artists, kind, talented, humble and always smiling,” Joe told FMT Lifestyle.
Artist Ernest Zacharevic, whose murals grace the walls of George Town, was introduced to Azmi several years ago through a mutual friend. Both their works were featured in the group exhibition “Culture Shock”, shown in Penang and Kuala Lumpur.
“From the start, he struck me as a warm and kind person, with a quiet strength and a positive energy that made everyone around him feel at ease. He carried himself with a rare sense of calm and resilience, always uplifting those around him,” Zacharevic shared.
Artist and designer Kenji Chai described the late artist as “humble and hardworking”. The two had recently collaborated on “Chaigo: The Great Escape”, a vibrant mural displayed near Coex by the Hin Bus Depot.
“He was a talented artist who had just started his journey with his solo exhibition. I hope more Malaysians know about him and his works. His energy and legacy need to be passed on,” Chai said.
Artist and curator Ivan Alexander Francis Gabriel described Azmi’s art as “always grounded in the stories and people around him”, which made his work relatable to viewers from all walks of life.
Gabriel curated Azmi’s first, and only, solo exhibition, “Cari”, at Hin Bus Depot in September. He described the experience as one of the greatest joys of his curatorial career.
“Azmi wasn’t just an artist; he was a true friend and a cherished member of our community. His art, his murals, and the kindness he radiated will remain with us always,” Gabriel shared.
“He was a voice for the people, and I truly believe his legacy will continue to inspire and resonate with all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.”